Gray’s Arch and Mid-step Arch Out and Back
Second only to Natural Bridge, Gray’s Arch is the most recognizable arch in Kentucky. It’s also a lot prettier! After a landslide closed the trail in Spring, Forest Service, Red River Gorge Trail Crew, and other volunteers have rebuilt the trail to this magnificent piece of nature that is a must-see in the region.
Sky View Arch
This beautiful arch in Red River Gorge is a nice little hike with some scrambling required. The arch remains in pristine condition without graffiti, smoke stains, campfire remnants, or trash. As a result, GPS data is not provided (see LNT in GPS section), but please read the hiker notes regarding trail use and how to avoid accelerating trail degradation already underway.
2021 Yamacraw 50K
I wear a Road ID bracelet and on it is inscribed, “Last Place > DNF > DNS.” Translated, that’s, “Last place is better than did not finish is better than did not start.” Coming in undertrained and in conditions that I’d rather hike than run, I hiked. A lot. And got that last place finish with only seconds to spare:-)
May at Dick Gap Overlook and Arch
This is among the finest overlooks in Kentucky. Situated high above a bend in Big South Fork with Blue Heron Mining Community on one side and Devil’s Jump on the other, this is a premium vista. And in May, you get to see plenty of mountain laurel lining the last section of trail to the overlook.
Koger Arch Out and Back
It’s always tough to know how big an arch is until you get there. Koger is a big, thick arch that’s also quite photogenic. This short hike has a little elevation gain, but it’s short, so an easy one overall. This is a natural pairing with Princess Falls and/or Dick Gap Overlook.
2021 Carter Caves Half Marathon
Let me introduce you to Kentucky’s Prettiest Half Marathon. Seven natural bridges/arches, a number of wet weather waterfalls, a lakeside vista, a clifftop vista, a pair of footbridges, loads of wildflowers, and plenty of gorgeous hardwood forest in between. There was so much to see - and photograph - that my phone died!
Shangra La Arch Out and Back
This is a great hike to pair with Smoky Bridge or to add to the Three Bridges Trail. Though this arch is much smaller than the natural bridges in the park, its intricate rock structure make it more than worthy of a visit - and it has some all natural air conditioning for those hot days.
Smoky Bridge Out and Back
This short hike will take you to the massive Smoky Bridge located below Caveland Lodge, but most easily accessed from this 3-season trailhead. There is an arch somewhat hidden above the bridge, a mini-cave that kids love, and a small (spring) waterfall just outside the bridge.
Spring Sunset at Lovers Leap
This isn’t a cheap view - you’ll have to work a little to get here. That said, hiking Balanced Rock, Natural Bridge, Lookout Point, and arriving at Lovers Leap for sunset is a fantastic hiking experience and one that every hiker should experience at least once.
Spring at Creation Falls and Rock Bridge
When folks visit Red River Gorge for the first time, I always recommend this hike. It’s a gorgeous mile and a half through Clifty Wilderness with the always playful Creation Falls and beautiful Rock Bridge. Kids love it; dogs love it; everyone loves it!
Spring at Princess Arch
I love walking this trail, turning the corner, and seeing the ever gorgeous Princess Arch come into view. And, a little further along the loop, catch a nice vista out to Indian Staircase. Mornings from this overlook are fantastic when river fog is moving through the gorge below.
Spring at Angel Windows
I see something new on each visit to Angel Windows. While the double arch formation is a real beauty (the right side looks like a thoroughbred), the intricacies and other small windows woven into the fabric of this rock are nothing short of fascinating.
Spring at Whistling Arch
You’ll often here the wind whistling here thanks to the very steep upslope from below the overlook. Whistling is a fine arch, but the views from the overlook are the real gem on this hike.
Spring at Sky Bridge
Springtime views are a real treat and the always magnificent Sky Bridge was perfectly lit by radiant sun on this unusually warm April day. I’ve walked this trail countless times and it’s always a delight.
Copperas Falls and Sandy Arch Out and Back
This is about as perfect a day as you can have at Copperas Falls - great flow, comfy temps, and loads of sunshine! With plenty of rain in recent days, I also stopped up at Sandy Arch to catch a little water spilling out there too.
Winter at Creation Falls and Rock Bridge Arch
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!
Buzzard Creek Arch Out and Back
It was fun seeing this arch in the distance as we drove down Long Bottom Road. The arch is a classic ridgetop beauty - even with the spray paint at its base.
Hollow Rock Arch Out and Back
This is a large, sandwich like arch that is supported by at least four small pillars with multiple windows all around it. It’s a fascinating formation and one that is well worth the long drive and very short hike.
Carter Caves Natural Bridge
This is probably the most visited trail at Carter Caves State Resort Park with the trail just to the side of the Visitors Center. It is also the only natural bridge in Kentucky with an active roadway in use above it. Put simply, it’s huge and a must visit.
Shangra La Arch and Falls, Smoky Bridge, Arch, and Falls
This is fast favorite with an arch and waterfall on one side and a bridge, arch, and waterfall on the other! Enjoy this in Winter with a little extra road walking, or visit Spring through Fall as a pair of short out and backs.