Anglin Falls Preservation
The John B. Stephenson Memorial Forest Nature Preserve, commonly known as Anglin Falls, is closed temporarily for restoration. The preserve, named after the former Berea College President, is a 123-acre wooded tract that includes Anglin Falls, a nearly 75-foot wet-weather waterfall.
Anglin Falls is owned by the College and is dedicated as a State Nature Preserve for its natural significance. It is protected by law primarily for preservation, scientific and educational purposes. The temporary closure will allow for a comprehensive forest preservation and protection plan to be put into place. The College will restore trails damaged by recent rainfall and heavy human use. The restoration will include improved trail signage providing new directional and educational information. In addition, the College will use this period to perform a survey of flora and fauna growing in the Stephenson Memorial Forest, updating earlier scientific studies.
Come Find a New Adventure
Berea Pinnacles
Beautiful in every season, the Pinnacles trails offer five paths to various lookouts: West Pinnacle, Indian Fort, Buzzard's Roost, Eagle's Nest, and East Pinnacle. The hikes to each lookout vary in difficulty, providing something fun and challenging for every level. Starting from the main trailhead, each path branches off from a trail that is initially uphill. For first-time hikers, the East Pinnacle is the best starting point.
Brushy Fork
Situated behind the Berea College campus, the Brushy Fork trails offer a convenient spot for community members to enjoy the area’s beautiful flora and fauna, as well as local wildlife. Brushy Fork features several loop hikes with varying distances and levels of difficulty. The easiest option for the Brushy Fork hike is to begin on the blue trail, then use the black connector trail(s) before continuing on the blue trail to complete a loop.
The Pinnacle Knob
The Pinnacle Knob trail system is a working forest trail that invites visitors into the heart of one of the oldest continuously managed forests in the United States, where they can observe and learn about 125 years of forest management. The system extends over seven miles, featuring the “Figure 8” trail, which is the longest and most rewarding hike. Along the way, educational signs share fascinating forest management topics and include quotes from the first management plan written for the Berea College Forest by Silas Mason, the college's first Forester (1907-1917). On the Chestnut Loop, visitors can see American chestnut sprouts that are carefully tended by the Forestry Department and the Kentucky chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation. These restoration efforts aim to introduce American chestnut genes suited to Kentucky, helping to bring back "The Mighty Giant" and restore its proud place in our landscape.
The new trails are wonderfully peaceful, with fewer visitors around. One of the connector trails offers a lovely overlook of B-Lake. The Pinnacle Knob is perfect for long hikes or trail running. These paths were once old log roads and provide a more even terrain compared to the Pinnacles trails.
Just across the driveway from the parking lot, you’ll find the college’s native prairie, where visitors are welcome to take a peaceful walk and enjoy the scenery.
The parking lot is located across 21 from the Outreach Center. Take the next right after the Outreach Center and take an immediate left into a gravel lot.
Owsley Fork Reservoir
The largest of the four reservoirs that provide the city of Berea with drinking water, Owsley Fork Reservoir is a great destination for kayaking, fishing, and exploring. Surrounded by natural beauty and nearly walled in by mountains, it is stunning in nearly every season with wildflowers in the spring and brilliant hues in fall. Visitors can explore trails around the lake, walk in the woods, and see various wildlife. There are also picnic areas available for people who want to bring their own food or just sit back and relax by the water.