Overview. When folks visit Red River Gorge for the first time, I always recommend this hike. It’s a gorgeous mile and a half through Clifty Wilderness with the always playful Creation Falls and beautiful Rock Bridge. Kids love it; dogs love it; everyone loves it!

Route Type | Loop
Total Distance | 1.49 miles
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.

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