Overview. We opted for the long way to Lockegee Rock while camping at Twin Knobs and added a quick walk out to Cave Run Lake near our campsite on Loop J to get the half marathon mark. It was a perfect day for the walk with comfy temps and abundant sunshine. The view from the overlook is phenomenal, but massive amounts of graffiti detract from the experience. We added some lake views and returned for sunset from our campsite a short walk from the lake.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 13.41 miles
Elevation Gain | 1,312 feet
Physical Demand | Moderate, Class 3 Scrambles
Navigational Skill | Beginner to Intermediate
*This is an unmarked, but extremely well traveled trail. Scrambling is required to reach the overlook with multiple routes.

GPS Waypoints
Lockegee Rock | 38.122528, -83.447034

Parking. We were camping on Loop J (best for year-round sunsets), but you can park at the day use lot by the beach if you’re not camping.

Fee Area. Note that Twin Knobs requires a day use fee if you’re not camping. If you want to skip the fee, you can just as well drive up to the overlook trailhead

Trail Navigation. Hiking this route is relatively simple. From Twin Knobs Campground, cross over KY-801 and take FR-16/West Clack Mountain Road a little over 6 miles to the unmarked trailhead. From there, follow the wide path toward the overlook. A trail split occurs where the rock begins to rise. Take the left fork for the easier scrambles up to the overlook. Once you pass the massive rock outcropping, you’ll see a route up via rock and a couple dozen paces, another route up some vertical roots. We climbed the rock route and then descended the roots. Once at the top of the scramble route, head east a short ways to the overlook. Retrace your steps to return to the campground. We walked to the end of the loop to the connector trail to the Shoreline Trail and grabbed some lake views.

HIKER NOTE - Graffiti. This is among the most graffiti destroyed places I’ve ever visited. Between the massive amounts of spray paint and deep carvings, it’s a relative shit hole compared to other overlooks. That said, there are few exposed overlooks in the Knobs Region, and the view is spectacular minus the foreground.

HIKER NOTE - Gravel Biking. If you have a gravel bike, this is a nice, clean route from the campsite to the unmarked trailhead. Stash your bike out of sight and lock it up while you hike/scramble to the overlook.

CAUTION - Venomous 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