2021 Big Turtle 10 Miler Race Recap
I look forward to this race every year - great race, great town, and great beer! The course is challenging, but very runnable, and the town of Morehead is on the come up. As trail towns go, this one checks all the boxes, and in terms of races, this is an ideal Spring tune-up with wildflowers, dogwoods, and redbuds setting the scene.
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.
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.
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.
Bell Falls
This narrow, but beautiful waterfall is always a nice stop while visiting Red River Gorge. On this day, it was flowing nicely after a couple days of decent rains and the upper falls were a real treat with plenty of water tumbling down Bell Branch.
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!
Snow Day at Devou Park Overlook
When Northern Kentucky gets a big snow, the place to be is Devou Park. We stopped in for some snow-covered views of Covington and Cincinnati while also seeing the kiddos enjoying the sledding hill at the amphitheater. This is a fantastic spot for a quick, big view and snow makes it just a little prettier!
Snow Day at Moser Branch Double Falls
We had the pleasure of laying first tracks at Ft. Wright Nature Center on our way to Moser Branch Double Falls. This is a gorgeous little spot tucked away between a beautiful neighborhood and Highland Cemetery. For a longer hike, come in from the cemetery’s trail system that connects with the nature center at the falls.
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.
Horn Hollow Falls
This beautiful cascading waterfall is just off the main road at Carter Caves State Resort Park and should be on your list each time you visit. The stream ducks underground before re-emerging here - providing an amazing little scene.