Martin’s Fork Short Loop and Overlooks

Feb 13

Elevation Profile of Martin's Fork Short Loop and Overlooks, Red River Gorge

Overview. This is the ‘short’ loop from Martin’s Fork that includes Rough Trail’s Stepped Overlooks, Military Wall Overlook, Mid-level Arch, Gray’s Arch, The Veranda, Rush Ridge Overlook, and D Boon Hut. It is an excellent sampler platter and solid introductory hike on official and unofficial trails in Red River Gorge.

Route Type | Lollipop
Total Distance | 8.13 miles
Elevation Gain | 1,676 feet
Overall Difficulty | Moderate with Class 2 Scrambles

GPS Waypoints
Parking Lot | 37.820247, -83.666886
Martin’s Fork Trailhead | 37.819503, -83.667339
Rough Trail Stepped Overlooks (4) | 37.809008, -83.661961
Junction with Gray’s Arch Trail | 37.808953, -83.660511
Turn to Military Wall Overlook | 37.814906, -83.660625
Military Wall Overlook | 37.815425, -83.665078
Mid-Level Arch | 37.817942, -83.657719
Spur to Gray’s Arch | 37.817703, -83.658092
Gray’s Arch | 37.816986, -83.658031
Turn to The Veranda | 37.819236, -83.645575
The Veranda | 37.818119, -83.641011
Junction with Rush Ridge Trail | 37.819181, -83.645906
Rush Ridge Overlook | 37.814500, -83.649061
Junction with Pinch ‘em Tight Trail | 37.807914, -83.653161
Junction with Tunnel Ridge Road | 37.807333, -83.655978
D Boon Hut Trailhead | 37.807409, -83.657879
Turn to D Boon Hut | 37.807717, -83.663525
Red River Gorge Area Map

GPX File

KML File

Parking. Limited parking is available at the Martin’s Fork parking lot on KY-77 (Nada Tunnel Road). This lot frequently fills up over the weekends from Spring through Fall.

Trail Navigation. This route combines marked and maintained official trails with unmarked and unmaintained user trails. Be sure to download the GPS files, waypoints, and area map prior to heading out. From the parking lot, head southwest using the gravel path to reach the trailhead. Continue across the footbridge onto Rough Trail and continue past junctions with Military Wall Trail, Left Flank Trail, and D Boon Hut Trail. Enjoy the walk along Martin’s Fork before ascending steeply. Continue the ascent and notice each of the overlooks as you reach the top of the ridge. At the very top, find an illegal campsite and take the spur out to the last of the stepped overlooks for a very fine view. Return to Rough Trail and reach the intersection with Gray’s Arch Trail after a very short while. Turn left (north-northwest) to continue on Rough Trail/Gray’s Arch Trail and descend two staircases. At the bottom of the second, make a sharp left around the corner to see Mid-level Arch. Return to the trail and descend a third set of stairs and continue straight before reaching the bottom of the hollow. From here, ascend to Gray’s Arch and take in the scene here. Retrace your steps when finished and at the fork, go right (east) to continue on Rough Trail and make the ascent to Rush Ridge. You’ll reach a junction at the top with Rush Ridge Trail - continue left (east) and descend maybe 30 paces to reach a “stay on trail” sign. Walk straight past the sign onto user trail that is thinner and has more brush. Follow the widest path that turns north, but eventually turns back to the east until it ends at The Veranda. Retrace your steps back to Rough Trail and continue straight and slightly uphill back to the junction with Rush Ridge Trail. Turn left (southwest) and take the marked trail to the junction with Pinch ‘em Tight Trail and go straight (west) until reaching Tunnel Ridge Road. Take the road to the far end of the semi-circle drive that is Gray’s Arch Recreation Area to locate the D Boon Hut Trailhead at the corner. Walk this marked trail and be sure to follow the white diamond blazes. Side trails leave the official trail, so doublecheck. Most of this will be downhill until reaching the spur to D Boon Hut that is a fenced in archaeological site where a piece of wood was found with the inscription “D Boon”. The natural beaty is facing away from the fence into the deep hollow with mature hardwoods rising high. Retrace your steps back to the main trail and descend to the bottom of the drainage before moving uphill for a bit before a nice, steady downhill back to Rough Trail and Martin’s Fork Parking Lot.

HIKER NOTE - Longer Options. This is the “short” loop. The “mid” goes out to Hanson’s Point and loops via Pinch ‘em Tight. The “long” goes out to Koomer Ridge coming back on Buck Trail.

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