Shangra La Arch and Falls, Smoky Bridge, Arch, and Falls

Jan 9

Elevation Profile

Overview. This is fast favorite with an arch and waterfall on one side and a bridge, arch, and waterfall on the other! Enjoy this in Winter with a little extra road walking, or visit Spring through Fall as a pair of short out and backs.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 2.5-ish miles
Overall Difficulty | Moderate

GPS Waypoints
Winter Trailhead | 38.374617, -83.126372
Fork to Boat Ramp | 38.368856, -83.127936
Shangra La/4C’s Trailhead | 38.366947, -83.130061
Shangra La Arch | 38.367947, -83.132297
Shangra La Falls | 38.367492, -83.131981
Lower Smoky Bridge Trailhead | 38.368331, -83.126150
Smoky Bridge and Arch | 38.368821, -83.125511
Carter Caves State Resort Park Map

Parking. Winter parking is available at the miniature golf course. The other three seasons, this hike can be broken into two very short out and back hikes with parking near the pool.

Trail navigation. Begin at the gates and walk downhill on the road taking the right fork toward the boat ramp until reaching the Shangra La/4C’s Trailhead on your right (west) with a small pulloff parking lot. Take the trail west until reaching a fork and move right, uphill (north-northwest). You’ll see Shangra La Falls on your left as you approach Shangra La Arch. Please stay on trail here to avoid adding unnecessary user trails to the falls. Once at Shangra La Arch, take your time to study its unique formation before retracing your steps to the fork and go right (west) down to the drainage. From here, move up the drainage to reach Shangra La Falls. These falls are most impressive after some fresh, heavy rains. Retrace your steps back to the road and continue across it past the pool using the sidewalk to reach the lower trailhead for Smoky Bridge. Move downhill using the trail and then steps to take in this impressive bridge. As you approach, you may notice water coming out of the side of the cliff - this is Smoky Bridge Falls. Explore the bridge as long as you like, noticing an arch as you look back toward the steps from the backside of the bridge. Retrace your steps past the pool and turn right (north) to follow the road uphill back to the Winter trailhead.

CAUTION - Poisonous Snakes. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes can be found in the area. Should you encounter one, stop and slowly back away. Always give venemous snakes a wide berth. Know Before You Go => University of Kentucky Venemous 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