Hiking & Outdoors
Trail Guide
West Pinnacle
A rockier scramble at the top rewards hikers with a dramatic open summit — a favorite for sunset.
About this trail
West Pinnacle is the most adventurous of the main Pinnacles routes. The trail is comfortable most of the way, but the final approach involves a rocky scramble to reach the dramatic open summit — a bare knob with 360-degree views that makes it the forest's favorite sunset spot. Take extra care on the scramble in wet weather, and remember the descent takes longer in fading light. Combined with Indian Fort Lookout, it makes an excellent half-day loop.
Trail Info
DifficultyModerate–Hard
LengthAbout 3 miles round trip
LocationPinnacles Trailhead, Indian Fort Theatre, KY-21 East (Big Hill Rd)Trails are open dawn to dusk, hiking only. Wear sturdy shoes — upper sections are rocky, and cliff edges are unfenced.