West Pinnacle and Indian Fort Lookout Trail

This Berea College Forest trail leads from the base near Indian Fort Theatre to West Pinnacle and Indian Fort Lookout at 1,400 feet, one of the highest points in the area known as the Knobs. The trail climbs up to a small ridge that contains a dense collection of towering, straight trees via a moderate hill ascent and climbs over erosion steps. At a junction with the East Pinnacle Trail (may be unsigned), bear left where the trail is essentially level as it winds along the hollow. The Indian Fort Lookout Trail soon appears on the right, and it ascends at a rapid rate on a path that has minor erosion in places and climbs over bare rocks in others.

At the top, proceed straight past one junction and bear left when the trail ends at a T-intersection. Follow the edge of the ridge closely, as you are on the edge of a high cliff and on a trail where there are numerous cracks and crevasses that can cause injury. Indian Fort Lookout is just ahead, offering grand views to the west and north and is best seen in the early morning hours.

From the lookout, head south along the edge of the ridge, following a haphazard trail to the West Pinnacle, which offers spectacular views to the west and south. A trail proceeds eastward along the edge of the ridge back to the Indian Fort Lookout Trail.