Birnt Hills Overlook

The Birnt Hills Overlook marks the approximate location where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, camped in 1805.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition is of significant historical importance for its contributions to westward expansion, mapping, and scientific discovery. The expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, explored the Louisiana Purchase and the Pacific Northwest, expanding American knowledge and strengthening its claim to the region.

The name Birnt Hills refers to the red, fire-baked rock formations called scoria. The overlook provides a vantage point to see how the area's terrain and geology, including coal fires, have shaped the landscape. More information about these features is on the Geology page.

A short .30-mile trail from the trailhead leads to an overlook with four covered benches on a concrete pad and three informational panels detailing explorers Lewis and Clark's time in the area.

Two benches are spaced 0.10 miles apart along this trail, offering views of the grassy, woody terrain.

The adjacent Birnt Hills Loop is a 3-mile loop trail that follows the hill, descends to the river, and then climbs back up to the trailhead.