Snow Day at Sky Bridge
I’ve hiked this little loop more times than I can recall, and it’s always gorgeous. Taking in the views and arch with snow was especially nice - even if the clouds lingered much later than forecast. When visiting the area, this is a great, short hike with plenty of eye candy.
Snow Day at Devil’s Canyon Overlook
I stopped here twice waiting for the clouds to break and finally caught a big view with a beautiful sky. This little walk out overlook is always beautiful. It’s also a cool spot to watch sunrise as the sandstone cliffs light up with a little fog playing in the canyon when conditions are right.
Snow Day at Camera Point Overlook
This overlook features a distant view of Sky Bridge, a commanding view of the Swift Camp Creek Valley below, and a look at Castle Arch Overlook across the way. When hiking Sky Bridge, this is a nice stop to grab a big view.
Snow Day at Swift Camp Creek Overlook #2
From this overlook, you can see Swift Camp Creek and KY-715 down below with Castle Arch across the way. Also, a fresh ‘No Camping’ sign was prominently placed near the overlook since my last visit several months ago.
Snow Day at Rock Bridge and Creation Falls
This hike is always a pleasure - and getting a snow day before the road closes for the season is even better! With 6 to 10 inches of snow in the area, the setting was fantastic. I strapped on some microspikes and enjoyed a nice, safe hike over snow and ice.
November Sunset at Chimney Top Rock
In November, you can find the sun setting in the gap, south of Red River - making for a fantastic view. We visited on a beautiful Fall Saturday evening, and while there were dozens of other folks around, it remained a picture perfect sunset.
Red Byrd Arch Out and Back from Calaboose Ridge Road
This is a beautiful arch sitting up above Red River in Clifty Wilderness. Littered with deadfall from the last couple decades or more and featuring a steep final approach with a little spice, it’s a fun and enjoyable hike for experienced, adventurous hikers.
Arch of Triumph, Star Gap Arch, Double Arch, and The Observatory for Sunset
This is a classic route in Red River Gorge using a combination of marked and unmarked trails that are easy to follow with a couple light class 2 scrambles as well. Star Gap Arch and Double Arch are hiker favorites while Arch of Triumph is small, but playful. And sunset at The Observatory? Fantastic!
D Boon Hut Short Loop with Views
History, sandstone windows, beautiful crags, white haired goldenrod, and even a couple nice views - this little loop is more enjoyable each time I visit. The trail, named for a piece of wood hut believed to be inscribed by Daniel Boone beneath a giant rock shelter, loops down into the gorge before rising up via Rough Trail with a couple views before regaining the ridge. Not an easy hike, but an excellent short loop in the Red.
Hanson’s Point Out and Back
This is the easiest five miles in Red River Gorge and a glorious clifftop vista. Following Pinch ‘em Tight Trail out to an unmarked spur off Rough Trail, this view is among the best in the region and ideal for sunrise. It’s also a popular backpacking overnight spot with large campsites littering the trail approaching the point.
Auxier Ridge - Double Arch Loop and Spurs
This is among the best loops in Kentucky with visits to Haystack and Courthouse Rock, so many vistas it’ll spoil your eyes, and the always glamorous Double Arch with The Observatory up top. This hike includes a couple unmarked, well-trod spurs to backcountry campsites and other viewpoints on the ridge.
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.
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 Wildflowers of Whittleton Branch
For maximum Spring wildflowers, this is the place in Red River Gorge. Patches of trillium, phlox, violet, hepatica, and more adorn this trail that has rich soils and plenty of shade - providing excellent habitat for these little beauties. This is a short version of this hike; I had sunset to get to:-)
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 Chimney Top Rock
Of all the views in Kentucky, this one might be the most famous. Chimney Top Rock provides a commanding view of Red River Gorge and while gorgeous any time of day, sunrises and sunsets here are special.
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.