Kentucky trails · US-421 Access
US-421 Access
A 6.6-mile network in Kentucky, with 896 ft of climbing. Reaches Buck Gap. Managed by the state.
Elevation profile
Most of the climbing sits in the first third — 58% of the ascent, between mile 0.0 and mile 2.2. It gives back about 817 ft along the way, so it rolls rather than climbing steadily.
3-D terrain
USGS 3DEP ELEVATION × ESRI WORLD IMAGERY · VERTICAL ×1.5
Reaches
- Buck Gap (pass)
Getting there
US-421 Access access. About 1 h 09 min drive (44 mi) from Middlesborough. 36.97382, -83.40359 · directions
Daylight at the trailhead
On October 14, 2026 — the day this page was generated — first light reaches this trailhead at 7:14 a.m., the sun rises at 7:40 a.m. and sets at 6:58 p.m., and the last usable light fades about 7:24 p.m. (EDT) — 11 h 18 min of daylight. At about 2.7 mph plus 30 minutes per 1,000 feet of climbing, the 6.6-mile route takes roughly 2 h 54 min, so leaving the trailhead at sunrise puts you back around 10:34 a.m. — 8 h 24 min before sunset.
Nearby trails
- Gilbert Ck / Elisha Ck Loop — 9.2 mi
- Redbird Crest — 15.5 mi
- Shillalah Creek Trail — 23.3 mi
- Ridge Trail — 29.2 mi