Indian Staircase Loop + Adena Arch and Overlook from Bison Way
This is an iconic route in Red River Gorge and rightfully so. Sweeping views, adventurous rock scrambling, beautiful arches, and plenty of camping spots combine to make this one of the most popular and beautiful hikes in the region. Navigating this hike can be challenging if you’re not familiar with the area or using a good GPS route, so be sure to load the .GPX file below into your map app and read through the navigation and notes below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eagle Point Buttress Scenic Loop with Unicorn, Osborne Bend, and Moonshiners Arches
This is a classic loop in Red River Gorge that visits three arches and the best south facing overlook in the region. Situated above a bend in Red River, Eagle Point Buttress provides a stunning view if you can manage a very steep section of unmarked and unmaintained trail. Be sure to read the cautions and notes below before heading out.
Henson’s Arch, Whittleton Arch and Falls, Whittleton Branch Falls, Hanson’s Point, The Veranda, and Rush Ridge Overlook Lollipop
Hike to two arches and two premium views with this lollipop route from the Whittleton Branch day use parking lot. Hike this after heavy rains and enjoy Whittleton Arch Falls and Whittleton Branch Falls too!
Flag Rock in Mid-October
This is a short walk to a developed and fenced overlook above the City of Norton. The forest composition is among the most beautiful for fall colors and my favorite pocket of forest in SWVA sits to the right (west) as you walk to the lower viewing area. Along the trail, you’ll see the Woodbooger statue - the local name for sasquatch/bigfoot.
Austin Gap with Ravens Nest, Staircase Caves, and Skyview Rock Shelter
This is a spectacular hike and leads to arguably the most interesting geological formations on Pine Mountain’s 120+ mile ridgeline. At the top, you’ll enjoy massive views east and south across Virginia, a pair of small caves, and an arch complex with a skylight that is absolutely stunning. BUT, you’re gonna have to work for it - see the notes below.
Sunset at Rainbow Point Above Rocky Branch
This is a fantastic overlook that goes by at least two names - Rainbow Point or Rocky Branch Overlook #2. Both names are appropriate, as the curved cliff wall seen from the overlook certainly resembles a rainbow, and it is the second perch above Rocky Branch. Meh, doesn’t matter much - it’s a great spot with an easy 5K walk.
October Sunset at Buzzards Roost Central
We were a couple weeks late on the Fall equinox, but the sunset was gorgeous with mostly clear skies and warm temps for early October. This is the easiest to reach of the three overlooks off the Sky Bridge Picnic Area parking lot - we brought a chair and loads of snacks to enjoy the finish to the day.
Tarr Ridge East Overlook #1 Out and Back
This is one of LaFonda’s favorite overlooks, and it’s among the best to enjoy midday in Red River Gorge. A short, easy walk leads out to a tremendous view south-southwest over Dunkan Branch. Though unmarked and unmaintained, it is well trod and easily navigated with the waypoints below or .gpx file loaded into your favorite map app.
Blackburn Rock Out and Back from Hatton Ridge Road
This is one of the better overlooks in Red River Gorge and a nice sunset spot. This short route is open Spring through Fall using the very long gravel road on Hatton Ridge. Forest Service closes the road in Winter. Read the cautions and notes below before heading out.