Indian Staircase Loop + Adena Arch and Overlook from Bison Way
Arch, Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr Arch, Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr

Indian Staircase Loop + Adena Arch and Overlook from Bison Way

This is an iconic route in Red River Gorge and rightfully so. Sweeping views, adventurous rock scrambling, beautiful arches, and plenty of camping spots combine to make this one of the most popular and beautiful hikes in the region. Navigating this hike can be challenging if you’re not familiar with the area or using a good GPS route, so be sure to load the .GPX file below into your map app and read through the navigation and notes below.

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Fall Colors at Eagle Point Buttress + Moonshiners Arch Out and Back
Arch, River, Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr Arch, River, Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr

Fall Colors at Eagle Point Buttress + Moonshiners Arch Out and Back

This short hike stops at Moonshiners Arch before following the river to the turn that goes steeply uphill on loose soil and rock - gaining 374 vertical feet across a quarter-mile of trail (roughly 28% average grade). This is the shortest, but most physically demanding route to reach the point. However, spectacular southerly views above a sharp bend in the river await those who make the climb.

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Fall Colors at Bell Falls
Waterfall, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr Waterfall, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr

Fall Colors at Bell Falls

Bell Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a classic Red River Gorge cliff line to go with it. We stopped here to enjoy the waterfalls (lower and upper) and the colorful forest scenes to kickoff our day in the Gorge. It had been dry for a good while, so the flow was minimal, but still enjoyable with a little rainbow action at the upper falls which was nice.

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Eagle Point Buttress Scenic Loop with Unicorn, Osborne Bend, and Moonshiners Arches
Arch, Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr Arch, Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr

Eagle Point Buttress Scenic Loop with Unicorn, Osborne Bend, and Moonshiners Arches

This is a classic loop in Red River Gorge that visits three arches and the best south facing overlook in the region. Situated above a bend in Red River, Eagle Point Buttress provides a stunning view if you can manage a very steep section of unmarked and unmaintained trail. Be sure to read the cautions and notes below before heading out.

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Ice Cone at Copperas Falls
Waterfall, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr Waterfall, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr

Ice Cone at Copperas Falls

This is a top destination after a deep freeze thanks to the accessibility and gorgeous scenes at Copperas Falls on ice. We arrived after a long cold snap that eventually formed a full ice column. We caught it mid-formation, and the ice chandelier and cone were fantastic - especially with blue skies and abundant sunshine coming through the forest. Add snow falling from the trees, and it was a magical day on trail.

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Ice Cone at Bell Falls
Waterfall, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr Waterfall, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr

Ice Cone at Bell Falls

We stopped at Bell Falls for a preview of what was to come at Copperas Falls. After a cold snap, conditions were perfect to see the frozen falls on a sunny bluebird day. This is a short walk from the road, but was a little slick thanks to a light coating of snow. During larger snow and ice events, microspikes would be an excellent idea. As it was, plain old hiking shoes were just fine.

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Red River Gorge Northeast Loop with Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, and Indian Staircase
Arch, Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr Arch, Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr

Red River Gorge Northeast Loop with Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, and Indian Staircase

If you split the gorge into quadrants with Sheltowee Trace and Red River as bisectors, this would be the northeast loop using mostly marked trails with only three unofficial user trails to Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, and Indian Staircase. It’s a beautiful route and the road walk is made more interesting with the gorge’s incredible geology ever present. Check below for enjoyable add-ons as well.

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Red River Gorge Northside Traverse with Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, and Indian Staircase
Arch, Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr Arch, Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr

Red River Gorge Northside Traverse with Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, and Indian Staircase

This is the most popular variation of this traverse with unmarked/unmaintained trail stops at Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, Indian Staircase, Osborne Bend Arch, and Moonshiners Arch traveling mostly official trails from Sheltowee Backpackers’ Lot to Osborne Bend’s East Trailhead. Route info and navigation is for eastbound travel.

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Indian Arch Out and Back from Bison Way Trailhead
Arch, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr Arch, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr

Indian Arch Out and Back from Bison Way Trailhead

Indian Arch is one of my favorite arches in Red River Gorge and is easily accessible on marked and maintained trails using Bison Way and Sheltowee Trace. The arch can be seen from 40 to 50 feet below as you approach, sits directly opposite Indian Staircase on the horseshoe ridge’s south end, and is magnificent when you can recognize the fullness of the arch beyond what cameras can capture.

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Rango Arch Out and Back
Arch, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr Arch, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr

Rango Arch Out and Back

This was a random bonus hike thanks to Red River Underground’s latest video being top of mind. I had altered my plans and had some time to kill before sunset, so this arch filled the timeslot beautifully. It’s a difficult scramble with serious consequences if mismanaged, so definitely not for newbs and generally not for solo hiking. Read the details below.

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Unicorn and Moonshiners Arches Loop and Spur
Arch Michael Harr Arch Michael Harr

Unicorn and Moonshiners Arches Loop and Spur

This is a short hike with two beautiful arches off the Osborne Bend Parking Lot. The first, Unicorn, is a sandstone pillar arch and the second, Moonshiners, is one of very few limestone arches in the region. Just be sure not to fall through the chimney on top of Moonshiners Arch as you approach.

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Trap Door Arch Out and Back
Arch, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr Arch, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr

Trap Door Arch Out and Back

This arch sits about 15-20 feet above the viewing deck and is formed by a collapsed section of rock that sits high above the Osborne Bend Parking Lot. The rock layer forming the arch is reminiscent of Ramp Arch or Cascade Natural Bridge, as it appears to separate from the main outcropping. This would be interesting to climb with proper safety gear.

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