• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Champagne Tastes®
  • About
  • Travel
    • Food Travel
    • Outdoor Adventure
  • Recipes
    • Garden To Table
    • Seafood
    • Camping Recipes
    • Ferment
    • Backyard Foraging + Wild Game
    • Cooking Basics
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Garden To Table
  • Seafood
  • Ferment
  • Foraging + Wild Game
  • Cooking Basics
  • Camping Recipes
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Food Travel
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Travel » Outdoor Adventure » Kentucky

    East Pinnacle Trail (Berea, Kentucky)

    Published: Jun 25, 2020 · Modified: Oct 26, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    Headed to the Pinnacles in Berea, Kentucky? Check out our trail guide for East Pinnacles trail and the Eagle's Nest and Buzzard's Roost trail spurs.

    Headed to the Pinnacles in Berea, Kentucky? Check out our trail guide for East Pinnacle trail and the Eagle’s Nest and Buzzard’s Roost trail spurs.

    East Pinnacles Overlook
    East Pinnacle Overlook

    It’s probably no surprise that we’ve been hiking a lot closer to home lately.

    Happily, there are some gorgeous trails nearby.

    We love hiking at Natural Bridge and the 4C’s trail and Three Bridges trail at Carter Caves.

    We’ve also been doing a few short, easy hikes along a section of the Sheltowee Trace Trail near our apartment. This week, though, my husband and I laced up our hiking boots and headed to Berea, Kentucky to hike The Pinnacles.

    The Pinnacles in Berea is located about forty miles south of Lexington, Kentucky, and (in my opinion) has some of the most gorgeous overlooks in the state.

    The Pinnacles trails are a winding, connected loop of trails.

    On our most recent trip, we intended to hike the entire Pinnacles trail loop, but the heat, humidity, and our less-than-trail-ready legs made the decision for us, and we stuck to the eastern side of the trails.

    We hiked to the West Pinnacle and then out to Robe Mountain and Basin Mountain on other trips.

    This trail guide covers the trail from the main trailhead to East Pinnacle, Eagle’s Nest, and Buzzard’s Roost.

    East Pinnacle Trail Information

    If you follow the trail guide laid out here, you’ll be hiking approximately 4.8 miles along a moderately difficult path.

    The trail itself is well-maintained and well-marked with trail signs at the intersections.

    The Berea Forestry Outreach Center labels most of the trails easy or moderate, and in this section the reason the trails are moderate is the trail elevation change.

    It was hard to find exact numbers for the elevation change on this trail (I saw lots of different estimates), but know that you are hiking uphill (and then back downhill). My phone estimated an elevation change of about 600 feet.

    That said, you can definitely make this shorter by skipping one or both of the spur trails, but know that getting from the trailhead to East Pinnacle is probably the hardest part of this trail.

    Once you’ve climbed up to the ridgeline, the hike to Eagle’s Nest and Buzzard’s Roost aren’t difficult.

    If you want to shorten the hike, I recommend going to East Pinnacle and Eagle’s Nest, and then skipping Buzzard’s Roost.

    When the trees have leaves, the leaves partially obscure the view from Buzzard’s Roost. This spot probably has the best views in fall and winter.

    Hazards on the Trail

    Watch out for poison ivy on this trail. It is EVERYWHERE.

    And yes, I realize that poison ivy is a concern almost anywhere you’re hiking on the east coast, but it’s especially bad here.

    The first time we hiked at the Pinnacles, I noticed a sign in the restroom to let hikers know that they could buy poison ivy anti-itch cream in the forestry visitor center. That seemed unusual, and put me on high alert.

    More recently, the poison ivy seems even worse, and blankets both sides of the trail for huge portions of the hike.

    I recommend wearing close-toed shoes, long pants, and being extra cautious if you veer off-trail at all, especially if you’re highly allergic.

    Poison Ivy Along the Trail
    Poison Ivy Along the Trail

    As with most trails in Eastern Kentucky, be on the watch for snakes (especially copperheads), and make sure to check for ticks after hiking.

    The main trailhead sign also warns about possible black bears. Be alert, and make enough noise as you hike so that you don’t sneak up on a bear.

    Getting to the Trail

    The main trailhead parking lot is at Berea’s Forestry Outreach Center at 2047 Big Hill Rd, Berea, KY 40403.

    Our GPS was a little bit off for the parking lot location, and we had to drive a little farther than it said. If you’re coming from Berea and you reach the intersection of Highways 21 and 421, you’ve gone too far.

    Hiking the East Pinnacle Trail

    Start at the parking lot, and follow the paved trail until you reach the trail information board.

    Pinnacles Entrance Sign
    Pinnacles Entrance Sign
    Paved Path to the Trailhead
    Paved Path to the Trailhead

    When you reach the information board, I recommend snapping a photo of the trail map.

    Or zoom in on the photo below and take a screenshot.

    Pinnacles Trail Information Board
    Pinnacles Trail Information Board

    As you walk, you’ll pass a bin for shareable walking sticks.

    This might be a relic now, a goodwill gesture for less germy times.

    Sharable Walking Sticks
    Shareable Walking Sticks Bin

    Keep walking until you reach the first trail sign.

    This section of the trail is easy and flat.

    Path to the Pinnacles Trails
    Path to the Pinnacles Trails
    Path to the Pinnacles Trails
    Path to the Pinnacles Trails

    In about half a mile, you’ll come to an intersection with a trail marker.

    Head right on the blue trail towards East Pinnacle.

    First Pinnacles Trail Marker
    First Pinnacles Trail Marker

    This trail is well-maintained, but you will need to watch your step for tree roots and rocks on the trail.

    The hike to East Pinnacle starts off easy, but quickly becomes steep as you hike towards the ridge.

    Trail to East Pinnacles
    Trail to East Pinnacles

    When you reach the next trail marker, keep following the signs for East Pinnacle.

    The path from here to East Pinnacle doesn’t connect to anything else. You’ll know you’re there when the trail ends.

    Pinnacles Trail Marker
    Go Right for East Pinnacle

    The trail keeps rising, but not as steeply as before.

    You’ll pass through a wall of tall weeds. Take a moment to enjoy the flowers in this section of the trail.

    East Pinnacles Trail
    East Pinnacle Trail
    Coneflowers (Echinacea) Along the Trail
    Coneflowers (Echinacea) Along the Trail

    As you hike, you’ll begin to pass lots of overlooks.

    These overlooks are not East Pinnacle, but they’re gorgeous spots to take a break!

    Overlook Along the East Pinnacles Trail
    Overlook Along the East Pinnacle Trail

    We chose to keep hiking past the overlooks and headed on to the main overlook.

    You’ll begin seeing more pine trees, and then suddenly, you’re there.

    Approaching the East Pinnacles Overlook
    Approaching the East Pinnacle Overlook

    This is the East Pinnacle overlook.

    It’s a good place to take a break, enjoy the view, and eat a snack.

    East Pinnacles Overlook
    East Pinnacle Overlook
    East Pinnacles Overlook
    East Pinnacle Overlook
    East Pinnacles Overlook
    East Pinnacle Overlook
    East Pinnacles Overlook
    East Pinnacle Overlook
    East Pinnacles Overlook
    East Pinnacle Overlook

    When you’re ready to move on, turn around and head back the way you came.

    When you reach the trail marker, follow the signs for Indian Fort Lookout and West Pinnacle.

    This section of the trail is fairly steep and rocky.

    Trail Marker
    Follow the Trail Signs for West Pinnacle and Indian Fort Lookout
    Pinnacles Trail
    Pinnacles Trail

    When you reach the next trail marker, turn towards Eagle’s Nest.

    The Eagle’s Nest trail spur is a relatively easy section of the trail, and it’s worth it to see the view.

    Trail Marker
    Turn Towards Eagle’s Nest
    Trail Towards Eagle's Nest
    Trail Towards Eagle’s Nest
    Trail Towards Eagle's Nest
    Trail Towards Eagle’s Nest

    As you hike, take time to look around.

    Each time I’ve hiked the Pinnacles, I’ve found really interesting mushrooms. (Not for eating, just for smiling.)

    Wild Mushroom (Platterful Mushroom, Megacollybia Rodmanii)
    Wild Mushroom (Platterful Mushroom, Megacollybia rodmanii)

    Soon, you’ll reach another trail marker.

    Follow the signs for Eagle’s Nest.

    Trail Marker at the Pinnacles
    Turn Towards Eagle’s Nest

    Eagle’s Nest is a gorgeous overlook with large boulders.

    It’s also a great place to bird watch.

    Eagle's Nest Overlook
    Eagle’s Nest Overlook
    Eagle's Nest Overlook
    Eagle's Nest Overlook
    Eagle’s Nest Overlook
    Turkey Vulture at Eagle's Nest Overlook
    Turkey Vulture at Eagle’s Nest Overlook

    When you’re ready, turn around and walk back the way you came.

    At the trail marker, turn towards Buzzard’s Roost.

    I mentioned this before, but I’ll say it again. Buzzard’s Roost was pretty, but when the trees have all their leaves, you won’t have the same spectacular views as at the previous two overlooks.

    If it’s summertime, or if your legs are getting tired, you can also simply follow the directions back towards the parking lot.

    Trail Marker at the Pinnacles
    Turn Towards Buzzard’s Roost

    If you’re headed to Buzzard’s Roost, you’ll quickly reach another trail marker.

    Keep following the signs for Buzzard’s Roost.

    Like the trail to Eagle’s Nest, this is a relatively easy trail.

    Trail Marker at the Pinnacles
    Turn Towards Buzzard’s Roost
    Trail to Buzzard's Roost

    Buzzard’s Roost has more views of the valley down below, even though the views are sometimes partially obscured by the trees.

    Buzzard's Roost Overlook
    Buzzard’s Roost Overlook
    Buzzard's Roost Overlook
    Buzzard’s Roost Overlook
    Buzzard's Roost Overlook
    Buzzard’s Roost Overlook

    Take your time here, and when you’re ready, retrace your steps back to the last trail marker.

    Follow the signs back to the parking lot. When you come to an unmarked intersection, you can go either direction because the trail simply loops around a group of trees.

    Make your way all the way back down and back to your car, and then start planning your hike to the West Pinnacle trail!

    « Cherry Clafoutis
    Thyme Tea »

    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    bio

    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

    Learn More →

    Currently Trending

    • Sardine Fish Cakes in a stack with sauce on the serving tray
      A Canned Sardine Recipe: Mini Fish Cakes
    • pan-seared rockfish on a plate
      Pan-Seared Rockfish
    • pan-seared red snapper on plates
      Pan-Seared Red Snapper
    • crab butter sauce on a platter with crab legs
      Crab Butter Sauce

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Supplemental Privacy Notice For California Residents
    • Supplemental Privacy Notice For Nevada Residents

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Recipe and Photo Reuse Terms + FAQ

    Copyright ©2015-2023 Champagne Tastes
    All Rights Reserved.