Whittleton Arch Out and Back from Pinch 'em Tight Trailhead

Apr 21

Elevation Profile of Whittleton Arch Out and Back from Pinch ‘em Tight Trailhead, Red River Gorge

Overview. This is a beautiful springtime hike to a massive sandstone arch with a rotating variety of wildflowers and a small waterfall along the way. After soaking rains, a waterfall flows over the top of the arch - creating one of the most magical scenes in the Red River Gorge Region.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 4.19 miles
Elevation Gain | 562 feet
Overall Difficulty | Easy to Moderate

GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 37.805342, -83.655242
KY-15 Trailhead | 37.797053, -83.654269
Split to Whittleton Arch | 37.785928, -83.660506
Whittleton Arch | 37.782917, -83.661906
Whittleton Branch Trail Map
Red River Gorge Area Map

Parking. Ample parking is available at the trailhead with additional parking nearby at Gray's Arch Picnic Area and Archaic Parking Lot. Expect the parking lots to be full on nice weather weekends and holidays. BUT, if you arrive early, you’ll nearly always have a spot - regardless of how busy the area may be. Early risers always have the advantage.

Trail Navigation. Locate Sheltowee Trace on the east side of the parking lot and start hiking. The trail follows alongside Tunnel Ridge Road before joining it before crossing the bridge over Mountain Parkway. Cross KY-15 and walk Whittleton Branch Trail/Sheltowee Trace downhill along the stream. Enjoy the rich geology including a particularly interesting rock face that has a sharp sandstone window embedded in it. Continue and reach the small, but enjoyable Whittleton Branch Falls. Pass some large trailside boulders and reach the fork to Whittleton Arch. Turn left (southwest) and descend on some very slick rock before bottoming out. Cross the footbridge and head uphill steeply until reaching Whittleton Arch. Enjoy your time here and know that the top of the arch is accessible and can be dangerous for those caught unaware. Keep children close by. When ready, retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

HIKER NOTE - Waterfalls. After soaking rains, this hollow livens up with waterfalls. Whittleton Branch Falls is a small waterfall along the trail and Whittleton Arch Falls comes alive over the top of the arch. In addition, other wet weather falls appear off trail - check your topo map to identify likely locations. When dry, you’ll find a few trickles, so if you hike this for waterfalls, make sure the trail has seen plenty of rain before heading out.

HIKER NOTE - Bigleaf Magnolias. These spindly trees grow up to fill in just below the top of the forest canopy, have the largest leaves of any North American tree, and also produce the largest flowers as well (up to 30”). The trick is to find a younger one that is still short enough to checkout the flower that’s at the top of the tree. These are most plentiful in the opening paces of this hike along Tunnel Ridge Road. Find them blooming in May and June.

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