Raven Rock
This is the only private day use fee area in Red River Gorge and provides some of the most commanding views in the region. A loop of overlooks at the top provide 360-degree views of the Gorge that were spectacular on this sun and clouds day. Be sure to spot Auxier Ridge, Courthouse Rock, Tarr Ridge West, and more while you’re up there.
Sunset at Twilight Arch Overlook
I had visited this overlook a couple weeks back and brought LaFonda out for a quick sunset hike. Twilight Arch Overlook is quiet and beautiful with sweeping 180-degree views ideal for sunset year-round. There’s a catch, of course, so be sure to read the hiker notes below.
Sand Gap, White’s Branch Arch, Ramp Arch, Twilight Arch, Natural Bridge, and Rock Garden Window Complex
There’s nothing to see, then there is a ton to see! This hike has some beautiful forest walking for the first 4+ miles before reaching the ridgeline to four arches, four overlooks, and plenty of amazing geology. The hike is moderately difficulty overall, but a class 4 scramble is required to reach White’s Branch and Ramp Arches. Overall, this is one of the best 10+ mile routes in the Red River Gorge Region, but can be made shorter with more direct approaches (see hiker notes below).
2022 Yamacraw 50K DNF
This year, I posted a DNF (Did Not Finish) and while a DNF hurts, this one is still hurting weeks later as I write this. Somewhere around mile 6(?), I planted my foot, the rock shifted, and I took a hard fall on my chest and face.
Markers Arch Out and Back
This is an often overlooked arch thanks to its neighboring attractions at Yahoo Recreation Area. When visiting Yahoo Falls, Overlooks, and Arch, make a pit stop here to get the legs warm. And, notice there is a second opening on the east side of the rock formation. See the hiker note below about that.
Split Bow Arch Out and Back
This is one of the more interesting arches in Kentucky and a short walk in the woods. The trail takes you through the arch and is most commonly hiked as a loop. Short on daylight, we shaved a few steps off the hike with the out and back route instead.
Bear Creek Overlook for Sunset
This is one of the best sunset spots in the Commonwealth - and with Split Bow Arch next door, it’s a must-visit anytime you find yourself in the region. And, I have yet to encounter another person on my visits here that are typically on the weekends:-)
Natural Arch Loop
This was the first hike I did in the region many years ago, and it remains a great, short hike to one of Kentucky’s most impressive arches. The rock outcropping that seemingly comes up out of nowhere is as impressive as the arch and a beautiful walk in the forest.
Natural Arch Handicap Accessible Overlook
This is a nice, quick walk on paved path to a developed platform looking out over Natural Arch and the Great Gulf. It’s worthy of a stop anytime you’re driving by on US-27 and additional hiking with routes ranging from a quarter mile to 6.5 miles on Buffalo Canyon Loop.
2022 Big Turtle 10-Miler
The Big Turtle Trail Races are an annual tradition for me to enjoy the northernmost sections of Sheltowee Trace. There are three distances - 50 miles, 50 kilometers, and 10 miles - and all deliver a great trail running experience with fast and fun downhills and the occasional uphill grind. The 10-Miler is pretty straightforward - a grueling opening climb followed by lots of short-ish ups and downs before finishing downhill back to campus.
Shallow Flats Loop
These wetlands were an entertaining stop with one Canadian goose wreaking havoc upon its neighbors. It was also sunrise part two with the sun cresting above the eastern knobs to provide a gorgeous morning scene.
Sunrise at Twin Knobs Picnic Area
Nearly all the views on Twin Knobs’ shoreline are south or west facing, but this little spot just off a picnic area was perfect for sunrise. Situated between the group campsites and the beach, this little walk was ideal for sunrise.
Twin Knobs Shoreline for Sunset
This was the perfect way to close out a great day on the trails around Cave Run Lake. Sunset was beautiful, and all the views along the shoreline leading to that moment were fantastic. This is an easy hike that can be made much shorter with the many connector trails from the various campground loops.
Twin Knobs Out and Back
Back in the day, this used to have a tower on it. Not anymore:-) What remains is a nice fitness trail to the top of the west knob of the Twin Knobs Recreation Area. With steady elevation gain, it’s ideal for hill training and makes a super cool GPS map on your fitness app.
Eagle Lake Loop
Eagle Lake is a beautiful patch of water on the north side of Morehead State University’s campus. This is a nice trail to stretch the legs whenever visiting town and is the first trail town stop for Sheltowee Trace southbounders.
Martin Branch Out and Back
This is a great fitness trail with plenty of elevation gain to get you ready for some mountain hiking. It also has a fascinating tree that had a burl break open. No views, no arches, no waterfalls - just a nice cardio and strength building trail going from holler to ridge and back.
Rodburn Hollow Loop
When it comes to municipal parks, this one is a gem! A nice, short path with a little ruggedness set in the holler:-) There were plenty of wildflowers on display, a playful creek, and all the facilities you’d expect. Stop in for a quick walk or add Martin Branch Trail to get the heart rate up.
Bertis Arch Out and Back Bushwhack
After visiting on a snow covered day in Winter, I was hoping to find a user trail to the arch. Aaaand, there isn’t one:-) While the arch is spectacular with some incredible color, it’s a difficult reach thanks to a very steep soil final ascent with very poor footing. Be sure to read the notes and cautions below before heading out.
Buckskin Connector Trail
Most connector trails are pretty boring, but this one provides a gorgeous view of Twin Knobs across Cave Run Lake. Paired with sunrise at Zilpo Mountain, it turned out to be a fantastic morning on the trails.
Zilpo Mountain Sunrise
This was the perfect way to start the day - a nice uphill hike to get the blood flowing and a gorgeous view of Cave Run Lake’s south side. While sunrise was obscured by trees, the scene was magnificent - and this might be the best sunrise view in the region come Autumn.