Russell Fork Overlook
This roadside overlook is on the west side of Breaks Interstate Park and offers a wonderful view of the Russell Fork below with Pine Mountain setting the backdrop. We stopped here after camping at the northern terminus of Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail across the river in Elkhorn City.
Little Shepherd Trail from Kingdom Come to US-119 - Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail
What an exciting weekend on Pine Mountain! We backpacked the brand new Little Shepherd Trail Section of Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail (PMSST) between Kingdom Come State Park and US-119 TWICE, and it was AWESOME! There are SIXTEEN named overlooks on this segment with some of the biggest and best views anywhere in Kentucky! If you don’t have this trail on your list, put it at the top right now. It’s that good.
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.
‘Two Rivers’ Overlook
This CCC constructed overlook has commanding views of the river valley - home to the town of Carrollton. I give it the moniker Two Rivers because the Kentucky joins the Ohio River below. After visiting here, head into town to checkout Point Park to see the rivers up close.
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.
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!
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 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 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.
Swift Camp Creek South Overlook
This trail is across from the unmarked roadside overlook on Sky Bridge Road. The view goes straight down Swift Camp Creek, making for a gorgeous scene, and also provides a look at Castle Arch.
Spring at Swift Camp Creek North Overlook
This overlook sits high above Swift Camp Creek with a direct view out to Castle Arch across the way. From the developed overlook on the road, it’s a fine view. Walk a few dozen paces downhill and enjoy a much improved, wider view.
Camera Point
Major trail development projects like Sky Bridge sometimes include handicap accessible options like this one. Though the overlooks have been somewhat obstructed by tree growth, beautiful views still exist on this short, flat trail.
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.
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!