Snow Day at Bertis Arch

Map of Bertis Arch Loop, Cave Run Lake

Elevation Profile of Bertis Arch Loop, Cave Run Lake

Overview. I thoroughly enjoyed this hike and the arch was more beautiful than expected. Most of the hike is on forest roads and trails, but the portion ascending to Bertis Arch and dropping down the other side of the knob does NOT have a trail. That final approach was dicey today with slick terrain thanks to a blanket of snow and frozen/icy ground and rock. I would suggest hiking this in dry weather for better footing and a much safer hike.

Route Type | Loop
Total Distance | 2.96 miles
Elevation Gain | 457 feet
Overall Difficulty | Moderate with Strenuous Final Approach
*the steep approach to Bertis Arch has no discernable trail; not suitable for inexperienced off trail hikers

GPS Waypoints
FR-914 Trailhead | 38.031539, -83.558031
Turn to Leatherwood Loop Trail #116A | 38.028094, -83.560050
Turn to FR-1054 | 38.022697, -83.560081
Turn to Bertis Arch | 38.021564, -83.561281
Bertis Arch | 38.021833, -83.564100
Turn to FR-914 from Bertis | 38.022469, -83.567489
Cave Run Lake Area Map

Parking. Limited parking for up to three vehicles is available outside the gate to FR-914. Additional parking can be found a little further east on Leatherwood Road as well.

Trail Navigation. Though most of the hike is on marked forest roads and trails, the off trail portion is both steep and the top can be tricky in terms of route finding and footing. Start at the gate to FR-914 off Leatherwood Road and cross the creek. Take care as the concrete crossing can be slick, and it’s best to cross on the side furthest upstream (right) for surest footing. Continue on FR-914 that pulls double duty as Leatherwood Loop Trail #116A (Leatherwood Loop) for a short time until reaching the trail split. Turn left onto Trail #116A and continue until reaching the next marked intersection. Turn right uphill onto FR-1054 and continue until coming almost directly east of Bertis Arch. Take the wide-ish drainage uphill until the exposed sandstone comes into view. From here, switchback (or bulldog) your way up and to lookers’ right of the rock faces. Cross over the ridge line, descend a bit, and move south across the next drainage before beginning your ascent in the only section possible. You’ll see a pair of rocks jutting up above the rest of the ridge. The final approach is to top out between the two. Reach Bertis Arch and enjoy your time there. Descend back to the drainage and more or less follow it down to cross Glady Branch and pop back to FR-914 - the same forest road you started on. Take a right (north) on the road to head back to your vehicle.

CAUTION - Hearty Hikers Only. Most folks will not like this hike because of its strenuous nature once off trail. While it’s a beautiful arch, it requires some physical, navigational, and route finding skills. Novices should not attempt this hike, and less than enthusiastic hikers should skip it as well. It might prove easier with dry conditions, but the snow and ice made for an arduous hike.

HIKER NOTE - Ascent from East Side of Knob. I opted to take the more southerly drainage leading up to Bertis from the east side. The next most northerly drainage was filled with thick, youthful trees that frequently prove problematic to off trail hikers. The drainage selected on this route is relatively wide with far fewer obstructions and delightfully devoid of rhododendron thickets.

HIKER NOTE - Easier as Out and Back from West Side. This would be a much easier hike as an out and back from FR-914. Just follow it to the FR-914/Bertis Drainage Intersection listed above, turn left, get up to the arch, and come back.

HIKER NOTE - Sign In Sheet. There is a clear plastic bottle with a pink lid that contains a few items including a sign in sheet. I placed it near the natural sitting spot and topped it with a small rock to keep it there for the next hiker. LaFonda dropped this down the hillside, so we fixed some paracord for a safe retrieval.

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

FR-914 Gate, Cave Run Lake

Slick Creek Crossing, Cave Run Lake

Intersection with Leatherwood Loop Trail #116A, Cave Run Lake

Split with FR-1054, Cave Run Lake

Turn to Bertis Arch from FR-1054, Cave Run Lake

Neature Below Bertis Arch, Cave Run Lake

A Faint Snow Covered Trail, Cave Run Lake

Approach View of Bertis Arch, Cave Run Lake

Bertis Arch from Beneath, Cave Run Lake

LaFonda Chillin' Under Bertis Arch, Cave Run Lake

Wide Shot of Bertis Arch, Cave Run Lake

Bertis Balanced Rock, Cave Run Lake