Devil’s Market House Arch and KY-122 Arch Out and Back

ArchRed River Gorge RegionCave Run Lake Region

Jan 10

Map of Devil's Market House Arch and KY-122 Arch Hike, Daniel Boone National Forest

Elevation Profile of Devil's Market House Arch and KY-122 Arch Hike, Daniel Boone National Forest

Overview. Devil’s Market House Arch is one of the most beautiful and distinctive arches in all of Kentucky. And, while KY-122 is relatively short in height, the sandstone patterning on the back side of the arch is phenomenal. For an easier day, skip KY-122 Arch and save half the mileage while still catching a highlight reel arch.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 3.3 miles
Elevation Gain | 675 feet
Overall Difficulty | Easy to Moderate
*this hike is unmarked and unmaintained

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Parking. Space for up to two vehicles is available at the ‘trailhead’. Additional parking is available at the edge of the county park a little ways short of this spot.

Trail Navigation. This is unmarked and unmaintained (sort of) and multiple intersections make it easy to get lost without navigation tools and the skills to use them. Begin moving northeast along the forest road. Continue past an intersection with a more faint forest road. Reach a triple intersection and take the middle path to begin moving uphill to gain the ridge top. Continue downhill until reaching the spur (northwest) to Devil’s Market House Arch that is visible from the ridge in wintertime. Retrace your steps up from the arch and turn left (east). Follow the distinct double track in a generally north-northeast direction until reaching the end of the road where a National Forest boundary sign and bearing tree can be found. Move toward the crossover waypoint to reach the adjacent ridgeline and turn right (north-northeast). From here, keep an eye on your GPS point for KY-122 Arch and keep your eyes right. A decent sized step down to the right with worn path is the way to reach KY-122. On our trip, we approached from the other side which provided some neature with a nice rock outcrop, a cute window, and the beginnings of a shelf arch (denoted by the loop on the map above) before reaching the KY-122 Arch through thick, but passable rhododendron. Follow this extra loop route ifn’s you’re bored:-) Alternatively, descend down to the arch and crawl through to the other side to find some beautiful sandstone patterning. Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

HIKER NOTE - Side Trips. Feel free to explore below the ridgelines to discover interesting geology and maybe a couple other arches while you’re out there;-)

CAUTION - Hunting. Fresh cut trees and churned up earth on the forest road leading to a deer stand are enough evidence to take extra care when visiting during hunting season.

CAUTION - Private Property. A private residence is well marked with no trespassing signs just short of the trailhead on the left (west). Trespass at your own risk.

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