Overview. History, sandstone windows, beautiful crags, white haired goldenrod, and even a couple nice views - this little loop is more enjoyable each time I visit. The trail, named for a piece of wood hut believed to be inscribed by Daniel Boone beneath a giant rock shelter, loops down into the gorge before rising up via Rough Trail with a couple views before regaining the ridge. Not an easy hike, but an excellent short loop in the Red.

Route Type | Loop
Total Distance | ~2 miles
Elevation Gain | 515 feet
Overall Difficulty | Moderate with a Strenuous Climb

GPS Waypoints
D Boon Hut Trailhead | 37.807592, -83.658236
D Boon Hut | 37.807086, -83.664164
Lower View | 37.808914, -83.662094
Upper View | 37.808978, -83.661892
Gray’s Arch Trailhead | 37.808425, -83.657597
Red River Gorge Area Map

Parking. Ample parking is available at the trailhead, in the Gray’s Arch Recreation Area Lot, just past the trailhead at Archaic Parking Lot, or down the other way at Pinch ‘em Tight Parking Lot. Weekends fill up fast, so arrive early or late and do NOT park on Tunnel Ridge Road to avoid a hefty parking ticket.

Trail Navigation. Locate the D Boon Hut Trailhead on the south side of the circle drive. From here, descend into the gorge using stairs before coming alongside a fenced patch of white haired goldenrod beneath a narrow, but tall rock overhang. Continue to hug the cliff wall to avoid turning onto a wide user trail that leads to another rock shelter. Walk around the cliffline, following the white diamond blazes before reaching the spur trail to D Boon Hut. Take in the sandstone windows just right of another patch of white haired goldenrod before making your way to the large rock shelter that Daniel Boone is thought to have called home on his hunting expeditions. Take in the forest views here which are among the finest in the region. Retrace your steps and peek around the corner past the patch of goldenrod to see a beautiful sandstone crag climbers will find enticing. Connect to the main trail and continue descending toward Martin’s Fork. At the trail junction with Rough Trail, turn right (east/southeast) to begin a classic ascent out of the gorge. This is a strenuous, but short climb, so take your time and take a breath when needed. A short break in the climb circles around an uneven cliff face. Look up to see where your next view will be. Continue climbing with eyes open for spurs to narrow viewpoints and take them in. You’ll eventually come to the upper view that is on a spur on approach left of a large open patch of rock commonly (and illegally) used as a campsite. Check this view before finishing the ascent at the Gray’s Arch Trail intersection. Take Gray’s Arch Trail along the flat section until returning to the parking lot.

HIKER NOTE - White Haired Goldenrod. Though goldenrod is common in Kentucky, this particular species only grows in Red River Gorge (an endemic species). They can be found behind fences to protect the sliver of habitat where they grow - beneath sandstone rock shelters. And, the white hair? Check the leaves and stems, not the flowers.

HIKER NOTE - Late Afternoon Views. These are less expansive overlooks that sit a little too low for an ideal sunset view, but late afternoon is a great time to be here - particularly with some thin, high clouds overhead. If you’re itching for some sun, feel free to bake here as well:-)

CAUTION - Deadly Drops. Long falls from high places are the #1 non-health related cause of death for hikers in Kentucky. Keep your distance from the edges of cliffs to avoid a deadly fall. Young children should be kept close.

CAUTION - Poisonous Snakes. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes can be found in the area. Should you encounter one, stop and slowly back away. Always give venomous snakes a wide berth. Know Before You Go => University of Kentucky Venomous Snake Guide

CAUTION - Black Bears. Ursus Americanus - a.k.a. the American black bear is growing in population throughout much of Kentucky. Know Before You Go => US Forest Service Black Bear Safety Tips