Unicorn and Moonshiners Arches Loop and Spur

Arch

Jan 9

Elevation Profile of Unicorn and Moonshiners Arch Loop and Spur, Red River Gorge

Overview. 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.

Route Type | Loop and Spur
Total Distance | 1.33 miles
Elevation Gain | 248 feet
Overall Difficulty | Easy to Moderate
part of this hike is on unmarked and unmaintained trail, but is easily navigated

GPS Waypoints
Osborne Bend (East) Trailhead | 37.820333, -83.574822
Unicorn Arch | 37.825496, -83.572170
Moonshiners Arch | 37.821206, -83.571672
Red River Gorge Area Map

GPX File

KML File

Parking. A good number of parking spaces are available at the trailhead and along the road, but this area fills up on busy weekends thanks to a number of great hikes that start here. Do NOT park in designated emergency vehicle spaces, as search and rescue operations are popular from this trailhead. Pit toilets and trash receptacles are available here.

Trail Navigation. Locate the Osborne Bend Trailhead behind the infoboards and begin walking uphill. Along the trail, notice the fork at mile 0.13 and go left - you’ll return to this junction and take the other fork to reach the top of Moonshiners Arch. The footing is good on the trail, but it’s a steady gainer until reaching Unicorn Arch that sits just above and left (west) of the trail. Scramble up to the arch on lookers’ right and be sure to have secure footing to avoid a fall. Enjoy the arch as long as you like before retracing your steps back to the fork noted earlier. Take this doubletrack east until reaching the top of Moonshiners Arch and checkout the chimney/skylight there. Circle around to enter the arch below to see the expansive limestone formation. When ready, descend toward the river on the well trod, but unmarked trail and follow it downstream crossing deadfall and some slick rock on the way. When you encounter slick rock, be sure to walk on the flat or pointed parts and avoid trying to walk on the slanted slab that will result in a slip out. Finish the hike by moving uphill near the bridge to return to the parking lot.

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