Tucked into the lush, rolling hills of Jackson County, Kentucky, just outside the small town of Gray Hawk, lies a hidden gem: Flat Lick Falls. This serene pocket of the Daniel Boone National Forest is one of those rare places that offers something for everyone—an easy stroll, a bit of exploration, and the refreshing reward of a beautiful waterfall. From the overlook, you get your first clear view of Flat Lick Falls—a beautiful 28-foot cascade tumbling into a dark, tranquil pool below. A somewhat easy hike, there is a stream crossing over Flat Lick Creek just below the falls. Total miles on the first leg is 1.8 miles.
From here, we'll be going to the Berea Pinnacles. From Lexington, to Grayhawk and back again, the shortest distance to and from Grayhawk goes right past the Berea Pinnacles and Indian Fort Mountain on Big Hill Road.
Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, the Berea Pinnacles offer one of the most breathtaking and rewarding hiking experiences in the region—a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and peaceful solitude. Located within the Berea College Forest, these trails wind through dense woodlands, shaded hollows, and scenic ridge tops, culminating in sweeping vistas that make every step worthwhile. underfoot. As you progress, especially toward East Pinnacle or Indian Fort Lookout, the terrain becomes noticeably steeper and more rugged. Some sections require a bit of scrambling over roots and rocks, and the incline can be challenging for beginners or those not used to elevation changes. Expect to get your heart rate up. That said, the effort is well worth it. Each of the major lookout points—East Pinnacle, West Pinnacle, and Buzzard’s Roost—rewards hikers with stunning, unobstructed views of Kentucky’s rolling hills and the distant Appalachian foothills. The vistas are nothing short of spectacular. This trail israted moderate to hard going up and coming down, but once on top the trail is rather easy.
For the hike, bring snacks for the trail and a lunch for on top of the pinnacles.
Water is critically important. A minimum two to three flasks of water is necessary. Hat, sunscreen and bug spray are very important. Again, drinking water is very important. When water is cold, people drink more. Consider throwing one of your Nalgen bottles into the freezer for a few hours.
I want to go to the falls first. After reading the literature and going there to Flat Lick Falls on a weekday, there were people using the swimming hole to cool off. More likely to find unobstructed photos earlier in the morning.
