Overview. This is a beautiful arch sitting up above Red River in Clifty Wilderness. Littered with deadfall from the last couple decades or more and featuring a steep final approach with a little spice, it’s a fun and enjoyable hike for experienced, adventurous hikers.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 4.74 miles
Elevation Gain | 575 feet
Overall Difficulty | Easy with Short Class 2 Scrambles
^this trail is unmarked and unmaintained; experienced hikers only; the easy rating is for seasoned hikers; less experienced off trail hikers can easily get lost or injured

GPS Waypoints
Parking | 37.794507, -83.555623
Large Intersection | 37.796367, -83.557508
Gated Trailhead | 37.795939, -83.558219
Sharp Turn | 37.801253, -83.559928
Red Byrd Arch | 37.815250, -83.550552
^no official maps exist for this hike

Parking. Two wheel drive vehicles without above average ground clearance should park at the fork with FD-1000. More capable vehicles can drive a little further without much advantage. Do NOT block either of these roads.

Trail Navigation. Between 80 and 90 percent of the trail is on double track forest roads traversing the ridge line. Though deadfall is persistent along the route, side trails exist around the most problematic spots - just be careful not to lose the trail in the process. The final section to Red Byrd Arch is single track, steep, and can be extremely slick when wet. The scrambles are short (one or two moves), but dangerous nonetheless. Hike with a partner and turn back if you’re not confident in your ability to execute the scrambles both descending and ascending. Use the GPS waypoints to avoid extra mileage on the substantial network of forest roads in the area.

Start your hike from the fork with FD-1000. Walk the forest road uphill and continue left at the large intersection. Scan the right side to locate the gate that is the trailhead for this hike. Walk this old forest road with deadfall greeting you shortly. Continue on the well defined road before reaching the sharp turn that is above the roadbed on the right. This turn is easily missed, as we demonstrated on this day:-) On this section of trail, deadfall is more frequent and more problematic. Look for established footpaths around the nastiest spots and take them before returning to the long-out-of-service forest road. Eventually, this will reach some rhododendron that indicates the end of the forest road and the beginning of the single track descent to Red Byrd Arch. Stay on this steeply descending path before reaching the spicy spots. As a rule, it’s best to get low and dirty to reduce fall risk. In addition, take it easy on the vegetation. There is little need for it other than a light balancing grip. Continue steeply down and the arch will come into view. Take your time here and enjoy the scene before retracing your steps to return to your vehicle.

HIKER NOTE - Dry Conditions Preferred. The descent to Red Byrd Arch is steep and best when the trail is dry in terms of safety and reducing your erosion impact on the thin, single track user trail.

HIKER NOTE - Forest Roads Aplenty. There was a surprising number of forest roads in the area. Be sure to use the GPS waypoints to avoid taking the wrong one. I also believe at least one of these roads connects to Castle Arch to the northwest of the trailhead.

CAUTION - Class 2 Scrambles. There are three spots near Red Byrd Arch that require some modest scrambles. On the descent, get on all fours and on your backside as needed. On the way back up, beware of weak/loose vegetation by favoring bare rock with your holds to lift your body up.

CAUTION - Deadfall. There is substantial deadfall with much of it being quite old. Take care to test the weight bearing ability of some of this before stepping on and over more brittle trees that are often slick with moss. Also be careful not to lose the trail when circumnavigating the larger deadfall spots.

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