Buzzards Roost North, Central, and South
This is a great trio of overlooks with each providing a unique view of Red River Gorge. North looks out over the river, to Hens Nest, and to Sky Bridge; Central has perhaps the best view looking downriver; South is the most iconic of the group with a spicy scramble down Keystone Arch and excellent sunset view. Skip the scramble if you’re not 100% comfortable; solid views are available without it!
Unicorn and Moonshiners Arches Loop and Spur
This is a short hike with two beautiful arches off the Osborne Bend Parking Lot. The first, Unicorn, is a sandstone pillar arch and the second, Moonshiners, is one of very few limestone arches in the region. Just be sure not to fall through the chimney on top of Moonshiners Arch as you approach.
Nada Tunnel Arch
Nada (NAY-də) Tunnel Arch is a roadside arch just east of the famous tunnel on the north side of Red River Gorge Actual. It is often driven by, but seldom seen - unless you visit during the forest’s resting season. While it’s a very, very short walk off the road, it’s hard to see even while looking directly at it.
Sunset at The Veranda
This premium overlook is better known for its sunrise views, but nearest the Winter Solstice, The Veranda delivers an incredibly beautiful scene. With the sun dropping down just at the edge of Rush Ridge, this was an ideal way to close out the day.
Koomer Ridge Campground Loop
This hike combines popular short hikes surrounding Koomer Ridge Campground into a single loop that includes Hidden Arch, Silvermine Arch, and Cliff Trail for a total of about five miles. It’s a great way to spend a day - whether staying at the campground or visiting for the day.
Lullaby Arches Out and Back Bushwhack
These arches had eluded me on a previous visit using a steeper and much more dangerous approach angle from the west. Coming in from the east was certainly safer, but the final climb to the arches remains steep and slick. Take care with your steps if you elect to attempt this hike and be sure to follow Leave No Trace by spreading out and not creating a trail - especially immediately off Pinch ‘em Tight Trail.
And, full disclosure - while I love arches and find them all to be worthy destinations, most hikers will not enjoy this one - there are many, many prettier arches requiring a small fraction of the effort this one demands.
Buzzards Roost South and Keystone Arch
This short, but spicy hike leads to one of the better overlooks in Red River Gorge. And while the views are fantastic, the final bit of hiking to the roost is the real fun. If you’re afraid of heights, have difficulty scrambling exposed areas, or have young children, this is not the hike for you.
Trap Door Arch Out and Back
This arch sits about 15-20 feet above the viewing deck and is formed by a collapsed section of rock that sits high above the Osborne Bend Parking Lot. The rock layer forming the arch is reminiscent of Ramp Arch or Cascade Natural Bridge, as it appears to separate from the main outcropping. This would be interesting to climb with proper safety gear.
Military Wall Out and Back - Emergency Brake Pillar Arch, Big Hole Arch, and a Couple More
Big Hole Arch is the highlight on this short, but rewarding hike that crosses paths with two named arches and a couple others that might qualify as arches. Military Wall is one of the few bolted (sport) climbing areas in Daniel Boone National Forest and is maintained by Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition (RRGCC). Be sure to respect climbers on route by walking quietly and giving an extra wide berth. NEVER walk beneath rope between belayer and climber.
Fall Sunset at Herndon J. Evans Lodge
Gorgeous Fall sunsets from the comfort of a restaurant in the middle of the forest are few and far between. The lodge at Pine Mountain State Resort Park is one of these rare gems. Take in dinner and a sunset along with plenty of color above and below. Book the right room at the lodge, and you can have this sunset on your balcony. Not ready for dinner, walk out to the patio for a slightly less awesome view.
Pineville Overlook - Late Day Fall Views
This short walk leads to a nice view directly above the town of Pineville and provided a great scene before we headed to the lodge for a sunset dinner. When visiting the park, this is a great stop - especially when visiting Chained Rock from the same parking lot.
Roadside Overlooks at Pine Mountain State Resort Park
These overlooks provide nice views and were particularly beautiful with Fall colors on display. As you drive to the top of Pine Mountain, these pit stops serve as an appetizer for even bigger views at Pineville Overlook and Chained Rock.
“Midway” Overlook
Though the view here is more limited than up top at Pinnacle Overlook, you’ll have it all to yourself because there’s only enough room for one vehicle:-) This has a narrow view out to Middlesboro and is a worthwhile stop when touring the overlooks in the region.
Fall at Pinnacle Overlook
This is the main overlook at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and an easy walk with handicap access as well. The 180-degree view here is outstanding with views of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee looking out to Cumberland Gap.
Swift Camp Creek and Spurs - Creation Falls, Rock Bridge, Pooch’s Turtle Falls, Turtle Back Arch, and Angel Windows
This is a nice day hike or first day of backpacking starting at Rock Bridge Trail in Clifty Wilderness and finishing at the Rough-Swift Camp Creek Trailhead on KY-715. Included are two waterfalls and three arches on nearly all marked trails with the exception of the spur to Turtle Back Arch, requiring a short Class 3 Scramble. Be sure to check the hiker notes and cautions below before hiking this route.
September Sunrise at Chimney Top Rock
This is my top spot for foggy mornings in Red River Gorge and with a fog advisory in effect, this was the place to be - and it delivered the goods once again. Get here to watch the sunrise behind you, lighting up Hanson’s Point and the gorgeous sandstone cliff faces.
Sunset at Military Wall Overlook
This was a nice, quick walk out to a clifftop overlooking Military Wall. After hiking below and above the wall, it was great to catch a fresh perspective - at sunset no less. The unmarked spur is well trod and relatively easy to navigate with a short scramble on the final approach to the overlook.
Lewis and Clark Trail - Vanceburg Veterans Memorial Park
This is a short walk to a fantastic view of the Ohio River on what the sign says is a 0.13 mile trail. Part of the Lewis and Clark Trail, this is a great stop when traveling the AA Highway/Route 9 or the more scenic Route 8 (River Road).
Grayson Lake Damsite Tower and Spillway
On the west side of the dam on KY-7 is a small tower, spillway, and trail. We popped in to checkout the tower and spillway and while the view from the tower is less than pristine, it does provide excellent birdwatching. And the spillway had a little manmade “waterfall” with a blue heron perched on the rocks - so not too bad for a quick stop on the way home.
Lick Falls Loop
This short hike is a nice walk through three distinct forest sections that passes the top of Lick Falls. Though the falls were barely flowing, it was a nice hike through the woods to round out our trip to Grayson Lake.