Koomer Ridge Campground Loop

Dec 12

Elevation Profile of Koomer Ridge Campground Loop, Red River Gorge

Overview. This hike combines popular short hikes surrounding Koomer Ridge Campground into a single loop that includes Hidden Arch, Silvermine Arch, and Cliff Trail for a total of about five miles. It’s a great way to spend a day - whether staying at the campground or visiting for the day.

Route Type | Loop and Spur
Total Distance | 5.07 miles
Elevation Gain | 791 feet
Overall Difficulty | Easy to Moderate

GPS Waypoints
Koomer Ridge Day Use Parking Lot | 37.787058, -83.623989
Hidden Arch | 37.788344, -83.639853
Silvermine Arch | 37.787058, -83.623989
Koomer Ridge All Trails Guide from USFS

Parking. Ample parking is available in the day use/backpacking lot. Turn left at the fork when entering the campground and make another left at the first intersection across from the Camp Host. Do NOT park in numbered parking spaces that are designated for use by campers.

Trail Navigation. From the infoboard, walk back on the road and locate the connector trailhead to the left (north) of the camp host. Take that trail and stay left until reaching a fork to cross the campground parking lot to reach the Koomer Ridge Trailhead. Walk past the campsites and continue into the forest until reaching the fork for Hidden Arch. Fork left (northwest) to descend to Hidden Arch. Continue past the arch and uphill to reach the northern junction with Koomer Ridge Trail and turn right (south) to return to the campground. Once on the pavement, turn left toward the garbage bins and locate the connector trail here. Continue east/northeast until reaching the amphitheater and turn left toward Silvermine Arch. Reach the next junction and turn left again toward the arch. Walk the trail, descend the 79+ steps and reach the arch shortly thereafter. Take it all in from the many viewing angles before retracing your steps to turn left at the first junction onto Cliff Trail. Follow the trail that takes a short patch of pavement walking before going out to the clifftops where a number of developed overlooks can be found. Enjoy the sights and appreciate the height of these cliffs. Continue to the end of the trail and road walk until reaching the connector path to the main trail that will return you to the parking lot.

HIKER NOTE - Waterfalls. There are no less than six off-trail, seasonal waterfalls off the western and eastern portions of this loop in the Chimney Top Creek watershed.

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