Big South Fork Region

This year, I posted a DNF (Did Not Finish) and while a DNF hurts, this one is still hurting weeks later as I write this. Somewhere around mile 6(?), I planted my foot, the rock shifted, and I took a hard fall on my chest and face.

This is an often overlooked arch thanks to its neighboring attractions at Yahoo Recreation Area. When visiting Yahoo Falls, Overlooks, and Arch, make a pit stop here to get the legs warm. And, notice there is a second opening on the east side of the rock formation. See the hiker note below about that.

This is one of the more interesting arches in Kentucky and a short walk in the woods. The trail takes you through the arch and is most commonly hiked as a loop. Short on daylight, we shaved a few steps off the hike with the out and back route instead.

This is one of the best sunset spots in the Commonwealth - and with Split Bow Arch next door, it’s a must-visit anytime you find yourself in the region. And, I have yet to encounter another person on my visits here that are typically on the weekends:-)

This was the first hike I did in the region many years ago, and it remains a great, short hike to one of Kentucky’s most impressive arches. The rock outcropping that seemingly comes up out of nowhere is as impressive as the arch and a beautiful walk in the forest.

This is a nice, quick walk on paved path to a developed platform looking out over Natural Arch and the Great Gulf. It’s worthy of a stop anytime you’re driving by on US-27 and additional hiking with routes ranging from a quarter mile to 6.5 miles on Buffalo Canyon Loop.

I wear a Road ID bracelet and on it is inscribed, “Last Place > DNF > DNS.” Translated, that’s, “Last place is better than did not finish is better than did not start.” Coming in undertrained and in conditions that I’d rather hike than run, I hiked. A lot. And got that last place finish with only seconds to spare:-)

This is among the finest overlooks in Kentucky. Situated high above a bend in Big South Fork with Blue Heron Mining Community on one side and Devil’s Jump on the other, this is a premium vista. And in May, you get to see plenty of mountain laurel lining the last section of trail to the overlook.

It’s always tough to know how big an arch is until you get there. Koger is a big, thick arch that’s also quite photogenic. This short hike has a little elevation gain, but it’s short, so an easy one overall. This is a natural pairing with Princess Falls and/or Dick Gap Overlook.

I’ve always hiked here as part of longer routes, so the day before a 50K race made for a great reason to hike the short version. Princess Falls is among the more playful waterfalls in Kentucky and typically has decent flow except during significant droughts. Along the way, enjoy Julia Lynn Falls that was trickling after a dry stretch, but is gorgeous with recent rains.

This is a nice, short loop through some mixed forest on mostly double track gravel road. Named for the Alpine community that once lived and worked coal mines here, the trail features plenty of wildflowers, an old cemetery, and remnants of the mining operations here.