It's always a good idea to get outside and explore the plethora of hiking trails throughout Kentucky, no matter the season or even the time of day. Early morning and late afternoon hikes can be some of the most beautiful and it may also help to avoid any crowds. If you enjoy a scenic sunset hike in Kentucky, check out the trail system within the Berea College Forest. The Indian Fort Mountain Trail is especially scenic as the sun goes down and if you time it right, you can watch a bit of the sunset and still make it back to your car before dusk turns into night.

Berea College Forest is one of the oldest managed private forests in the country and the area offers miles of beautiful hiking trails.

This land is filled with history and natural beauty and you can easily see why people have settled here for centuries. While this is a popular system of trails, that doesn't mean you should avoid giving them a try, especially if you're looking for a sunset hike in Kentucky.

You can see in the photo of the map above that Indian Fort Mountain offers several trails, including one that leads to Indian Fort Lookout.

All of these trails are scenic and have spectacular views, but if you stick to the Indian Fort Trail, you'll enjoy a 2-mile hike that winds through these historic woods.

The plant life and wildlife here are robust and the rock formations make this an interesting and unique trail.

It is dog friendly, as long as your furry friend is on a leash and it's open year-round from dawn until dusk.

Depending on the time of year, you can plan your hike to be at the lookout at sunset, which means stunning and memorable views.

The trail is rated moderate thanks to a decent uphill climb, but since it is out and back, you'll be able to enjoy a relaxing walk back. If you visit after a rainfall, be prepared for some mud and always exercise caution near the edges of any rocky overhangs.

If you can, stick around for the moment the sun dips below the hills in the distance.

There are many points throughout these trails to watch the sun set and rise, so visit a few times and find your favorite. Of course, be sure to head out right when it sets so you can be back to your car before dusk ends and night takes over.

And if you do prefer to hike another time, there really is no bad time of day or year to hike around Berea.

If you enjoy hiking in Kentucky and have yet to check out these trails, make plans to visit and maybe even experience a sunset hike in the Bluegrass.

A sunset hike in Kentucky offers fresh air, beautiful scenery and on the right trail, unforgettable views. The Indian Fort Mountain Trail, as well as the others in this Berea forest, are ideal for this time of day or any other time throughout the year. Have you hiked this trail as the sun goes down? What is your favorite spot for a sunset hike in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments!

For more information on this particular hike, visit its Alltrails site and also read more on the Berea College website.

And if you can't get enough of Kentucky sunsets, check out 16 of the most beautiful photos of our state.