Little Shepherd

Total Miles
21.4

Elevation

874.16 ft

Duration

2 Hours

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Overview

Little Shepherd is an unpaved route from Harlan KY to Cumberland KY. This route rides across a mountain ridge giving you wonderful views of the surrounding areas. There are multiple pull-offs that function as overlooks to take in the scenery. This trail is stock 4x4 capable, but keep an eye out for blown-out holes. A couple of them are pretty deep. The worst ones all have go-arounds, but they can sneak up on you if you're not on the lookout. The ruts towards the end may require some line choice if your rig lacks some decent ground clearance. There is a great overlook in Kingdom Come State Park at the Cumberland end of the route.

Photos of Little Shepherd

Little Shepherd
Little Shepherd
Little Shepherd

Difficulty

Deep holes can catch you off guard. Some ruts could catch a running board on a stock rig with poor line choice.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Robert Johnson
Mar 23, 2024
4x4
Open
Muddy/Wet
We saw lots of trees down but cut up and off to the side of the trail. It was a little muddy but the main trail wasn’t difficult at all. We went on a side trail not sure the name of it but it was a little rougher with ruts and decent sized rocks. Very foggy at the start of the trail but it lifted soon after we started. All in all a great day on the trail with the family.
Joe L.
Mar 03, 2024
4x4
Open
Rob Ervin
Feb 11, 2024
2010 Nissan Xterra
Open
Muddy/Wet
Went from 421 in Harlan all the way to 160 near Cumberland. Several trees down, but some Good Samaritan(s) have made the trail passable. First tree from Harlan side over 3 foot thick! Saw one other on a SXS and "heard" a group passing on main trail blasting their radio while we were exploring the closed campground. No issues - 4wd only necessary in a few spots due to mud. Probably a "2" when dry.
Jason Simpson
Jan 13, 2024
4x4
Obstructed
Downed Tree

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