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.
Summer Paddle to Grotto Falls
This was so much better than expected - and I expected it to be pretty awesome! The paddle to Grotto Falls was gorgeous with plenty of cliffs and boulders dotting the lake. And squeezing through the narrow channel before floating around the corner to have Grotto Falls revealed is the kind of thing that words can’t fully describe.
Summer at Eagle Falls
This is a classic route in Kentucky with views of Cumberland Falls, a beautiful forest loop, Eagle Creek Cascades, and the always glorious Eagle Falls. It’s not an easy hike, but short and a must-hike when visiting the region.
Summer at Cumberland Falls
This is easily the most developed set of overlooks in the Commonwealth of Kentucky - and for good reason. Cumberland Falls - a.k.a. Niagra of the South - is a massive and powerful waterfall, and summertime is an ideal time to visit with the whole family.
Summer at Moonshiner’s Arch (Whitley County)
There are two Moonshiner’s Arches in Kentucky - this one in Whitley County and the other in Menifee County. Both are short hikes, large arches, and have chimneys in each, but this one is just a little prettier;-) Anytime you’re in the Cumberland Falls area, this arch is worth a quick stop just off KY-90.
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.
‘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.