Pinnacles Hiking Trails

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.