By Jeremy Patton
Bald Rock Overlook is located in Daniel Boone National Forest, Laurel County, Kentucky.
I have long wondered why this area is called Bald Rock. I might have finally found the answer on February 4, 2016.
I expected the unofficial trail to descend to the Rockcastle River. Instead, it led to a rocky prominence perched over a one-mile stretch of the river. It is now my favorite Laurel County overlook because it is rarely visited and the only visible sign of humanity is a distant power-line clearing. The stunning scene feels wild and remote.
For now, my best guess is that “Bald Rock” refers to this prominence, although it would not be so bald without maintenance (numerous sawed stumps attest to that fact).
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Next time I visit, I will get the coordinates and post them here. I am 90 percent sure that I can see it from satellite images, but I want to be certain.
Added 2/5/16 – Updated 7/27/26