Hike at Berea Forest - approximately 3-4 hours with options


Details
Lace up your footwear and join Lexington Hiking for an weekend hike through the Berea Forest Trails!
This Berea Forest Trail hike planned route starts in parking lot then heads up to West Pinnacle first, 'difficult' trail to Indian Fort, then out to Buzzard's Roost / Eagle's Nest and then out West Pinnacle and then back down to the parking.
Depending on conditions we may modify to skip a section that can be slippery when wet. With recent rain please be aware that some sections will definitely be muddy and some section may be slippery. Take this into account on your RSVP and your footwear. Thank you!
We will meet outside of the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd, Berea, KY 40403. See the picture above for the meeting location.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kt3XXpgLyqH9hEFJ6
I will have on a small camelback backpack and be wearing a hiking clothes!
This loop is fairly steep up and down in sections. But there are several interconnected trails and there is to the option to bail out at halfway (and perhaps other points as well).
Expect this will be about 3 to 3.5 hours and expect to take a short break at each of the 3 pinnacles. Will be 6.5 miles as predicted distance, but I have not measured the distance and total distance could be somewhat different (especially if we modify due to weather/wet trail).
Bring water for certain, and snacks if you desire.
Boots are likely preferred for most people due to it being a longer hike, but I have seen plenty of people in tennis shoes and have used tennis shoes myself on hikes at Berea. Will be going through the 'difficult' trail that is a bit of a scramble up/down slots in rocks - so something sturdy and good grip is recommended.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or new in town looking to explore this is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
You will need to bring plenty of water that you can carry with you.
This should be a friendly hike and I would consider it medium or medium+ pace (very approximately 2 miles an hour). However, the group is does not function as a guide or offer any guaranteed assistance beyond planning the day, time and location to meet. How the pace and route work for you is your own responsibility. You will need to be responsible for your own health, water, safety and abilities. Thanks!
If you have any last-minute change to your RSVP, please message me directly or put it in the Group Chat.
Trail Map:
https://forestryoutreach.berea.edu/trails/the-pinnacles/
DISCLAIMER
By committing to this event, you acknowledge you have read the following Disclaimer: Meetup organizers/leaders are not guides, nor are they experts. You are solely responsible for your own safety. By signing up for and attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking is an outdoor activity that can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. By participating in this meetup event, you acknowledge that you're of good physical standing and willing to risk the inherent dangers of the activity. All attendees participate at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event.

Hike at Berea Forest - approximately 3-4 hours with options