There are countless scenic views in Kentucky, but many of them are quite challenging to reach. Of course, the effort of the long and difficult trails is always worth it for the stunning rewards, but sometimes they are just not feasible. If you love experiencing the natural beauty of the Bluegrass State, but perhaps without a lengthy and difficult journey, then you’ll love this easy hike. The quick hike to Bear Creek Overlook in the Big South Fork area leads to sweeping views and you’ll love this memorable outdoor adventure.

The Big South Fork Recreation Area is one of the best natural features of Kentucky.
Google/James Johnson
This region, which crosses the state border into Tennessee, is filled with hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, rock formations, and overlooks that offer stunning views. One of the easiest trails with the best payoff is the hike to the Bear Creek Overlook.
The trail connects to other trails in the area, but to experience the overlook you only have to walk .25-mile out and then another .25-mile back.
Alltrails/Christina Allen
This quick and easy hike in Kentucky offers quite a bit of natural beauty for being so short. There's a parking lot at the trailhead, and then you'll just follow the signs to Bear Creek Overlook, which will lead you into the woods.
Walk amongst tall trees and thick foliage as you find your way to the edge of the mountain.
Google/Joe Harvey
If you've never experienced the Big South Fork Recreation Area, it really is a must for all Kentuckians. It is very remote and has a mountainous atmosphere that you won't experience in other parts of the state.

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After a short walk from the lot, you'll come to Bear Creek Overlook, which sticks out a bit from the trail.
Alltrails/Eddie Bolin
Always exercise caution when hiking in Kentucky, but especially near ridges and overlooks. But these little decks that are hidden in the mountains often offer the best views of the area.
Even the National Park Service calls the views from here some of the prettiest of the Big South Fork River. It's an incredible experience to look out on such an isolated spot in Kentucky.
Alltrails/Chris Sexton
The view is beautiful all year long, so visit any time.
Google/Grant Sexton
The trees may not be green in the winter or early spring, but the water looks particularly blue this time of year. Also, the waterfalls in the area are typically rushing during these months.
This may not be the only scenic overlook in Kentucky, but it is one of the easiest to reach.
Google/Joe Harvey
Take this quick and easy hike in Kentucky to get a beautiful perspective of the Big South Fork area and the natural beauty of our state.

This easy hike in Kentucky that leads to incredible views of the Big South Fork River is the definition of a natural hidden gem. Go on a little adventure to the Bear Creek Overlook and witness a remote and beautiful area of our state. Have you walked this quick and easy hike in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments!

For more information and to see a map of the Bear Creek Overlook, as well as the other hiking trails in the area, visit here.

Address: Strunk, KY 42649

And for more on the natural beauty of this scenic area, check out our previous article here.

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