Fall Sunset at Buzzards Roost South and Keystone Arch
This was a perfect spot to end a beautiful day in Red River Gorge. Hurricane Helene certainly left a mark - damaging the outhouse and leaving plenty of deadfall across the unmarked trail. However, the route was easy to follow and the scenes at the overlook were simply stunning.
Fall Colors at Sky Bridge
This remains one of my favorite short walks anywhere in Kentucky. The double arch is beautiful, the views are outstanding, and the liesegang rings in the sandstone walls are a thing of wonder. Add some fall colors popping in the forest, and well, it’s about as good as it gets.
Fall Colors at Camera Point and Sky Bridge Overlook
This is a nice pair of overlooks that are less frequently visited than the Sky Bridge loop - even though it’s just a short walk down the road. We stopped here to grab a couple quick views that are much improved than prior years thanks to the clearing of the handicap accessible overlook. On a busy Fall day, it was kinda nice to capture some photos of folks walking across the impressive arch.
Fall Colors at Swift Camp Creek North Overlook
This is a very short pop-out overlook just below the developed roadside overlook on the way to Sky Bridge. The clifftop perch has lost some trees and vegetation in recent years - expanding the view and improving its overall vibe.
Fall Colors at Eagle Point Buttress + Moonshiners Arch Out and Back
This short hike stops at Moonshiners Arch before following the river to the turn that goes steeply uphill on loose soil and rock - gaining 374 vertical feet across a quarter-mile of trail (roughly 28% average grade). This is the shortest, but most physically demanding route to reach the point. However, spectacular southerly views above a sharp bend in the river await those who make the climb.
Fall Colors at Bell Falls
Bell Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a classic Red River Gorge cliff line to go with it. We stopped here to enjoy the waterfalls (lower and upper) and the colorful forest scenes to kickoff our day in the Gorge. It had been dry for a good while, so the flow was minimal, but still enjoyable with a little rainbow action at the upper falls which was nice.
2024 Rugged Red Half Marathon featuring Golden Cathedral Arch, Timothy Branch Overlook, and Adventure Mountain Arch
This is such a G-R-E-A-T trail half marathon - private land, camping at the start/finish, loads of good running, a few challenging steeps, four arches, an overlook, finish line beer, and volunteer support beyond anything I’ve ever seen on trail. It was so good that I already signed up for next year and created a team (Kentucky Hikers) - more on that below. Also, I’d put this up there with Land Between the Lakes Trail Races as among the most runnable courses in Kentucky.
Jailhouse Rock and Star Gap Branch East Overlooks
There are innumerable clifftop overlooks scattered across Red River Gorge. This hike will take you out to three of them on the ‘Jailhouse Rock Trail’ that is a user created, unmarked, and unmaintained spur off Double Arch Trail’s road section. It is easily one of the better overlooks in the region with wide views east and the other overlooks featured on this hike face west. If camping, hit one of the west facing views over Star Gap Branch for sunset and wake up early to catch sunrise at Jailhouse Rock. Also, recent blowdowns obstruct sections of the trail, so if you’re packing a handsaw, feel free to clear a few limbs to preserve the original trail.
Crystal Onyx Cave Upper Tour
This is a beautiful privately owned cave with plenty of quirkiness to go with it (see pics below). The tour was led by an outstanding guide, Gary Russell, who was extremely knowledgeable and highly entertaining. When visiting Cave Country, be sure to include some privately owned caves in addition to those found in Mammoth Cave National Park.
Thelma Stovall Park and Arboretum Fitness Loop and Launch
This is a very nice municipal park with a paved fitness loop, busy pickleball courts, boat ramp, kayak rentals, arboretum, and 4.5 mile singletrack hiking trail that I didn’t know existed. With limited time, I walked the paved loop, but will return to hike the wooded trails and put in for a long paddle on Green River (~38 miles).
Kentucky Stonehenge
This is a welcome break from driving when visiting Cave Country and points south - like Nashvegas, for example. Built over the course of five years by former Mayor Chester Fryer in the early part of this century, Kentucky Stonehenge is as close as you’ll get to the real Stonehenge without leaving the friendly confines of the Commonwealth. Add in an impressive stone cross, some hand chiseled rock canons, and a few other rock arrangements, and it’s a nice half mile stroll around the neighborhood.
Blue Heron Loop and Spurs from the Top
This is one of the most beautiful loops in Kentucky. We hiked this from the top to see if we could catch changing skies at the overlooks (we didn’t), but the loop has Blue Heron Overlook, Cracks in the Rocks, plenty of mining history, access to the river, Devil’s Jump, a couple beaches, and Devil’s Jump Overlook. If I’d have hiked this with LaFonda, no question we would’ve spent an hour soaking in the river.
Koger Arch Out and Back
This is a short hike to an impressive arch in Big South Fork NRRA. The region is littered with arches, but this is one of the finest among them and should always be included in your itinerary when visiting this part of the recreation area. After visiting Dick Gap Overlook, stop here - parking is easier this way too!
Catawba Overlook the Easy Way
This is the easiest route to a nice overlook with a fine view of Blue Heron Mining Community down below. The trail is partially shared with horses and is a little mucky even after a few dry days. When wet, head to the waterfalls a little further along the trail - see notes below.
Sunrise at Dick Gap Overlook and Arch
Dick Gap Overlook sits high above a beautiful bend in the Big South Fork across from Blue Heron Mining Community. The views are spectacular year-round, but nearest the summer solstice, the sun down the seam above Devil’s Jump. When fog is thick, as it was on our visit, some patience is required to wait for the fog to lift. We enjoyed a nice halo scene as a result.
Everything Except Auxier Ridge
This is an incredibly scenic route and was especially so with the lively clouds we enjoyed throughout the day. This hike visits seven named overlooks and four arches with a handful of unnamed overlooks to go with it. Mostly ridgeline hiking, be sure to pack plenty of water and electrolytes on hot days and leave a water cache if needed (we did) because there are zero reliable water sources on the route.
2024 Carter Caves Half Marathon
The Carter Caves Half Marathon is Kentucky’s prettiest half marathon. Prior to the pandemic, this race was put on by EJ Adventures and has since been resurrected after a couple years off by John’s Run/Walk Shop out of Lexington, Kentucky. The race tours some of the iconic natural bridges and arches and the forest here is truly beautiful.
2024 Sheltowee Trace Ultras - 50K Course
I signed up for the race with my buddy, Handsome Klatzke, to celebrate his 50th birthday with 50 miles. We both put in a good block of training, but it was an unknown - neither of us had ever run 50 miles before. As of this writing, ONE of us knows what it’s like to run 50 miles, and it ain’t me:-)
Sheltowee Trace Section Hike - Scenic Alternate - Corner Ridge Road to Red River with Indian Staircase, Shawnee Arch, Frog’s Head, and Adena Arch and Overlook
This scenic alternate adds the iconic Indian Staircase along with a couple arches, plenty of views, and the expansive Council Chamber. Most find it easier to hike this southbound to take advantage of the net descent and provide uphill access to Indian Staircase. Scrambling is required.
Sheltowee Trace Section Hike - Standard Route - Red River to Corner Ridge Road
This is the standard route for Sheltowee Trace between the backpackers’ lot on the north side of Red River and Corner Ridge Road. The Trace passes Jump Rock, Indian Arch, and Salt Fork before climbing a double track forest road to Corner Ridge.