Morning View Heritage Area South Loop and Spur

Overview. This is a beautiful set of well-built and maintained trails with a little more elevation gain per mile than many trails in Northern Kentucky. The spur trail was cut by the NKY chapter of the Sierra Club, and it provides a great walk in the woods leading to a nice, but limited view of the adjacent ridgeline and the Licking River Valley. If you seek solitude, this is likely among the best options in the region.

Route Type | Reverse Lollipop
Total Distance | 2.5 miles
Overall Difficulty | Moderate
Map of Morning View Heritage Area

Trailhead. Ample parking is available just off KY-177 in Morning View, Kentucky. [map]

Trail navigation. Start from the sign-in box and look left of the wide gravel road and barn. You’ll see a trail sign next to a mowed path that is the Dickerson Trail. Continue up the grass path until reaching an intersection a short ways in. Take a left onto Keissl Trail and continue until mile 0.45 to reach the newest trail section - New Trail I.P. Turn left here and take the spur through the woods and past a couple drainages. At one drainage you might lose the trail temporarily, but look left to see the survey tape that marks the trail. Continue until reaching the pond and the ridgetop views. Retrace your steps to the intersection with Keissl Trail and take that trail all the way down the hill and back to the parking lot.

NO DOGS. Trail dogs are the best dogs, but unfortunately, you’ll have to leave your best buddy at home for this hike.

NO FACILITIES. Please use the restroom before you arrive, as no facilities are available here.

CAUTION - Thorns and Kids. There is a wide variety of thorns on this trail system. Some were absolutely fascinating or horrifying depending on your perspective. Be sure to warn your your kiddos to keep a safe distance and not to touch.