Snow Day at Rock Bridge and Creation Falls
Map of Rock Bridge and Creation Falls Hike, Red River Gorge
Elevation Profile of Rock Bridge and Creation Falls Hike, Red River Gorge
Overview. This hike is always a pleasure - and getting a snow day before the road closes for the season is even better! With 6 to 10 inches of snow in the area, the setting was fantastic. I strapped on some microspikes and enjoyed a nice, safe hike over snow and ice.
Route Type | Loop
Total Distance | 1.58 miles
Elevation Gain | 304 feet
Overall Difficulty | Moderate
GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 37.770272, -83.567183
Rock Shelter | 37.769456, -83.567636
Creation Falls | 37.769461, -83.561583
Rock Bridge Arch | 37.770196, -83.561216
Rock Bridge Trail Map
Red River Gorge Trail Map
Parking. Ample parking is available on the circle drive at the trailhead and in the overflow lot. The area fills up over weekends from Spring through Fall, but parking is easiest to find early morning or late afternoon.
Trail navigation. This is a well-marked and maintained trail. Locate the trailhead on the southwest side of the circle drive. Proceed to hike the trail counterclockwise. You’ll pass a healthy sized rock shelter before proceeding to Creation Falls. You can cross the creek past the falls at the confluence of the two creeks. Passing above the falls is an option as well, but that section of creek has a slick rock bed while below the falls there is plenty of sediment to make for sure footing. Continue along the trail to reach Rock Bridge Arch. You’ll come to a trail junction with Swift Camp Creek Trail, turn left to stay on Rock Bridge Trail and ascend back to the parking area, enjoying a partial view along the way.
Winter Road Closure. The 3-mile Rock Bridge Road typically closes at some point during the winter months, but was open on this day. If you visit after the road is closed, you can still hike this, but with an extra 6 miles. Learn more by clicking [here].
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
Rock Bridge West Trailhead, Red River Gorge
Rock Shelter with Small Icicle Chandeliers, Red River Gorge
Rock Creek Dressed in White, Red River Gorge
Creation Falls from the South Bank, Red River Gorge
Creation Falls from the Overlook, Red River Gorge
Creation Falls from Downstream, Red River Gorge
Creation Falls from Beneath the Rock Shelter, Red River Gorge
Front and Center at Creation Falls, Red River Gorge
Rock Bridge on Approach, Red River Gorge
Intersection with Swift Camp Creek Trail, Red River Gorge
A Narrowing Overlook, Red River Gorge
Rock Bridge East Trailhead, Red River Gorge