Things To Do in Pineville
Mountain trails, the Cumberland River, and Appalachian heritage in the Gem City of the Cumberlands.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park
Established in 1924 as Kentucky's very first state park, Pine Mountain State Resort Park sits high above Pineville. Explore miles of hiking trails, the Chained Rock, Laurel Cove Amphitheater, and the Herndon J. Evans Lodge. It's the crown jewel of outdoor recreation in Bell County.
1050 State Park Rd, Pineville, KY 40977
Chained Rock
One of Pineville's most beloved landmarks, Chained Rock is a huge boulder secured by a massive chain to the cliff above town. Born from a local legend to reassure residents below, it's now reached by a scenic trail rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Cumberland Valley.
Pine Mountain, Pineville, KY 40977
Bell County Courthouse
The Bell County Courthouse anchors downtown Pineville, surrounded by the shops and cafes of the historic square. Its classic architecture and central location make it the natural gathering place for community events, festivals, and the summer concert series.
101 Courthouse Sq, Pineville, KY 40977
Cumberland River
The Cumberland River threads through Pineville and Bell County, offering fishing for bass and catfish, calm-water paddling, and peaceful riverside walks. A scenic and accessible way to experience the natural beauty of southeastern Kentucky.
Cumberland River, Pineville, KY 40977
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Laurel Cove Amphitheater
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Laurel Cove Amphitheater is a stunning open-air stone venue tucked into the forest of Pine Mountain State Resort Park. It hosts the crowning of the Mountain Laurel Queen each May and the Laurel Cove Music Festival, with a natural pool and cliffs as its backdrop.
Laurel Cove, Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville, KY 40977
Historic Downtown Pineville
Pineville's walkable downtown centers on the courthouse square, ringed by historic storefronts, local cafes, boutiques, and the beautifully restored Bell Theater, which hosts live music, plays, and films year-round. It's the cultural heart of the Gem City of the Cumberlands.
Courthouse Square, Pineville, KY 40977
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Just down US-25E from Pineville, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park preserves the famous pass where Daniel Boone's Wilderness Road carried pioneers into Kentucky. Explore 85 miles of trails, Gap Cave tours, the Hensley Settlement, and sweeping tri-state views where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia meet.
91 Bartlett Park Rd, Middlesboro, KY 40965
Pinnacle Overlook
Reached by a winding four-mile drive inside Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, the Pinnacle Overlook rewards visitors with one of the best views in Appalachia — the town of Middlesboro sitting in its ancient meteor crater, with Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia spread out below.
Pinnacle Rd, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Middlesboro, KY 40965
The Coal House & Bell County Museum
Built in 1926 from 42 tons of bituminous coal, Middlesboro's Coal House is one of Kentucky's most unusual landmarks. Today it houses the local tourism office alongside an outdoor coal-mining exhibit, telling the story of the industry that shaped Bell County.
N 20th St & Lothbury Ave, Middlesboro, KY 40965
Historic Downtown Middlesboro
Fifteen minutes from Pineville, downtown Middlesboro's Cumberland Avenue is lined with late-1800s commercial buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Browse local shops, catch a free summer concert on the Levitt Lawn, and grab a bite in the town built inside a meteor crater.
Cumberland Ave, Middlesboro, KY 40965
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Pineville, KY?
Pineville offers hiking and overlooks at Pine Mountain State Resort Park, the legendary Chained Rock trail, Cumberland River fishing and paddling, and a historic downtown courthouse square with local shops and dining.
Is Pine Mountain State Resort Park open year-round?
Yes. Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Kentucky's first state park, is open daily year-round from sunrise to sunset, with the lodge and trails accessible in every season.
How do I get to Chained Rock?
Chained Rock is reached via a scenic trail from Pine Mountain State Resort Park, just above downtown Pineville. The hike rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Cumberland Valley.
What is Pineville, Kentucky known for?
Pineville is known as the 'Gem City of the Cumberlands,' home to Kentucky's oldest festival (the Mountain Laurel Festival), Chained Rock, and Kentucky's first state park.