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.
‘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.
Woodland Trail Lollipop
This forest walk descends from the lodge and runs just west of the campground on a combination of double and single track trail. Though a bit loud with traffic noise nearest KY-227, the quiet sections are lush with mature hardwoods and loads of goodies on the forest floor.
Butler Lake Loop
This is a nice, short walk around Butler Lake with plenty of fishing spots along the trail. Enjoy these lakeside views with a good number of wildflowers, plenty of squirrels, and on this day, a pair of garter snakes. This park was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and nearly all its handiwork remains on display today.
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.
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.
Koger Arch Out and Back
It’s always tough to know how big an arch is until you get there. Koger is a big, thick arch that’s also quite photogenic. This short hike has a little elevation gain, but it’s short, so an easy one overall. This is a natural pairing with Princess Falls and/or Dick Gap Overlook.
Princess and Julia Lynn Falls Springtime Out and Back
I’ve always hiked here as part of longer routes, so the day before a 50K race made for a great reason to hike the short version. Princess Falls is among the more playful waterfalls in Kentucky and typically has decent flow except during significant droughts. Along the way, enjoy Julia Lynn Falls that was trickling after a dry stretch, but is gorgeous with recent rains.
Spring at Alpine Loop Trail
This is a nice, short loop through some mixed forest on mostly double track gravel road. Named for the Alpine community that once lived and worked coal mines here, the trail features plenty of wildflowers, an old cemetery, and remnants of the mining operations here.
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!
Shangra La Arch Out and Back
This is a great hike to pair with Smoky Bridge or to add to the Three Bridges Trail. Though this arch is much smaller than the natural bridges in the park, its intricate rock structure make it more than worthy of a visit - and it has some all natural air conditioning for those hot days.
Smoky Bridge Out and Back
This short hike will take you to the massive Smoky Bridge located below Caveland Lodge, but most easily accessed from this 3-season trailhead. There is an arch somewhat hidden above the bridge, a mini-cave that kids love, and a small (spring) waterfall just outside the bridge.
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.