Eagle Arch and Americorps Cliff Overlook

Map of Eagle Arch and Americorps Cliff Overlook Hike on the Highland Section, Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail

Elevation Profile of Eagle Arch and Americorps Cliff Overlook Hike

Overview. This is a gorgeous hike on my favorite trail in Kentucky - Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail. Enjoy the sturdy, boxy Eagle Arch and a big view from Americorps Cliff Overlook that sits high atop Pine Mountain. The approach to the overlook is picturesque - especially on sunny days with small puffy clouds on the horizon;-)

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 2.3 miles
Overall Difficulty | Moderate
Map of Highland Section, Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail

GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 37.076506, -82.810186
Eagle Arch | 37.081333, -82.798667
Turn to Americorps Cliff Overlook | 37.080897, -82.799433
Americorps Cliff Overlook | 37.081294, -82.799689

Trailhead. Ample parking and a pit toilet are available across the street from the trailhead. [map]

Trail navigation. Start uphill from the trailhead on US-119’s northbound lanes. At mile 0.3, cross a gravel service road to find the Headless Flamingo gate. Follow the blazes to stay on Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail, passing the Flamingo Shelter and moving uphill steadily until reaching the knob at Eagle Arch. The arch is just off the trail to the northwest with an increasingly more defined user trail leading to a tree with a better view. The grade here is steep, so take care with your steps - especially when wet. Retrace your steps and less than 1/10th of a mile later, reach the intersection with Americorps Cliff Trail. Turn right (northwest) to reach the overlook. Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

CAUTION - Cliffs. Keep a safe distance from the cliff’s edge.

CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. Timber rattlesnakes and copperheads can be found in the region. Stay alert on the trail, as snakes are commonly found taking in the warmth of the trail. Give them a wide berth or wait for them to move off the trail.

CAUTION - Bears. Black bears can be found throughout the Pine Mountain region. Be sure to follow bear aware practices. [Be Bear Aware by US Forest Service]

This is FIRST CLASS and wasn’t here on my last visit:-) Such a nice upgrade!

US-119 Trailhead, Highland Section, Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail

Directional blazes pointing left on Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail

Eagle Arch, Highland Section, Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail

Americorps Cliff Overlook, Highland Section, Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail