The pinnacles are absolutely gorgeous. And at the beginning of the trail, there is a gorgeous and rustic amphitheater. If you stand on the stage and look out, the backdrop is the hilly mountains. So cool and really inspiring (especially if you were a theater kid!). We went up to a Indian lookout points, such a lovely view. We started heading West, which the sign did say was a difficult descent. But when we got to the cliff you had to climb down, the trail markers weren't totally clear, plus the sun was setting, so we decided to turn around and go to the Devil's Kitchen. It's amazing how difficult these trails are! We descended to multiple cliff formations with little caves to chill under. The scenery is 10/10. I just think the trail markers could be a tiny bit clearer. Highly suggest! read more

Do it!! The Berea Pinnacles is one of my favorite places to hike when visiting Berea Kentucky. It's a 3.4 mile out and back hike to the East Pinnacles. You can gain some extra mileage by visiting other overlooks on the mountain. I would say it's a moderate hike with some steep inclines and rocky areas to navigate. The trek up keeps me sweating. The view from the East Pinnacle is beautiful. Definitely the perfect spot to take in the beauty of nature. At the start of the trail head there is an area to grab a hiking stick. Be sure to pack plenty of water and wear appropriate shoes for hiking. Be safe on the edge of the rocks and make smart choices. It's beautiful but can be dangerous so use caution. @outdoorswithmandy read more

See all

Unlike most spreads of land open to the public, this tract is not a part of a national or state park and appears to be run by the local college. Multiple trailheads offer ample parking, and the trails were well-maintained. As the name suggests, there is some significant change in elevation. The West Pinnacle was an interesting set of rock formations, but the tree cover was too heavy to see a whole lot. I'm told that other sites offer more of a view, and I think it would be well worth trekking through the entire trail system to find out. read more

See all

This is a great hiking place that my family and I visited this fall. We had a great time hiking all the different hills of trails and everything that they have to offer. It is on some cliffs and mountains to look over and see all the scenery and the sights of everything. It's a real easy trail but difficult at the same time if that makes sense. If you have little kids it can be kind a hard walking on all the rocks and things but if you go alone or with another adult it's really simple. But it's a really good time a lot of fun and free which is amazing but this is a great Place that I highly recommend and you need to check out if you're in a mood for a good hike read more

TL;DR: So, so hard. But so, so pretty! I love hiking, I love being in nature, and I love finding new places to do these things! So when the Fella and I were planning a quick visit to his family in the Danville/Richmond area, and we wanted to get out in the sun somewhere close by...I did some quick searching and found the Pinnacles in Berea. I knew nothing about them, but we are always down for an adventure. I assume the Pinnacles are well-known in their area of the state, or at least are a popular place for the local college students to go. Because there is a very sizeable parking lot and the day we went it was pretty busy! I don't recall seeing any maps of any kind so we were kind of winging it. We began by going...well...to the right side when the trail split towards each of the Pinnacles. That one is the easier one to access. Lots of uphill and rocks and stuff, but more normal hiking sort of trail. Absolutely lovely. Then the trail looped over to the other side. This one ended up being more...rock-climb-y at certain points. A lot of fun for sure, but not for everyone! With the route we took, we ended up doing the treacherous-feeling rock climbing scramble *down* the second Pinnacle, rather than up it. But the views from this side...are a bit cooler and more impressive than the other side. Both are worth your time, though, friends! I recall just being blown away and wishing I lived closer to here so I could enjoy it more often! It is a hidden gem and deserves more love! The trail was well marked and well-maintained, easy to follow. I only wish there had been maps or more information on how long parts of the trails were. But Berea looks like a charming little town, and the Pinnacles are a great places to get some nature therapy while you are there! read more

Terrific hiking trails, well maintained, but still very rustic and woodsy. Five (60-year-old) friends went hiking in the woods. We aren't out of shape, but we also aren't mountaineers. We found these trails to be perfect. A good challenge, without being too difficult (even for one of us with a slightly bum leg). The views from the pinnacles are beautiful, but really it's the journey through the woods that makes this worthwhile. Trails were well marked. read more

Some marketing materials will tell you that The Pinnacles is worth checking out because of the smaller crowds (compared to Red River Gorge). My marketing pitch is that The Pinnacles will offer you fabulous views of the landscape around you. My husband, dogs, and I spent a fantastic day hiking the various trails, and I'm grateful we had this option in the Berea area. Go see it for yourself! read more

See all

I enjoyed my first experience hiking at the pinnacles. We hiked to Indian Fort Lookout and Eagles Nest, which overall was about 3.5 miles. Such beautiful scenery along the way and an awesome view from the top! I will say that it was a very challenging hike for me and I was a little scared at two areas that were pretty steep. But I'm glad I did it...the views were worth it! read more

See all

The Pinnacles in Berea are a great local place to spend some time in nature on a pretty KY day. The trails here are pretty easy to follow and lead you to some absolutely astounding views. Although I have seen families with kids here, I'd be cautious to bring any because there are a lot of places with sharp drop offs. The Pinnacles is a popular place and the trails can get a little congested during nice weather! They welcome pets so bring Fido & some extra water :) I've hiked here in the late fall and early spring...would love to come when flowers are in full bloom or when leaves are just starting to change! read more

Pinnacles Hiking Trails - Hiking Near Me - Berea, Kentucky

See all

I wanted to get some nature in on the tail end of my road trip to New Orleans and back and the Pinnacles fit the bill. I just did the two shortest excursions, Eagles Nest, a nice overview of surrounding valleys from a peak with some big flat rocks good for chilling on, and Devils Kitchen, some spooky hallows among the large stone formations underneath that are propping up Eagles Nest. Most of the trail heading up was at a fairly gentle grade but then it got fairly steep for the last leg. (There were lots of rocks and tree roots that helped, though.) I knew this beforehand from the friendly park ranger when I stopped in the office to use the bathroom. I'm trying to remember if there was a donation box in there and if I showed them a little love. I really ought to have; this is a marvelous free resource. I arrived a little early for fall color season, and I missed the borrow-a-walking-stick box when I entered, but maybe if I find myself back in this neck of the woods. I wouldn't mind doing some of the longer hikes here. It was mostly chill on the trails on an October weekday with a few small groups and one big one, apparently a school field trip. They were well behaved, and when they reached Eagles Nest behind me the first thing their teacher did was instruct them to stay silent and listen for a couple minutes. Good cue for me to split! Nothing against them but I already did my time with a large tour group back at Mammoth Cave, so this was my spot for solo nature time. read more

See all

Trails were all extremely well marked, well maintained, and the views were wonderful. Just a short drive from downtown Berea too, so it's easy to access. Quite possibly my favorite place to hike in Kentucky. read more

Pinnacles Hiking Trails - Hiking Near Me - Berea, Kentucky

See all

This was a really nice place to hike in Berea, KY. We did the East and west pinnacle, and it took about 3.5 hours at a Leisurely pace. The trees were beautiful but probably a little better colors a few weeks ago. We timed it just right such that the sun was setting as we were finishing the trip. There is a large parking area near the trailhead and also a small visitor center with bathrooms. It was my first trip here and it wasn't all that crowded the day we went, but I hear it can get pretty crowded during the summer months. read more

Some pretty overlooks, Indian mountain is a hard to moderate climb depending on skill level and the east pinnacles are the prettiest. Lots of options for different routes to take. read more

See all

The Good: variance of paths that give you different levels of difficulty, the views, up close with non threatening wildlife. The Bad: no rating system for difficulty of trails, difficult to find. The Rundown: after struggling to find this place for about 45 minutes, asking people where it is, driving past it, we finally found it. There really should be some type of sign. There is a nice amphitheater right before the trails, though I don't know how to find out about events. There is either the East Pinnacle or the West Pinnacle. The West is a much more difficult trail but at the top you can see where 5 counties come together. The East Pinnacle is a little easier and has a much more scenic route. Here you can see vultures roosting on the cliffs, a river running through the hills, and all around just have some photo worthy moments. The Impression: there are some parts that I still haven't visited as of yet that I would like to explore some more, but from what I have done so far, I can't wait to come back. read more

Gorgeous views from the East Pinnacle. Definitely recommend. Once you make it to the top, you can look out and see beautiful Kentucky for miles. I went here as a kid, and it's even better going back as an adult. Bring plenty of water and a backpack if you go during the summer. read more

See all

I have been to the Pinnacles many times and in every season even in the Snow! (favorite time to go btw) If you like hiking and like a good overlook Indian fort lookout is like no other. Over the years the trail has gotten more crowded but we tend to go early in the morning or in the winter months so that there isn't as much foot traffic. If you are there on a day when there is a lot of foot traffic people tend to be courteous and polite. No matter what the condition or the season the view will not disappoint. read more

See all

No matter which direction you head, East, West or straight up, you're in for a beautiful hike with an even better view. I think the East pinnacle is the easiest to make it up, my husband says the West. I recommend doing both, or start from one side and head to the other. I think the round trip is close to 5 miles. It's worth it. Pack a snack if you're taking kids or plan for the entire route, we usually have lots of water on hand. There is a bathroom near Indian Fort Theatre at the base of the mountain, so if you need to go, I recommend going before heading up. I've lived with those regrets and want better for you. Best times to go? Always!!!! But you should really try to see each season change. The view is spectacular whether you're seeing all the new foliage starting in Spring and in full bloom in Summer. The changing color of the leaves in Autumn and snow covered mountain in Winter. You'll just love it. read more

My family hiked Thanksgiving weekend on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Allow yourself several hours to enjoy the beauty. The trails are wide but there are definite inclines which could be challenging to older walkers or carrying a child. It was nice to see so many people enjoying the trail. My only criticism is the new center only seemed to have one bathroom and it was plugged and terrible to have to use. I'm surprised they didn't build multiple stalls. read more

Wow! What a beautiful example of Appalachian foothills! The Pinnacles hiking trails are awesome. They deserve 5 stars in my book for being one of the best hikes I've found within 2 hours of Cincinnati. It doesn't quite scratch my itch for going to the mountains, but it comes about the closest of anything I've found within a two-hour drive from home. And the views of the surrounding valleys really are beautiful. I can't wait to come back in the summer, or maybe sometime this winter if snows/frosts in the area. My boyfriend and I hiked most of the park in one afternoon with our puppy. We didn't go to the West Pinnacle so that leaves something new for next time, and we also skipped the Eagle's Nest. We hiked to the Indian Fort Lookout, Devils Kitchen, and Buzzards' Roost. We almost skipped heading out to the East Pinnacle, but some other hikers told us it was more than worth the 0.4 miles out to it from where we met them, and they were absolutely right. East Pinnacle was my favorite view of the afternoon. Overall, I think we hiked about 6 miles looping around everywhere and had a great time. I can't wait to check it out again and see how the view at West Pinnacle compares. We have been looking for places with more extensive trails and while no individual point was very far out (by our standards) we were able to get in a very satisfying hike. We will definitely be back to this place! read more

Pinnacles Hiking Trails - A view from the trail to East Pinnacle - Hiking Near Me - Berea, Kentucky

See all

This was my first time here. It was myself, my wife and our 9 year old daughter along with our dog. There were a lot of hikers with dogs. We went straight up the hill to the top. It was a good workout. The views were outstanding and well worth getting out of breath. Multiple trails to choose from to get to the multiple lookouts. The older man at the main building at the trailhead was knowledgeable and nice. There are restrooms at the trailhead and an outside shower. Dogs must be on a leash. read more

Before COVID-19 shut down everything we loved in nature, I finally indulged my wanderlust on a trip to the Berea College Pinnacles! Little did I realize, I'd been going there my whole life with my mom and sister for the Arts & Crafts Festival at Indian Fort Theatre. (We stopped going when they moved it downtown.) This was still a first, however, because I'd never ventured up beyond the amphitheater, and boy, was it a HIKE! My Netflix legs were definitely feeling it the next day, and we ended up hiking almost every trail available, a little over 5 miles. The highlights were Devil's Kitchen, Buzzard's Roost, and Eagle's Nest. While these trails don't have my favorite features (water), the VIEWS definitely make up for it! There is ample parking and a brand new visitor's center, plus these trails are dog-friendly, so combined with the beautiful drive, I'd say this is one of the best hiking destinations in Central Kentucky! read more

See all

Really cool place to hike. Most people flock to East Pinnacle so check out West Pinnacle, Eagles Nest, or Buzzards Roost for more privacy and an extra challenge. Though the Pinnacles are not as big as Red River Gorge the hiking is just as good. read more

See all

Discovered Berea College Pinnacles while on a kayak Trip in Oswley Reservoir. Beautiful trails. Headed first to Pinnacle East and then up to indian Fort Lookout. Lookout is straight up, with roots and rock outcroppings and a Spectacular view, so worth the climb. Highly recommend ! read more

Adventurous hike, especially cause we took our four year old. Ending up doing some rocking climbing and got a bit lost but finally found our way out!! Right after we got to the car a huge storm hit, so I was super happy we made it back in time. Worth hiking here, but hiking boots instead of tennis shoes are practically a must. It was slippery.. read more

Beautiful scenery and very well maintained trails, but if you're out of shape, you will die.

Great hiking trails. Not too difficult, and not too easy. Bring a water bottle, especially during the summer. The views from the top are worth the hike. read more

Very nice trail wide and clean. The last .3mile was very steep but of course worth the view. It has so much space at the top that you can find a place to be alone or eat lunch with a group! read more

Pinnacles Hiking Trails - Indian fort mountain trail - Hiking Near Me - Berea, Kentucky

See all

Aside from Raven run, this is probably one of the closest real hikes to Lexington. Its a little challenging but some very lite climbing. Muddy when it rains but still a great trip. The area is super pretty with outstanding overlook opportunities to the North, South, East and West. I've done a Sunset hike with my up to the Indian overlook and it was wonderdul. Give it a try, its well worth it. read more

These hiking trails lead to an enjoyable hiking adventure! I love these trails through the Berea forest. They are fairly moderate with good variation and easy incline. I've hiked these while baby wearing with ease. The forest is beautiful and the paths are well maintained and seem well utilized. These hiking paths are right outside the town of Berea, which is full of fun artisan shops and has some good local restaurants. I've also camped before in Berea. I'd finally add these trails to a day trip, camping trip, or tourist stay any time! Love this place! read more

GREAT trails!!!!! I would recommend them more but then they would be waaaaaaaay more crowded.

Abundance of beautiful nature! Close enough to town, but near enough to country to get away

Variety of trails whether you're walking for 30 minutes or hiking all day. Conveniently located and well maintained. While Indian Fort Lookout is the main destination, I highly recommend looking at the trail map and planning to visit both East and West pinnacles, as well. Plenty of adventure for everyone. read more

Takes a couple hours to get to both peaks with nice views of the flatlands to the west or mountains to the east including Owsley Fork

Really pretty trail with a mix of challenging sections and some easy sections as well as a mix of wooded and open. I'd love for them to unlock the restrooms at the start of the trail though. According to some locals we talked to who frequent the trails, they've NEVER found the restrooms unlocked. Also, it is a little tricky to find as there are no signs. We just drove down the road until we saw a parking lot on the left and hoped it was right (it was!). read more

I highly recommend hiking the Pinnacles. The trails are steep but not dangerous, and the scenery is amazing. Be prepared for spending a lot of time going up hill! And bring water. read more

Such a good variety of trails! I usually go straight ahead all the way up it's a kill hill for sure. Also watch out for berea crafts fair they try to keep hikers out for their events, super disrespectful if you ask me! read more