Overview. 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.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 3.67 miles
Elevation Gain | ~700 feet
Physical Demand | Easy to Moderate with Class 2 Scrambles
Navigation Skill | Intermediate

GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 37.819761, -83.682608
Turn onto ‘Jailhouse Rock Trail’ | 37.823722, -83.690411
Star Gap Branch Overlook (1) | 37.827706, -83.694058
Jailhouse Rock | 37.834242, -83.695675
Star Gap Branch Overlook (2) | 37.832869, -83.697108
Red River Gorge Area Map

Parking. Ample parking is available at the Auxier Ridge Trailhead that has pit toilets, trash receptacles, and picnic tables (off the east side of the parking lot). The lot routinely fills up by 10 a.m. on the busiest weekends, but is largely empty on non-holiday weekdays.

Trail Navigation. This route uses unmarked and unmaintained trails once it departs the gravel forest road that is Double Arch Trail. Be sure to use a map and compass or digital topo map with the .gpx file above loaded for offline use. There is a good amount of fresh deadfall that obscures the trail in some sections, but each can be circumnavigated. Here are the directions in simplest form:

• Start at the gated gravel road on the north end of the traffic circle and walk Double Arch Trail

• Pass the spur to Arch of Triumph on your right at mile 0.15

• Pass a steep uphill spur on your left (goes to a campsite and overgrown overlook) at 0.35 miles

• Pass the spur to Star Gap Arch on your left at mile 0.60

• Turn left at the next spur that has a metal post and a big fallen tree (fresh); this is ‘Jailhouse Rock Trail’

• Continue on the trail until reaching a campsite at about mile 1.2 - crossover on the far side slightly left to drop down to the overlook that has a view of Star Gap Arch (look left)

• Retrace your steps to the campsite and take the far left trail to continue outbound on the ridge

• Scramble down and then up some rocks and continue following the user trail as it undulates up and down until you reach yet another campsite

• Take a right to follow the trail out to Jailhouse Rock that is on the east side of the ridge

• Take in the views here and retrace your steps back to the campsite and continue straight through the campsite to reach another of the Star Gap Branch East Overlooks

• Enjoy the view here (great for sunset) and return to the campsite

• Turn right and descend, retracing your steps all the way back to Double Arch Trail and eventually, the parking lot

HIKER NOTE - More Overlooks. There are other overlooks on that finger of the ridge, but we didn’t have time to reach them and get to packet pick-up on time. The trail narrows beyond Jailhouse Rock, but it is plenty well trod to follow.

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