Half Moon

Half Moon sits at 1,014 feet along the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway, facing 300 degrees. The terrain drops 326 feet within 600 meters of the overlook, giving the ground a steep pitch below the viewpoint. To the northwest, Fortress Wall rises to 1,235 feet, 1.9 miles away. Because the facing direction is 30 degrees off due west, the view leans toward the evening sky rather than square into the sunset; on the June solstice the sun sets at 21:01, while on the December solstice it sets at 17:20, so the light available at the overlook shifts considerably across the year. The nearest towns are well off to the west: Winchester at 32.6 miles, Richmond at 37.1 miles, and Berea at 40.8 miles. This stop falls between Hansen's Point and Chimney Top Rock along the byway route.