Pine Mountain State Resort Park is the latest in Kentucky’s system to get a major facelift.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday Pine Mountain will receive $6.9 million to update lodge rooms, along with improvements to the restaurant, lobby and convention center starting in April.
The effort is part of the larger network of upgrades going on at several Kentucky State Parks, including Jenny Wiley State Resort Park.
During the work, Pine Mountain will remain open and the on-site cottages will be rented.
“People travel far and wide to experience the beauty of Pine Mountain, whether they're hiking the iconic Chain Rock or attending the Laurel Cove Music Festival,” Beshear said during Thursday’s Team Kentucky update. “These improvements will make every visit even better as we welcome more travelers to our new Kentucky home.”
Pine Mountain is one of Kentucky’s first state parks, established in 1926. It’s located in Bell County, near Kentucky Ridge State Forest.
In early July, Beshear said state parks generated $1.1 billion in economic impact in 2024, and figures from his administration indicate 2025 was the state’s best year for tourism.
“Pine Mountain has welcomed generations of visitors, and these upgrades will guarantee that the park will be here for generations to come,” Kentucky State Parks Interim Commissioner Mark Kellen said in a news release. “These upgrades will preserve the park’s historic charm while adding the modern amenities today’s traveler expects.”
Bell County Tourism Director Jon Grace said Pine Mountain is a “huge asset” for the area and while the closures that come with the renovations present challenges, the work is welcomed.
“I'm glad that the state is investing in parks like this because they're such an integral part of our tourism economy, and it's great to see,” Grace said. “Obviously, it might come with some challenges, but that's something that we're going to hit head on and do our best to work with while it's going on.”
Grace said Bell County is known for its outdoor tourism, between the state park and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. He described it as a “gorgeous, jaw-dropping place” and said it’s good to see the state recognizing the value it brings to the local economy.
“Ultimately the project is going to be a huge benefit for Bell County, but obviously, with anything good, usually challenges are part of it,” Grace said. “I'm confident that we can work around them.”
