Sunset at Twilight Arch Overlook

Jun 23

Map of Twilight Arch Overlook Out and Back - Red River Gorge - Kentucky Hiker Project — Map of Twilight Arch Overlook Out and Back, Red River Gorge

Elevation Profile of Twilight Arch Overlook Out and Back, Red River Gorge

Overview. I had visited this overlook a couple weeks back and brought LaFonda out for a quick sunset hike. Twilight Arch Overlook is quiet and beautiful with sweeping 180-degree views ideal for sunset year-round. There’s a catch, of course, so be sure to read the hiker notes below.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 3.14 miles
Elevation Gain | 445 feet
Overall Difficulty | Easy

GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 37.743006, -83.687803
Turn 1 to Twilight Arch | 37.754103, -83.701358
Turn 2 to Twilight Arch | 37.753944, -83.701803
Twilight Arch Overlook | 37.752750, -83.702858
*this hike includes unmarked and unmaintained user trails; no official trail maps exist; navigation skills required

GPX File

KML File

Parking. Limited parking for up to 3 vehicles is available across the road from the trailhead. No services are available here, so pack out all the things (including TP/wipes) and use the restroom before you arrive.

Trail Navigation. Locate the trailhead with two large rocks and a footbridge marked with a white diamond Sheltowee Trace blaze. Begin walking the ridgeline on double track that formerly served as 4WD trail and is now foot travel only. You'll meander a bit, passing a couple berms and a barrier to keep out vehicles of any kind. As you approach The Narrows atop White's Branch Arch, the ridge will skinny down to a relatively thin strip of exposed rock. Continue uphill until reaching Turn 1 listed above and make a sharp left onto grassy double track. Reach Turn 2 listed above and turn left onto less defined single track that gently descends to the overlook through classic Red River Gorge ridgetop scrub. Take your time to enjoy the sights and feel free to drop down just before the brief climb to the overlook to see Twilight Arch. When you've had your fill, retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

HIKER NOTE - 4WD, Above Average Clearance. The final stretch of road to the trailhead is narrow single lane gravel road with an uneven surface, no bumpouts for passing, and mature trees immediately adjacent. In other words, 4WD with above average clearance is best and passing is challenging - possibly requiring a lengthy reverse. As a rule, the more capable vehicle should yield.

HIKER NOTE - Quiet Hike. It’s likely you’ll have this hike to yourself because it’s a long drive from Red River Gorge Proper, a long hike from developed trailheads at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, and there are much shorter hikes to more beautiful spots closer to the main hiking area.

CAUTION - Night Hiking with Cliffs. Portions of this hike will put you only a few feet from the tops of cliffs that can be obscured by underbrush at night. Take extra care if you head back in low light - even if you have a headlamp. If it’s black, it’s empty air - do NOT go there!!!!! ALWAYS keep your eyes focused on the next step and make sure that next step will be on actual ground, not over the side of a cliff. Move underbrush out of the sightline between your eyes and your next footfall - failure to do this on our hike would have resulted in a long step down and guaranteed injury with a better than average shot at death.

CAUTION - Deadly Drops. Long falls from high places are the #1 non-health related cause of death for hikers in Kentucky. Keep your distance from the edges of cliffs to avoid a deadly fall. Young children should be kept close.

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