Went down to Berea KY today (Lexington: get credit, university, retirement)

[folkguitarist555]

I meant over near Eddyville and the land of the lakes, which I ruled out due to my research on tornado activity. I am studying Berea now, and looking at listings online, and leaning toward that part of KY.......by Winchester, Berea and etc....opposed to western KY. I am just being aware of the property taxes which seem a little high in Madison county.

[tamaralj]

Originally Posted by CraigCreek

Yes, you can bring your dog - a leash is required by Berea College, which owns the property, which makes sense as the trail leads to steep cliffs and abrupt overlooks and the area will be new to both you and your dog.

For many years, the legendary "Tillie", a border collie mix, acted as an unofficial canine guide to the Indian Fort Mountain trails. She went up and down the Pinnacle trail several times each day, and even had a tag on her collar reading "My name is Tillie. I am not a stray. I live next door. Let's go for a hike."

Tillie was the only dog officially allowed to hike off-leash.

Sadly, Tillie passed away in July, 2013. However, she still had a Facebook page where you can see her picture and read all about her, and the successful efforts to create a monument to her memory. Look for "Tillie of Indian Fort", and you should find the page.

Tillie was a very sweet dog, and much loved - and missed - by many.

That's very interesting about Tillie. Sounds like she was an amazing dog.

I am a little afraid of heights, is there a lot of exposure as you hike? I mean I have been to the grand canyon, but I couldn't look over the edge...ha! I can hike trails in the mountains as long as there isn't too much exposure, like getting the feeling you might fall over the edge if you misstep.

[tamaralj]

Starrider, Berea is a beautiful area. Since it's near Lexington, the taxes might be a little higher, and property prices also. But there are probably areas near there that are more affordable. We had looked into it as well. As far as tornados, we had two f-4s that came through Crittenden and Walton a few years ago. I have a whole new respect for tornados, and when the sirens go off, I head to the basement. Sometimes you don't know where they will hit. W. Liberty got hit hard too, and I think that's just outside of Moorehead. That was an unusual year, as we had several tornados like 15 or so from Indiana to up this way. Lots of damage. As far as I know from the states, Western KY isn't anymore prone than some other areas in KY. If we stay in Kentucky, we plan to head west.

[tamaralj]

I meant from the "stats" on storms and tornados.

[CraigCreek]

There are unfenced rocky overlooks at the top of Indian Fort Mountain - the drops go straight down! But the paths themselves are not along the edge of the mountain, and while they are steep in places, you shouldn't have any trouble.

Check out YouTube videos for a better idea of what it's like there. I think there are a few videos which even include Tillie!

[tamaralj]

Excellent! Thank you CraigCreek.

[tamaralj]

Way cool! At the top you can see the whole valley.

Berea Forest Pinnacle Hike with Forrest - YouTube

[CraigCreek]

Originally Posted by tamaralj

Way cool! At the top you can see the whole valley.

Berea Forest Pinnacle Hike with Forrest - YouTube

I hadn't seen this before, but it's a gorgeous video, especially when watched on YouTube with a full screen. Great fall color, good videography.

Indian Fort Mountain is part of what makes Berea such a special place.

[tamaralj]

Yes, it sure is beautiful, and I did see one video that was in picture form that showed some shots of Tillie. I look forward to going there. It's so awesome to find places that are kind of off the beaten path. You get to experience a whole new area, and be in awe of the beauty. To me it's a blessing when you find places like that.

[tamaralj]

Here is the video with Tillie in it. This must have been her final year.



Hiking with Tillie of Indian Fort Berea, Kentucky Christmas Eve 2012 - YouTube