Blue Heron Overlook - Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

A quarter mile one-way easy walk on a paved trail yields spectacular views of the Big South Fork River near the abandoned coal mining community of Blue Heron. To reach the trailhead from US 27 in Stearns, Kentucky, turn west on KY 92 and drive 1.2 miles. Turn south onto KY 1651 for 1.1 miles and then make a sharp right turn onto KY 742 or Mine 18 Road. Drive 5.7 miles on KY 742, passing into the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and passing the Blue Heron Campground on the right. Turn left onto Gorge Overlook Road and drive 1.3 miles to the parking area at the end of the road.

Although the trail is paved, it is too steep to meet ADA accessibility requirements. I visited the overlook on a weekday in early June 2016 and had the place to myself.

Paved parking

Additional paved parking for buses and RVs

Paved walkway to overlook

Side trail to Blue Heron Loop Trail in 0.2 miles

Approaching the overlook

Blue Heron Overlook

Part of the decking has been removed and temporary handrails installed

Bench seats built in to the structure

Bluff on the opposite side of the river

Devils Jump Overlook

View upstream of Big South Fork

Bluff and river

Entry to Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is free.

The park website is http://www.nps.gov/biso/index.htm.