Cruise Liner Rock Out and Back Highlight Reel
There are a dozen or more overlooks off the main trail along with a number of arches. This hike is the highlight reel version - taking advantage of the more expansive overlooks and dropping down to Sky View and Star Gap Arches on the way back. It is a tremendous walk that packs a ton of sights into a half-day hike with just a bit of spice with a pair of scrambles en route to the arches.
Rough Trail Plus Gray's Arch, The Veranda, Hanson's Point, and Angel Windows
This route is a rite of passage for Kentucky Hikers, and those who travel this path won’t soon forget it. The route described here is the ‘hard way’ moving from west to east and features five steep climbs, four overlooks, four arches, and some truly magnificent forest scenes. Check the notes below for some tips to make this easier.
Sky Bridge Recreation Area Overlooks Tour - Summer Edition
While many will be familiar with Sky Bridge - the incredibly beautiful double arch - relatively few visiting Red River Gorge are aware of the other unmarked overlooks in the recreation area. On this walk, we took advantage of the summer sun setting to the northwest at Buzzards Roost South while visiting Sky Bridge and Keystone Arches along the way.
Red River Gorge Northeast Loop with Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, and Indian Staircase
If you split the gorge into quadrants with Sheltowee Trace and Red River as bisectors, this would be the northeast loop using mostly marked trails with only three unofficial user trails to Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, and Indian Staircase. It’s a beautiful route and the road walk is made more interesting with the gorge’s incredible geology ever present. Check below for enjoyable add-ons as well.
Copperas Canoe Launch - Red River Access
Red River is a federally designated Wild and Scenic River, and while you can rent your kayaks downstream, you can also bring your own and launch from here. Of course, you’ll need water and wild river depths can be finicky, but it is fantastic wading after a long hike!
Red River Gorge Northside Traverse with Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, and Indian Staircase
This is the most popular variation of this traverse with unmarked/unmaintained trail stops at Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, Indian Staircase, Osborne Bend Arch, and Moonshiners Arch traveling mostly official trails from Sheltowee Backpackers’ Lot to Osborne Bend’s East Trailhead. Route info and navigation is for eastbound travel.
Arch Overload Tour
Book this tour and hike this hike. The tour is a stunning display of the geological wonders commonplace in Red River Gorge Geological Area with a total of 10 arches and a terrific clifftop view.
Whittleton Arch Out and Back from Pinch 'em Tight Trailhead
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.
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.
Buzzards Roost Central Sunset
This is the most easily accessible of the three overlooks off Sky Bridge Picnic Area with a very fine sunset scene around the equinoxes in Spring and Fall. When visiting the region, this is a great, quick sunset location that is rarely busy. This is a small overlook, so it’s best solo or with a small group.
Martin’s Branch (Fork) Overlook Out and Back
This is a quick walk to a nice view of the Martin’s Branch/Fork drainage from just off Rough Trail. This hike is alright alright if you’re camping nearby - there are better views to be had, but not for so little effort.
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.
Sunset at Tarr Ridge East Overlook #3
This was an easy hike to a nice sunset spot under clear skies with unusually warm temps. The overlooks on Tarr Ridge East have varying worth as sunset spots depending on the time of year, but this one was rock solid;-)
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.
Tarr Ridge East Overlooks - Winter Views
This is an excellent - and popular - hike in Red River Gorge that features a total of five well trod overlooks. We visited four of them and skipped the fifth that requires a class 4 scramble with unfamiliar rope (stranger danger). Be sure to read below to determine how many overlooks you might enjoy.
Tarr Ridge West - Winter Views
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! We caught the sun just as it lined up on top of the river and had the bonus of having some climbers topping out as we relaxed. We headed out so they could enjoy their pre-Valentine’s time together;-) If you’re in this part of the Gorge, put this hike toward the top of your list.