Natural Arch East Overlooks Out and Back
An easy walk to some great views that are spectacular at sunrise. At less than a half-mile roundtrip, this is one of the classic short hikes in Kentucky. It’s also a great place to picnic, so pack some charcoal and get the burgers and dogs goin’!
Pachyderm Arch Out and Back
This is a beautiful arch that certainly calls elephants to mind. Though the walk is relatively easy, the class 3 scramble to reach the arch is on steep soil with extremely poor footing. I wouldn’t try this without rope.
Henson’s (Cave) Arch and Whittleton Arch Out and Back from KY-11
This is one of the best Spring hikes in Red River Gorge with plenty of wildflowers lining the trail, a massive arch, and when the weather is right, a waterfall flowing over the top of the arch. Kids love this hike - just be sure to keep them close when you arrive at the arch.
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.
Martin’s Fork Mid Loop and Overlooks
This is a classic route in Red River Gorge that arguably includes the geological area’s most beautiful arch and overlook at Gray’s Arch and Hanson’s Point, respectively. This hike adds three other overlooks, a playful arch, and a little archaeological history as well. If you’re looking for a nice half-to-full day hike to get to know Red River Gorge, this is a great one.
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.
Moonshiners Arch High Route Out and Back
For the best footing and cleanest path, the high route to Moonshiners Arch is the way to go. The low route along the river has some massive downed trees and some slick rocks that can be tricky. Take this route to enjoy the massive limestone arch with a lower injury risk profile.
Martin’s Fork Short Loop and Overlooks
This is the ‘short’ loop from Martin’s Fork that includes Rough Trail’s Stepped Overlooks, Military Wall Overlook, Mid-level Arch, Gray’s Arch, The Veranda, Rush Ridge Overlook, and D Boon Hut. It is an excellent sampler platter and solid introductory hike on official and unofficial trails in Red River Gorge.
Buzzards Roost North, Central, and South
This is a great trio of overlooks with each providing a unique view of Red River Gorge. North looks out over the river, to Hens Nest, and to Sky Bridge; Central has perhaps the best view looking downriver; South is the most iconic of the group with a spicy scramble down Keystone Arch and excellent sunset view. Skip the scramble if you’re not 100% comfortable; solid views are available without it!
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.
Nada Tunnel Arch
Nada (NAY-də) Tunnel Arch is a roadside arch just east of the famous tunnel on the north side of Red River Gorge Actual. It is often driven by, but seldom seen - unless you visit during the forest’s resting season. While it’s a very, very short walk off the road, it’s hard to see even while looking directly at it.
Koomer Ridge Campground Loop
This hike combines popular short hikes surrounding Koomer Ridge Campground into a single loop that includes Hidden Arch, Silvermine Arch, and Cliff Trail for a total of about five miles. It’s a great way to spend a day - whether staying at the campground or visiting for the day.
Lullaby Arches Out and Back Bushwhack
These arches had eluded me on a previous visit using a steeper and much more dangerous approach angle from the west. Coming in from the east was certainly safer, but the final climb to the arches remains steep and slick. Take care with your steps if you elect to attempt this hike and be sure to follow Leave No Trace by spreading out and not creating a trail - especially immediately off Pinch ‘em Tight Trail.
And, full disclosure - while I love arches and find them all to be worthy destinations, most hikers will not enjoy this one - there are many, many prettier arches requiring a small fraction of the effort this one demands.
Buzzards Roost South and Keystone Arch
This short, but spicy hike leads to one of the better overlooks in Red River Gorge. And while the views are fantastic, the final bit of hiking to the roost is the real fun. If you’re afraid of heights, have difficulty scrambling exposed areas, or have young children, this is not the hike for you.
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.
Military Wall Out and Back - Emergency Brake Pillar Arch, Big Hole Arch, and a Couple More
Big Hole Arch is the highlight on this short, but rewarding hike that crosses paths with two named arches and a couple others that might qualify as arches. Military Wall is one of the few bolted (sport) climbing areas in Daniel Boone National Forest and is maintained by Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition (RRGCC). Be sure to respect climbers on route by walking quietly and giving an extra wide berth. NEVER walk beneath rope between belayer and climber.
Swift Camp Creek and Spurs - Creation Falls, Rock Bridge, Pooch’s Turtle Falls, Turtle Back Arch, and Angel Windows
This is a nice day hike or first day of backpacking starting at Rock Bridge Trail in Clifty Wilderness and finishing at the Rough-Swift Camp Creek Trailhead on KY-715. Included are two waterfalls and three arches on nearly all marked trails with the exception of the spur to Turtle Back Arch, requiring a short Class 3 Scramble. Be sure to check the hiker notes and cautions below before hiking this route.
Count's Cabin to Big Toe Rock
Of all the day hikes on Pine Mountain, this is a fast favorite! Starting at the base of the mountain on the Virginia side of the border, this ascends to the ridge providing truly spectacular views of Kentucky. Along the way, enjoy a relatively rare sight at Pine Mountain Natural Bridge - a conglomerate sandstone arch. And, take the spur to a deep rock house that is believed to have been the source of seven different sulfur springs on the mountain. This is a great hike!
Log Rock Out and Back
This beautiful, slender, and long arch sits on a ridge running down Pine Mountain’s southeast slope. With a gorgeous view and excellent sit spot just beyond the arch, it is a great place to soak in the mountain views.
Copperas Creek Nine Arch Tour
WARNING | This trail is on unmarked, unmaintained trails; portions of this hike are on poorly defined user trails with unstable soil/rock and a risky crawl; getting lost is possible even for experienced hikers; no cell service is available in this canyon and GPS is far from accurate; inexperienced off trail hikers should NOT attempt this hike