The newly created Kentucky State Park Commission visited the area and originally looked at Cumberland Gap as a possible location, which is about 15 miles to the south. That proposal was rejected due to the historical passageway's potential as a national park. In 1924, the commission accepted donations of land in the Laurel Cove area near the city of Pineville, resulting in the creation of Kentucky's first state park. The park was originally named Cumberland State Park. In 1938, the name was changed to Pine Mountain State Park to avoid confusion with nearby Cumberland Falls State Park.
Many options are available when it comes to accommodations within the park.
The Herndon J. Evans Lodge has 30 rooms, as well as a restaurant and swimming pool. There are 20 cottages and 36 campsites at Pine Mountain. A conference center adjacent to the lodge can accommodate a group of up to 30 people. Naturally, hiking is a major outdoor activity here. There are approximately nine miles of self-guided trails within the park boundaries.