Berea Pinnacles
Berea Pinnacles
5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
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Heidi H
Orlando, Florida, United States42 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
I was a little weary about hiking as I just had a shot to my bum knee and while the trails say easy, it's rather steep. That said, I saw plenty of 60 year olds and up doing these trails. So unless you are totally out of shape and extremely overweight, you should be able to handle these trails. They are well marked but if you go on a Sunday like we did the bathrooms are closed. Just a heads up.
Walking sticks are provided on a first come, first serve, return basis by the entrance. We totally missed this and did not see them until we returned. Would have been nice to have one.
Most of the trails are about a mile and we did Indian Fort, first then went down to the eastern Pinnacle. If I visited again, I would do the same thing. We did not hike down from the Indian Fort trail to Devil's Kitchen and I would skip this and just take a photo of it. Indian Fort has a great view, which I think is to the west and you can see the college at about 11 o'clock from the rocky outcroppings. Great place for photos.
Eastern Pinnacle was a much more rural backdrop with a river in the distance but it was a little quieter and I'd picnic here next time.
We did not set any records on speed, we took our time, stopping several times to rest and catch our breath (ok, we are flatlanders), took lots of photos. The signs on trees, Boy Scout bench and wildflowers add to the experience of this hike.
I simply loved it and would do it again!
Lots of people brought their dogs, so not a problem but hubby and I both agreed our dogs are not well enough behaved to even considering doing that. So if you bring your dog, they need to be able to get along with other dogs and lots of people. Great family hike and we saw all ages!
Walking sticks are provided on a first come, first serve, return basis by the entrance. We totally missed this and did not see them until we returned. Would have been nice to have one.
Most of the trails are about a mile and we did Indian Fort, first then went down to the eastern Pinnacle. If I visited again, I would do the same thing. We did not hike down from the Indian Fort trail to Devil's Kitchen and I would skip this and just take a photo of it. Indian Fort has a great view, which I think is to the west and you can see the college at about 11 o'clock from the rocky outcroppings. Great place for photos.
Eastern Pinnacle was a much more rural backdrop with a river in the distance but it was a little quieter and I'd picnic here next time.
We did not set any records on speed, we took our time, stopping several times to rest and catch our breath (ok, we are flatlanders), took lots of photos. The signs on trees, Boy Scout bench and wildflowers add to the experience of this hike.
I simply loved it and would do it again!
Lots of people brought their dogs, so not a problem but hubby and I both agreed our dogs are not well enough behaved to even considering doing that. So if you bring your dog, they need to be able to get along with other dogs and lots of people. Great family hike and we saw all ages!
Written April 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabrielle Ivanov
Springfield, MO26 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Growing up in Berea, the Pinnacles are truly the best way to spend your time outdoors in this area. With a vast parking lot, visitors center, large rock amphitheater, and various trailheads… the peaceful views of any hike completed here will be an unforgettable experience.
You will always find others exploring here as the views from the top showcase a vast expanse of land, trees, wildflowers, and so much more!
Take a walking stick, your pet, good shoes, and a backpack full of water, snacks, and maybe even a book while you spend your time exploring and relaxing within this area.
*Land is owned and preserved by Berea College. Please respect your surroundings *
You will always find others exploring here as the views from the top showcase a vast expanse of land, trees, wildflowers, and so much more!
Take a walking stick, your pet, good shoes, and a backpack full of water, snacks, and maybe even a book while you spend your time exploring and relaxing within this area.
*Land is owned and preserved by Berea College. Please respect your surroundings *
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
walkabout1961
Saint Louis, MO13 contributions
Aug 2023
We just returned from a trip to Ky that included the Pinnacles. We loved the hikes and views there! We highly recommend them. We did several sites over a two-day period: east pinnacle, devils kitchen, and Ft Indian lookout and part of west pinnacles. The trails were well maintained and wider than expected. We only passed a few other hikers along the way, enough to assure us we weren't getting off track, but mostly by ourselves to enjoy the journey. The distances were 4 miles or less round trip, but could be extended to longer hikes by chaining trails together for other sites. We're 62 and enjoyed our time there!
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cassie M
Bellbrook, OH49 contributions
Jul 2020 • Solo
I stopped on my way back to Ohio thinking I would take a short walk. I ended up climbing all the way up to the Indian Fort Lookout. It was a pretty steep and challenging climb (especially when unprepared and wearing flip flops 😁)but there are a few spots to stop and rest on the way up. I got to spend about 15 minutes by myself at the lookout. It was so peaceful and beautiful and well worth the effort. I can’t wait to go back and explore more.
Written July 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ernest R
Royston, GA426 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
Read reviews and came to hike the trails. The parking is easy and safe and the trails are well marked and mapped and well cared for. You will find there is a great diversity in terrain and the views are great. The forrest is beautiful and lush and the overlook areas are amazing.
Written June 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kyrosebud2012
United States16 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Great Hiking, Beautiful Views. First time June 2019. Went back this year March 2020. Beautiful open views. Good time spent with friends and family. Worth the time.
Written June 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KJLD
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia1,155 contributions
Oct 2011 • Couples
We've hiked in many different places in Kentucky, but Berea Forest is our favorite. We keep going back to the Pinnacles and have enjoyed hiking in every season. It's a beautiful area, the trails are well maintained, and the views are amazing!
The trail is about a 6 and a half mile loop. It's moderately difficult in the beginning since it's uphill and rocky in some areas, but as you get higher it levels off depending on which way you're heading. There are places to stop and rest with occasional benches along the way.
The best view can be seen from Indian Fort Mountain. It provides an amazing panoramic view with minimal trees obstructing, and on a clear day you can see Richmond and Lexington. My next favorites are from the East Pinnacle and West Pinnacle which both show beautiful views of the countryside. These first 3 that I just mentioned are the most popular and must-sees. There are other lookout points such as Eagles' Nest and Buzzards' Roost that are unique and more selcuded spots to visit but have smaller and more obstructed views by trees, rocks, and hills.
The trails are open during all daylight hours yearround and dogs are welcome. We prefer to visit during the week since sometimes it's more active with local college students and families on the weekends during the warmer months. However, everyone in this area is very friendly and it's always nice to have someone take your picture for you!
There are occasional signs along the trails directing you to various points, but you can find guide maps online if you type it in a search engine. There may also be one on Berea College's website now in the Department of Forestry section. There currently aren't any maps available at the beginning of the trails.
Whether you're a local or a tourist temporarily visiting the area, the Pinnacles are a must-see!
The trail is about a 6 and a half mile loop. It's moderately difficult in the beginning since it's uphill and rocky in some areas, but as you get higher it levels off depending on which way you're heading. There are places to stop and rest with occasional benches along the way.
The best view can be seen from Indian Fort Mountain. It provides an amazing panoramic view with minimal trees obstructing, and on a clear day you can see Richmond and Lexington. My next favorites are from the East Pinnacle and West Pinnacle which both show beautiful views of the countryside. These first 3 that I just mentioned are the most popular and must-sees. There are other lookout points such as Eagles' Nest and Buzzards' Roost that are unique and more selcuded spots to visit but have smaller and more obstructed views by trees, rocks, and hills.
The trails are open during all daylight hours yearround and dogs are welcome. We prefer to visit during the week since sometimes it's more active with local college students and families on the weekends during the warmer months. However, everyone in this area is very friendly and it's always nice to have someone take your picture for you!
There are occasional signs along the trails directing you to various points, but you can find guide maps online if you type it in a search engine. There may also be one on Berea College's website now in the Department of Forestry section. There currently aren't any maps available at the beginning of the trails.
Whether you're a local or a tourist temporarily visiting the area, the Pinnacles are a must-see!
Written November 5, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenna B
Berea, Kentucky, United States32 contributions
Jun 2012 • Business
If you are in Berea you don't want to miss hiking these trails! The Pinnacles are beautiful as you outlook all of Berea's breathtaking nature and gorgeous rolling hills. The hike takes about an hour or two depending on which route you choose. The East Pinnacle Route is more moderate and the West is for a little more experienced hikers as you have to shimmy around some rocks to reach the top. However, both have incredible look outs and will leave you in awe wanting to take pictures. Once again, if you are in Berea this is definitely not something you want to miss!!
Written June 6, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kenyon1972
Pooler, GA259 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
The trails at the Pinnacles offer a variety of difficulty. The views from the East and West Pinnacles are nice for the area. Great exercise. Well travelled but not crowded. Easy access and parking is plentiful. Trails are pretty well marked and you can manage the time on the trails pretty well from the signs along the way.
Written August 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ConnieR60993
Cincinnati, OH144 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
We hiked up to East Pinnacle, then through Devil's Kitchen and up to Indian Fort Lookout today - great hike, lots of up hill but the views from the rock outcroppings were worth it. Then we took the route to West Pinnacle - after a few wrong turns, we finally found the path down between rocks and out to the lookout. We tried several paths to find the loop to take us back, but ended up on small trails that petered out, then finally retraced our steps back the way we came. Wish there were a few better signs! I am attaching a picture of the TRAIL MAP provided at the Berea visitors' center - very helpful but obviously not perfect.
Written September 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew Henry
Burlington, Kentucky
What time do the trails open in the morning? Was hoping to hike the east pinnacle to see the sunrise. Concerned that the trails will open after sunrise and we will miss some of the view or way before and the trails will be packed. Thanks in advance!
Written November 2, 2020
Is this a hike a person could do alone?
Written January 27, 2020
There are several different hiking trails, from easy to hard.
Written January 27, 2020
Is there a kid friendly hike here? Could a 4 year old make it up East or West?
Written September 2, 2019
No, it is not kid friendly. It is a steep climb at some points in the trail and footing can be a little tricky after a rain. I wouldn’t think most young children would enjoy the hike.
Written September 3, 2019
Hi, i'm not from the area but I vacation there a lot. I have gone to east and west pinnacles plenty of times. As well as India fort lookout and the eagles nest I haven't gone much farther than that. But every time i'm there I see the trail head for "Devil's Kitchen" I have followed it a few time but always find myself confused. Is the kitchen the little cove under the part of the sign or is it farther away? I'm not sure if that's a good enough description but if any locals know or anyone please try your best to explain it thanks.
Written July 17, 2019
I believe it's to the right when you get to the top where the sign is, it isn't long at all if I'm remembering correctly. Try the trails near Asbury university, they're pretty good. The All Trails app is nifty to have also. Happy trails :)
Written July 17, 2019
Hi, I am a student at Berea College and this summer I am doing a entrepreneurship program. My cohort and I are conducting research about what makes a hiking experience awesome as one of our projects. My question is, do those who use TripAdvisor use the website link that is associated with the Berea pinnacles to gather information before you come? If not, what do you use or would you use one that was more up to date?
Written June 15, 2017
I did use the website however, the directions to get there were not specific. We asked local people working at Boones Hotel, but found that they weren't sure of where to park. I think that many people would benefit from more specific directions and more signage in town that would help to locate the Pinnacles.
Written June 16, 2017
Cindy S
Louisville, Kentucky
Last time we hiked at Pinnacles in March 2017 the restrooms weren't open. There is a beautiful facility in the parking lot. Will the restrooms be open on weekends in June? Thanks!
Written June 2, 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Does this place allow dogs?
Written May 22, 2017
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails - leashed. There are some really dangerous cliffs and drop-offs, but a leashed, well behaved dog would be fun. My old lab mix could never make the hills.
:-(
Written May 22, 2017
I'm planning a trip to the area. For a group of fit hikers in their 20's & 30's, about how long would you expect the 6.8 mile loop to take?
Written March 20, 2017
About three hours, but plan in plenty of time to soak up the views.
Written March 21, 2017
Can this view be accessed in any way by driving part way up? What is the elevation at the pinnacle? Would you hike mid march? Thanks
Written February 9, 2017
no, you can't drive up the mountain. the elevation is steep and you would want to take your time.
Written March 18, 2017
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