Kentucky
Nature|Hiking

The One-Of-A-Kind Trail In Kentucky With 6 Pinnacles And Overlooks Is Quite The Hike

The East and West Pinnacle Trail in Berea, Kentucky, offers a challenging and scenic 6.6-mile hike with stunning views, especially during fall foliage.

Published Oct 15, 2021

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

Close your eyes and point to a spot on a map of Kentucky, and you're bound to find an amazing trail. The Bluegrass is an incredible place for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, its trails providing challenging and scenic adventures that allow for an up-close experience of our beautiful state. One resplendent region that's often overlooked by hikers, however, is Berea. The Berea Pinnacles are big and beautiful -- and downright magical in the peak of fall foliage! Look out over the hills and farmland and get a true sense of the beauty of our state when you hike the East and West Pinnacle Trail in Berea, Kentucky.

This epic view is what awaits along the East and West Pinnacle Trail in Berea, Kentucky.

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Ben Childers/Google Local

Outside Magazine called the Pinnacle Hike the best in Kentucky in 2019; and indeed, this trek truly is extraordinary in every way.

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ATCrossland/Flickr

To get to these overlooks, however, you're going to need to lace up your hiking boots and set out on a 6.6-mile journey.

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Benjamin Judah/Google Local

This straightforward trek is rated moderate, and traverses some absolutely beautiful Bluegrass forests. The Pinnacles are located within the Berea College Forest, which is one of the oldest managed private forests in the country.

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Anthony/Flickr

Native American tribes used to inhabit this land, and archaeologists have found evidence of their lives in this forest, including arrowheads, cave art, and even a series of underground tunnels.

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Shawn Smith/Google Local

Be ready for an ascent through the forest, however, as those perfect pinnacle panoramas have to be reached somehow! Grab a hiking stick -- it will definitely help!

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Adam Tritt/Google Local

The mileage goes by quickly, however, and before you know it, the forest will begin to open up, revealing something truly wondrous.

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You'll want to stop and soak up these views, which are numerous, in fact. This trail passes six pinnacles and overlooks: East Pinnacle, West Pinnacle, Eagle's Nest, Buzzard's Roost, Devil's Kitchen, and Indian Fort Lookout!

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With wondrous views in all directions, you'll want to spend some time soaking everything up.

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And if you take this hike in the autumn, prepare to be positively dazzled by a divine display of fall foliage!

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Clinton Bowles/Google Local

Have you tackled the East and West Pinnacle Trail in Berea, Kentucky, before? If so, we'd love to hear about your experience on this one-of-a-kind trail!

For more beautiful hikes around the Bluegrass, check out these seven scenic treks.

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Nature|Forests

The 2-Mile Hiking Trail in Kentucky That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

Kentuckians can enjoy the constellation of fall leaf colors—the bright reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows—for only a few weeks each year. The Harrods Creek Trail near Prospect, Kentucky, is great for viewing fall foliage.

Published Oct 3, 2024

Written by 

Kelly Carroll

While there are reasons to hike in Kentucky any time of year, there are ample reasons to hike in the fall. The cool, crisp weather and reduced number of insects buzzing around make fall hiking more enjoyable. However, the most convincing reason to hike in the fall, in my opinion, is the stunning fall foliage. Kentuckians can enjoy the constellation of fall leaf colors—the bright reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows—for only a few weeks each year. The Harrods Creek Trail near Prospect, Kentucky, is great for viewing fall foliage.

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Ann Young / AllTrails

The Harrods Creek Trail is 2.2 miles and rated moderately difficult. Visitors note rocks, tree roots, and uneven terrain along the trail. The path follows Harrods Creek, and hikers can enjoy beautiful forest and water views. In the fall, the trees along the trail turn stunning shades. There are swings where visitors can stop to enjoy the views before continuing along the path. The swings look like the perfect place to take a break during a hike and provide a fantastic photo opportunity!

The trail is located inside Harrods Creek Park, a 109-acre park with four miles of trails that is open from dawn to dusk. Parking for Harrods Creek Park and the Harrods Creek Trail is located near the intersection of Montero Drive and Deep Creek Drive. The park is surrounded by private property, making it feel like a hidden natural oasis.

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Ann Young / AllTrails

The Harrods Creek Park trails are great places to view wildlife, especially wild turkeys, blue herons, white-tailed deer, and numerous species of birds. The park also has a place to fish and launch canoes and kayaks into Harrods Creek.

There are several trails to enjoy at Harrods Creek Park. The Blue Trail takes hikers to a beach area on the creek's banks, while the Red and Green Trails take hikers to more remote and secluded park areas.

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Jessica Singleton / AllTrails

For more information, view the Harrods Creek Park website and the Harrods Creek Trail's listing on AllTrails.

Before you set out on your next hike, take a look at our list of must-have hiking accessories.

Prospect is a charming little town just outside of Louisville. It's near enough to the city to access all its amenities but far enough away to escape the hustle and bustle and find wide-open spaces. The area is full of great places to enjoy nature, including Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, Sinking Fork Falls, and Hays Kennedy Park. There are also fantastic restaurants, including Captain's Quarters Riverside Grille, which has panoramic views of the Ohio River.

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Nature|Hiking

The Kentucky Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination

Rock Bridge Trail in Red River Gorge, Kentucky, offers a scenic and accessible hike featuring a unique natural sandstone arch over water and the beautiful Creation Falls.

Updated Jul 18, 2024

Written by 

Rachel Shulhafer

It's no secret that Kentucky is chock-full of beautiful hikes that take you to some jaw-dropping scenery. However, this one hike in the Red River Gorge leads you to an unforgettable destination that is unlike anything else in the state. In fact, it's quite possibly one of the most scenic hikes in Kentucky. The best part is that it's suitable for most hiking skill levels, so almost anyone can enjoy what Rock Bridge Trail in Kentucky has to offer.

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To find the trailhead for Rock Bridge Trail, take exit 40 off of Mountain Parkway and head west on KY-15, then take a right onto KY-715. Continue for not quite half a mile, then turn right onto Rock Bridge Road.

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This is a narrow gravel road, so use caution while driving on it. You'll continue on Rock Bridge Road for three miles. The road will end at the trailhead for Rock Bridge Trail, which has bathrooms and picnic tables.

The trail is a 1.5-mile loop, so it does not matter which direction you start. The beginning of the trail is paved, but it quickly descends into a deep ravine surrounded by lush, green forest, and dotted with ancient rock shelters.

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As you get lower in elevation, you will start to hear the sound of water flowing. This means you're getting close your unforgettable destination: Rock Bridge.

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As the trail winds around the side of this impressive natural sandstone arch, you'll see that it is actually going over the creek.

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In fact, it is the only natural arch in all of Red River Gorge that goes over water, making this geological formation truly unique.

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There is a clearing just past the arch that makes a great spot to stop for a snack or a rest.

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With so much scenery to admire, it's no wonder this tops the list of the most scenic hikes in Kentucky.

Not far past the arch is another beautiful site: Creation Falls. There's a small beach area close to the falls, as well as a viewing area. Creation Falls is one of the most gorgeous sites in the whole Gorge.

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Flickr/Karen Roussel

Have you ever hiked the Rock Bridge Trail in Kentucky before? Do you consider this among the most scenic hikes in Kentucky? We'd love to hear all about your experiences in the comments below! For related content, you'll love learning about these swinging bridge trails in Kentucky that offer the perfect amount of adventure:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/swinging-bridge-trails-ky/

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