Liz's Arch and Sunny Side Arch Out and Back

Liz's Arch and Sunny Side Arch Out and Back

There are two arches in Muir Valley along the trail system and both are beautiful. Liz’s Arch calls to mind Angel Windows while Sunny Side is a really unique arch with a kind of slot canyon feel along its eastern entryway. Both are worth a stop when visiting the waterfalls here over Winter when climbers (primary trail users) are away.

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Dog Slaughter Falls Short Out and Back

Dog Slaughter Falls Short Out and Back

This is one of my favorites in the region, and this is the first time I’ve taken the short route to get there. With the family along for Thanksgiving, this was a perfect hike to cap off a wonderful day. The creek has a couple slides and cascades along the way, but the scene at Dog Slaughter Falls is among the best in Kentucky. And, with the tail end of dry season, I enjoyed a 360-degree walk around and beneath the falls.

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Cumberland Falls Overlooks Loop

Cumberland Falls Overlooks Loop

This is a must-visit for anyone hiking Kentucky. Known as the Niagra of the South, Cumberland Falls is a gorgeous, powerful waterfall and has all the overlooks to go with it;-) Here are the four developed viewing platforms on the Whitley County side of the river. More views can be had across the river from Eagle Falls Trail.

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Vanover Falls Out and Back

Vanover Falls Out and Back

This easy little out and back is half road, half trail. While Vanover Falls wasn’t flowing on this day (toward the end of dry season), it’ll be rejuvenated shortly when Waterfall Season gets going in a few short weeks - typically mid-December through mid-Spring before sun and higher temps dry things out.

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Bark Camp Creek Cascades

Bark Camp Creek Cascades

The cascades of Bark Camp Creek are a fantastic destination that can be enjoyed year-round. The hike follows the trail on the north side of the creek with rock walls and wet weather waterfalls lining the north side of the trail. Pack a lunch, pick a rock, and enjoy the view.

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Indian Staircase Loop + Adena Arch and Cloudsplitter Spurs

Indian Staircase Loop + Adena Arch and Cloudsplitter Spurs

This is a classic Red River Gorge hike with all the crowds to go with it - and that’s why we hit it on a Monday…in November:-) Stops at Adena Arch, Indian Arch, Cloudsplitter, Frog’s Head, and Indian Staircase make for a fantastic day - just be sure your crew can handle the scrambles at Indian Staircase and Cloudsplitter. And remember - better to turn back and hike another day if it’s not right for you!

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Daybreak at Tower Tunnel Overlook

Daybreak at Tower Tunnel Overlook

The closer to Winter solstice, the better the sunrise views are at Tower Tunnel Overlook. While the sun was still just slightly obscured by trees, watching the fog bank roll in over the Breaks made for a wonderfully peaceful morning as the sun lit up Pine Mountain to the southwest.

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Upper, Middle, and Lower Little Stony Creek Falls Out and Back

Upper, Middle, and Lower Little Stony Creek Falls Out and Back

This is a beautiful creek and spectacular hike. Having visited in years past, on this day, the falls were flowing nicely during what is normally a very dry time of year. If ever in the region, this hike is worth the stop and be sure to visit Bear Rock that sits high above the creek gorge.

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Cherokee Arch Out and Back + Rat Windows #1 and #2

Cherokee Arch Out and Back + Rat Windows #1 and #2

The scene at Cherokee Arch might be the most beautiful in all of Kentucky. Massive, primordial, pristine. Let’s keep it that way. The area under the arch is delicate to say the least - step only where others have stepped. Do NOT camp, build a fire, or otherwise unnecessarily impact this area.

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Crash Site Overlook on Pine Mountain

Crash Site Overlook on Pine Mountain

On August 25, 1965 a plane crashed just below this overlook; may they rest in peace. That said, this is a beautiful and less visited overlook owing its views to a large slab of exposed sandstone. It has a perfect (and level) perch with great views south-southwest.

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Counts Cabin Rock Shelter and Campsite

Counts Cabin Rock Shelter and Campsite

This is an old forest road turned hiking trail that leads to the top of Pine Mountain between Natural Bridge Ledge and Skeet Rock Knob. There is a nice camping spot here under a rock shelter just a couple hundred yards up the trail with access to Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail.

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Sunset at Lovers Leap Roadside Overlook in Breaks Interstate Park

Sunset at Lovers Leap Roadside Overlook in Breaks Interstate Park

This is a phenomenal spot for sunset at Breaks Interstate Park overlooking Russell Fork, The Towers, and Pine Mountain. On this day, thick clouds were rolling in creating dark skies to the southwest and beautifully illuminated high clouds to the southeast.

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