Fort Jefferson Hill Scenic Overlook Guide

Have you ever been to Fort Jefferson Hill Scenic Overlook near Wickliffe, Kentucky?

This is a great roadside stop if you’re visiting Wickliffe Mounds or biking on the Mississippi River Trail. It features a beautiful overlook, various walking opportunities, and a magnificent memorial cross located near the main area.

In this trail guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting Fort Jefferson Hill Scenic Overlook and share videos and photos that I’ve taken from my visits.

Information and History About Fort Jefferson Hill Scenic Overlook

Fort Jefferson was named after Thomas Jefferson and established by William Clark’s brother, George Rogers Clark, in 1780. The fort was abandoned a year later due to a lack of men from local illnesses. The site was visited by Lewis and Clark in 1803, with William Clark noting in his journal that “I was at old fort Jefferson; it is entirely grown up with Trees,” indicating signs of decay.

The site was also used during the Civil War as a Union Army post. The cross once stood at Wickliffe Mounds and was later relocated to Fort Jefferson Hill. The area now serves as a roadside attraction featuring historical information and tourist activities.

How to Reach the Fort Jefferson Hill Scenic Overlook

See this Google Maps Link for the location of this site. Input your current location to find the best directions to Fort Jefferson Hill and the Memorial Cross. This area can be reached by motor vehicle and bicycle.

All roads leading to this site are paved and in good condition. Please ensure that you adhere to local speed limits and drive with care. There is adequate parking for most vehicles.

While the roads are paved, please use caution in the event of heavy rain or any sort of wintry precipitation.

What You Will See at the Fort Jefferson Hill Scenic Overlook

The Fort Jefferson Hill Scenic Overlook is the main feature of this area. It overlooks the Mississippi River. In front of you is Missouri, and to your right is the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers when looking from the overlook.

There is a nice ADA-friendly concrete walking path that you can use. There is a sign indicating how many times you would need to walk the path to cover one mile, which is helpful if you’re there to exercise. Most of the path is in the sun, so be sure to wear sun protection.

There are historical signs around the parking area, cross, and welcome center. The signs explain the area and its historical significance of the area. This area was important during the American Revolution, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the Civil War.

The Memorial Cross also resides at this site. It was formerly located at the Wickliffe Mounds site and was later relocated to this spot. There is plenty of reading material around the cross to look at, as well.

Special Guidelines and Safety Information

Please practice common-sense safety when visiting Fort Jefferson Hill. Watch your step and stay away from the edges of the cliff. Remain on the path or roads to avoid most hazards.

This is a day-use only site.

Lodging, Dining, Shopping, and Sightseeing Nearby

For lodging in the area, check out the Riverview BnB located in Wickliffe.

Kentucky Hillbilly BBQ is said to be some of the best BBQ in the area. This is located in Wickliffe across from the Wickliffe Mounds site.

There are other stores, cafes, a dollar store, and gas stations in Wickliffe.

While visiting Fort Jefferson Hill, I recommend checking out Wickliffe Mounds and visiting the museum while you’re there.

Final Advice About the Kincaid Mounds

Fort Jefferson Hill Scenic Overlook is best visited as a side trip on the way to something else or on your return.

I recommend checking it out during the fall colors season. I think that would be one of the prettiest times of the year to see it. The winter with snow and ice would be spectacular as well, but make sure you use extremely caution as it will be slick.

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And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail.

Watch the videos for this trail!

Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area.

Check out the trail gallery!

Enjoy these photos taken around this area!

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Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!