Winter at Broke Leg Falls
This is a classic Kentucky waterfall with plenty of height to impress along with some beautiful cascades just upstream from the big plunge. The area is highly developed with shelters, picnic tables, paved walkways, and railings. Just take care to keep children close as soon as they exit the vehicle - trouble can be found only steps from the parking lot.
Devil’s Market House Arch and KY-122 Arch Out and Back
Devil’s Market House Arch is one of the most beautiful and distinctive arches in all of Kentucky. And, while KY-122 is relatively short in height, the sandstone patterning on the back side of the arch is phenomenal. For an easier day, skip KY-122 Arch and save half the mileage while still catching a highlight reel arch.
Snow Day at Whistling Arch
Finishing off the day at Whistling Arch was pretty much perfect. The clouds finally broke and the wintry scene here is fantastic - particularly at the overlook. When you step out to the overlook, take care not to get too close to the edge when ice/snow are present, but take your time enjoying the view and listening to the waterfalls below.
Snow Day at Sky Bridge
I’ve hiked this little loop more times than I can recall, and it’s always gorgeous. Taking in the views and arch with snow was especially nice - even if the clouds lingered much later than forecast. When visiting the area, this is a great, short hike with plenty of eye candy.
Snow Day at Devil’s Canyon Overlook
I stopped here twice waiting for the clouds to break and finally caught a big view with a beautiful sky. This little walk out overlook is always beautiful. It’s also a cool spot to watch sunrise as the sandstone cliffs light up with a little fog playing in the canyon when conditions are right.
Snow Day at Camera Point Overlook
This overlook features a distant view of Sky Bridge, a commanding view of the Swift Camp Creek Valley below, and a look at Castle Arch Overlook across the way. When hiking Sky Bridge, this is a nice stop to grab a big view.
Snow Day at Swift Camp Creek Overlook #2
From this overlook, you can see Swift Camp Creek and KY-715 down below with Castle Arch across the way. Also, a fresh ‘No Camping’ sign was prominently placed near the overlook since my last visit several months ago.
Snow Day at Rock Bridge and Creation Falls
This hike is always a pleasure - and getting a snow day before the road closes for the season is even better! With 6 to 10 inches of snow in the area, the setting was fantastic. I strapped on some microspikes and enjoyed a nice, safe hike over snow and ice.
November Sunset at Chimney Top Rock
In November, you can find the sun setting in the gap, south of Red River - making for a fantastic view. We visited on a beautiful Fall Saturday evening, and while there were dozens of other folks around, it remained a picture perfect sunset.
Red Byrd Arch Out and Back from Calaboose Ridge Road
This is a beautiful arch sitting up above Red River in Clifty Wilderness. Littered with deadfall from the last couple decades or more and featuring a steep final approach with a little spice, it’s a fun and enjoyable hike for experienced, adventurous hikers.
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.
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.