Lovers Leap Out and Back

Aug 23

Elevation Profile of Lovers Leap Out and Back, Breaks Interstate Park

Overview. This is the first of several overlooks at Breaks Interstate Park that straddles the Virginia-Kentucky border and was mighty gorgeous on my visit with full sun and bluebird skies. Take in the views from the road or walk a couple tenths of a mile for a little closer look.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 0.21 miles
Elevation Gain | 97 feet
Overall Difficulty | Easy with Lots of Steps

GPS Waypoints
Roadside Parking | 37.281661, -82.288033
Gate | 37.281442, -82.288050
Lovers Leap Overlook | 37.281264, -82.289194
Breaks Interstate Park Map

Parking. There is room for up to 6 or 7 vehicles along the road with additional parking just uphill at Mill Rock Point.

Trail Navigation. Walk south on the gravel road descending modestly until reaching the chained gate. Continue past and follow the wooden steps down to the overlook. Retrace your steps to return to the parking area.

HIKER NOTE - Fee Free. Lovers Leap is located outside the park gate, so no fee is collected for visiting here.

HIKER NOTE - Sunrise. This can be a magical spot for sunrise on a low river fog kind of day. The fog quite literally flows like a river circling the bend and is lit up from behind. On heavy fog days, get to higher ground and past the gorge to State Line Overlook or head out to Birch Knob Observation Tower. It’s a long drive on country and then gravel forest roads to the tower, but worth the hour+ drive.

HIKER NOTE - Sunset. This makes for a great sunset spot year-round and is particularly pretty on a snow covered winter’s day. You can hit all the overlooks for sunset and get a different scene at each.

CAUTION - Deadly Drops. Long falls from high places are the #1 non-health related cause of death for hikers in Kentucky. Keep your distance from the edges of cliffs to avoid a deadly fall. Young children should be kept close.

CAUTION - Poisonous Snakes. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes can be found in the area. Should you encounter one, stop and slowly back away. Always give venomous snakes a wide berth. Know Before You Go => University of Kentucky Venomous Snake Guide

CAUTION - Black Bears. Ursus Americanus - a.k.a. the American black bear is growing in population throughout much of Kentucky. Know Before You Go => US Forest Service Black Bear Safety Tips