Military Wall Out and Back - Emergency Brake Pillar Arch, Big Hole Arch, and a Couple More

Nov 8

Map of Military Wall Out and Back - Red River Gorge - Kentucky Hiker Project — Map of Military Wall Out and Back, Red River Gorge

Elevation Profile of Military Wall Out and Back, Red River Gorge

Overview. Big Hole Arch is the highlight on this short, but rewarding hike that crosses paths with two named arches and a couple others that might qualify as arches. Military Wall is one of the few bolted (sport) climbing areas in Daniel Boone National Forest and is maintained by Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition (RRGCC). Be sure to respect climbers on route by walking quietly and giving an extra wide berth. NEVER walk beneath rope between belayer and climber.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 1.55 miles
Elevation Gain | 468 feet
Overall Difficulty | Moderate with Class 2/3 Scrambles
portions of this hike are off the official trail and require scrambling

GPS Waypoints
Martin’s Fork Parking Lot | 37.820158, -83.666983
Rough Trailhead at Martin’s Fork | 37.819267, -83.667542
Split with Military Wall Trail | 37.818989, -83.667561
Arch/Window #1 | 37.815758, -83.669194
Emergency Brake Pillar Arch | 37.815628, -83.669417
Big Hole Arch | 37.814639, -83.670344
Arch/Window #2 | 37.814419, -83.670494
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. Begin at the Martin’s Fork Parking Lot and walk southwest on the road. Reach the Rough Trailhead and walk a short while before reaching the intersection with Military Wall Trail. Take a right at the fork and move uphill past a large, split boulder, and eventually reach Military Wall. Follow the trail, keeping your eyes on the wall to scan for arches. Take your time enjoying the sights until reaching the end of the defined trail. From here, there is a short, but discernable trail to Big Hole Arch that has a modest uphill before dropping down on a Class 2 Scramble to reach the arch. Enjoy this arch, as it’s absolutely stunning in person. From here, retrace a dozen or so paces and take the high route gaining steeply above Big Hole Arch. Circle around on the narrow, defined path and scramble as necessary to reach a small arch/large window. Continue around with a Class 3 Scramble and see a much larger opening on the other side with a tall rock shelter that makes for a quiet, solitary spot for a snack/meal. Retrace your steps from here to return to the parking lot.

HIKER NOTE - Military Wall Arch. If you want to add Military Wall Arch to the route, shortly after taking the split to Military Wall, take the first clearly defined path to the right (northeast) past the belay bases to reach the arch.

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