Winter at Creation Falls and Rock Bridge Arch
Map of Creation Falls and Rock Bridge Arch Winter Hike, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Elevation Profile of Creation Falls and Rock Bridge Arch Winter Hike, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Overview. Perhaps the most playful waterfall in all of Kentucky, Creation Falls provided a magical scene under bluebird skies with magnificent ice curtains adorning either side of the falls. Add Rock Bridge Arch, the only waterfall formed arch in the Gorge, and you get a spectacular Winter hike!
Route Type | Lollipop
Total Distance | 7.75 miles
Overall Difficulty | Easy to Moderate
GPS Waypoints
Winter Trailhead | 37.768055, -83.608814
3-Season 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. Space for up to about a half dozen vehicles is available at the Winter trailhead immediately off of KY-715.
Trail navigation. This is a well-marked and maintained trail. Begin my moving east on Rock Bridge Road and passing the gate. Continue for a total of three miles before reaching the loop at the end of the road. Proceed to your right 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 3-season parking area, enjoying a partial view, before taking the road back to your vehicle.
Winter Road Closure. The 3-mile Rock Bridge Road is closed over the Winter months. Very few hikers visit this area as a result - making for better odds of having a truly solitary hike.
CAUTION - Snow and Ice. When snow and ice are present, it’s best to hike the loop counterclockwise. This provides an easier descent on iced over rocks and steps. In addition, take care not to get too close to the crash zone for large icicles dropping from rock ledges that can cause serious injury or death. Microspikes are recommended on ice.
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
Rock Bridge Winter Trailhead, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Rock Bridge Road Closed, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Snow Covered Rock Bridge Road, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
3-Season Rock Bridge Trailhead, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Ice Curtains on Rock Bridge Trail, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Top of Creation Falls, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Top of Creation Falls, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Creation Falls from the Viewing Deck, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Icicles on the Viewing Deck at Creation Falls, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Creation Falls from the Lower Creek Crossing, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Creation Falls from the Beach, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Creation Falls from Beneath the Rock Ledge, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Winter Sun at Creation Falls, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Drunk Snowman on Rock Bridge Trail, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Snowman courtesy of Cade Nicholson Photography
Rock Bridge Arch, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Rock Bridge Trail Sign to Parking Lot, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge
Rock Bridge Trail Overlook, Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge