If you are looking for one of Kentucky’s hidden gems, it’s Berea, Kentucky.
Berea is a college town that’s also part of an artisan community. The area also has outdoor recreation for locals and tourists.
I’m sharing fun things to do in Berea, Kentucky, during a day trip or overnight getaway.
Where is Berea, Kentucky?
Berea is located in Central Kentucky, around 15 miles south of Richmond.
Driving Distance and Time to Berea, Kentucky
- 40.2 miles/ 46 minutes from Lexington, Kentucky
- 114.5 miles/ 1 hr 43 minutes from Louisville, Kentucky
- 118.5 miles/ 1 hr 46 minutes from Cincinnati, Ohio
- 134 miles/ 2 hr 4 minutes from Knoxville, TN
What is Berea, Kentucky, Known For?
Berea, Kentucky, is home to Berea College (a private National Liberal Arts College), artisan festivals, historic buildings, and outdoor adventures.
Berea is the only one of America’s top colleges that makes a no-tuition promise to every enrolled student. That means that no student pays for their tuition, which is pretty mind-blowing!
1. Stop at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea
200 Artisan Way, Berea, KY
Open daily from 9am- 6pm, you’ll find an assortment of Kentucky-made items for sale from 1000+ Kentucky artisans who reside all over the state.
The Kentucky Artisan Center also has exhibits on display open to the public, free of charge. Check the Kentucky Artisan Center event calendar to learn about upcoming special events and demos offered to the community.
There’s an artisan cafe inside offering breakfast, sandwiches, soups, and salads in a cafeteria-style setting.
Many “roadtrippers” know this is also a great stop for a clean bathroom, too.
Ask the staff for a map of Berea and glance at the brochures to learn more about attractions in the surrounding area.
2. Explore the Hiking Trails at The Pinnacles
2047 Big Hill Road, Berea, KY
The Pinnacles have been named the best hike in Kentucky by Outdoor Magazine.
This hiking gem is not as well-known as Red River Gorge, making it a scenic and less crowded, dog-friendly trail option.
You’ll find plenty of parking available for hikers in the lot, open from dawn until dusk. This lot also connects to the paved bike path.
The trail begins with a paved path but quickly progresses to a trail with an incline that has an elevation change of 700 feet from the parking lot to the summit.
There are a few benches along the way if you need to stop and catch your breath on the way up.
I would also recommend borrowing one of the walking sticks before you go up.
The views are totally worth it once you make it up to the top!
Some of the signage can get a little confusing at the top because some of the trails on the sign don’t start directly next to the sign.
I recommend taking a picture of the trail map before you start your hike so you can go back to it as an additional point of reference.
I’m also directionally challenged, and maps on my phone have helped me many times.
Trail Distances at The Pinnacles
It always helps to know what you are getting yourself into ahead of time when it comes to the trails.
- 1.2 miles -Parking Lot to Indian Fort Lookout
- 1.3 miles- Parking Lot to East Pinnacle
- 1.7 miles -Parking Lot to West Pinnacle
- 1.8 miles- Parking Lot to Buzzard’s Roost
- 1.0 mile- Indian Fort Lookout to East Pinnacle
- 2 miles – West Pinnacle to East Pinnacle
Indian Fort Lookout and Eagle’s Nest were definitely the highlights of our hike.
There’s a Forestry Outreach Center near the parking lot on-site. The hours can vary by the season, which means that the indoor restroom facilities may be closed.
3. Explore Other Local Hikes in Berea, KY
If you want to explore more hikes in the area, check out Anglin Falls, a mile-long hike that leads to a waterfall in the John B. Stephenson Memorial Forest.
Another option is to explore Brushy Fork, offering 5 miles of wooded trails with multiple loop options.
4. Drink and Eat Local in Berea
During our visit, we tried Native Bagel Co. for the first time.
We had limited options for open restaurants because we visited on a Monday and were glad to find this spot.
I decided to carb up for my hike with a panini made with country ham, jalapeno cream cheese, and blackberry jam on an everything bagel.
Their hazelnut latte was also a great boost of caffeine to help get me ready for my hike.
Great Restaurants to Try in Berea
The following restaurants were recommended by several locals I talked to before and during our visit.
5. Stop Inside the Berea Tourism Welcome Center
3 Artist Circle, Berea, KY
The building is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and closed on Sundays.
This former train depot has a lot of history on display inside. There are also public restrooms and staff available to answer questions about the area.
Parking is available in front of the building. Additional free parking is located within a short walking distance.
6. Meet and Support Local Artisans at the Artisan Village in Berea
When you visit Artisan Village in Berea, there is a good chance that you can observe a local artisan in action while they create in their studio or shop.
The hours for shops in Artisan Village can vary, so be on the lookout for a flag outside the building to signal they are open.
There are 16+ shops within a few streets to explore.
7. Discover Public Art Throughout Berea
There is art on display all over Berea in a variety of mediums.
Be on the lookout for the “show of hands” art installations throughout the city, sculptures, a giant rocking chair, and several murals while you’re walking around Artisan Village.
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