Osborne Bend Loop with Unicorn and Osborne Bend Arches

Jan 31

Map of Osborne Bend Loop - Red River Gorge - Kentucky Hiker Project — Map of Osborne Bend Loop, Red River Gorge

Elevation Profile of Osborne Bend Loop, Red River Gorge

Overview. This quiet loop combines single track, double track, and road for a nice walk through the woods. Along the way, we enjoyed a pair of small, but beautiful arches with Unicorn Arch particularly stunning thanks to ice curtains on either side of it. Also, don’t completely discount the road walk. The wintertime views of Hens Nest and Sky Bridge are a nice bonus!

Route Type | Loop
Total Distance | 9.38 miles
Elevation Gain | 1,123 feet
Overall Difficulty | Easy to Moderate

GPS Waypoints
East Trailhead | 37.820333, -83.574822
Unicorn Arch | 37.825528, -83.572344
Osborne Bend Arch | 37.825886, -83.571583
Junction with Lost Trail | 37.849769, -83.575422
West Trailhead | 37.825844, -83.597372
Osborne Bend Trail Map
Red River Gorge Area Map

Parking. Several parking spots are available at the trailhead just short of the bridge and along KY-715. Please be sure to never park at the marked emergency vehicle spot. This is one of the most common search and rescue staging areas thanks to lost and injured hikers attempting to reach Eagle Point Buttress.

Trail Navigation. Begin at the East Trailhead moving uphill behind the info boards. The gain here is relatively steady, but not terribly steep. As you move uphill, the cliffsides will move closer to the trail. Keep your eyes left to spot Unicorn Arch just off the trail. Move past the arch for the safest route up. Continue hiking uphill until reaching a user trail that goes up and over a long, relatively flat slice of sandstone. A campsite will appear on the other side. Move downhill to find Osborne Bend Arch. Retrace your steps to the campsite and move past it uphill on the defined user trail until intersecting with the wide, official trail. Continue the loop that from here is very peaceful with lower density forest and gently rolling topography. You’ll note some signage to keep you on trail including a “No Trail” sign and an arrowed sign. Follow the white diamond blazes, looping around counterclockwise. Eventually, you’ll reach the intersection with Lost Branch and not too far after that, you’ll begin your descent. The downhill section can be dicey with ice (microspikes recommended), as the trail collects water that freezes to flat, solid ice steps. Reach KY-715 and walk 2+ miles eastbound until returning to the East Trailhead.

HIKER NOTE - Best When Frozen or Dry. Horses have frequented sections of this loop - leaving some messy trail as a result. To avoid shoe sucking muck, hike this when frozen or dry.

HIKER NOTE - Just the Arches. You can enjoy the arches as a short 1.2 mile out and back instead of the much longer loop. Start at the East Trailhead and walk to the waypoints. Unicorn is adjacent and visible from the trail; Osborne Bend is a short walk off trail on well trod user trails.

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