By Abigail Roberts
The Lincoln County Fiscal Court has joined a citizen-led effort to designate the Halls Gap Overlook as a Kentucky Scenic Byway.
The effort is being led by Stanford resident Scott Maples. Maples has been working to complete preparatory work for the application including the narrative, photographs, maps and stakeholder list.
He also recently led an effort to clean the area up, as littering and vandalism of the stone wall is frequent at the site.
On Tuesday, April 28 Lincoln County Fiscal Court Magistrates approved a resolution in support of those efforts and to serve as a project sponsor.
The resolution proposes the designation of the area beginning at the bottom of the Gap at the intersection of Maywood Road and extends along Ky. Hwy. 1247 to the intersection of Hwy. 1247 and U.S. Hwy. 27 south of Stanford.
“Whereas Halls Gap Overlook, located along this segment of Ky. Hwy. 1247 offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Central Kentucky, with sweeping vistas across five counties (Lincoln, Mercer, Garrard, Boyle and Jessamine) from an elevation of over 1,200 feet,” the resolution states.
The overlook and the designated route are popular with local residents and travelers, yet currently lack formal recognition or protection, the resolution states.
Designating the spot as a Kentucky Scenic Byway by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet would promote tourism and economic development in Lincoln County while encouraging responsible stewardship, clean-ups and preservation of the view-shed, according to the resolution.
The designation requires no financial commitment or expenditure by the county.
“Big thanks to the Lincoln County Fiscal Court,” Maples said Tuesday. “This morning they unanimously passed a resolution supporting designation of the Halls Gap overlook (Highway 1247) as a Kentucky State Scenic Byway and authorized me to submit the formal application.”
Maples said he is grateful for magistrates’ strong support in highlighting one of the county’s most scenic historic spots.
“This is a great step forward and if awarded, opens up grant opportunities for the area. This site deserves the recognition,” he said.
Maples said he will now submit the formal application to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
