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!

Read More

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.

Read More

Little Shepherd Trail KY-2010 Overlook

Little Shepherd Trail KY-2010 Overlook

This overlook isn’t on any maps, but it’s a large patch of exposed rock with a steep slope facing southeast - making it an ideal spot for sunrise. You can enjoy the view from the road or walk down a few steps to have some all natural seating.

Read More

Putney (Beschman) Lookout Tower

Putney (Beschman) Lookout Tower

This long abandoned lookout tower is a nice piece of history and a great place to explore along the Little Shepherd Trail. Some folks constructed a ladder to the first platform, but the boards are badly rotted and climbing this is at minimum foolish. Enjoy the views from below, as big views are available north at KY-2010 or across the road at Goss Park.

Read More

Powder Mill Branch Arch, Wolf Pen Arch, and Blackburn Rock Out and Back

Powder Mill Branch Arch, Wolf Pen Arch, and Blackburn Rock Out and Back

I LOVE this hike! Cross Indian Creek, visit a pair of unique arches, and enjoy one of the best overlooks in Red River Gorge with plenty of elevation gain along the way. Be sure to pack a lunch to enjoy the massive views at Blackburn Rock!

Read More

Friendship Arch and Friendship Tube Out and Back

Friendship Arch and Friendship Tube Out and Back

This short out and back is an easy hike with one steep descent. Friendship Tube is neat, but I really enjoyed Friendship Arch’s smooth walls and large pockets. As a bonus, there’s a nice view above Laurel Branch just before the big descent. It’s best to hike this in dry weather when the descent is more easily managed.

Read More

Turtle Back Arch Out and Back

Turtle Back Arch Out and Back

This is a beautiful walk in the Clifty Wilderness through mature hemlock forest passing one of the largest bigleaf magnolias I can recall in the area. Turtle Back Arch is spectacular with a secondary window on the frontside and gorgeous sandstone erosion patterns on the backside. This hike is unmarked and has a short scramble that looked serious enough for me to fix some ‘just in case’ rope.

Read More

Arch of Triumph and Star Gap Arch

Arch of Triumph and Star Gap Arch

If you’re looking for a nice 3-ish mile hike, this one is fantastic! Enjoy playful Arch of Triumph and one of Kentucky’s best, Star Gap Arch. This is a ridgeline hike that is mostly flat, but comes with one tricky spot to descend to the last bit of trail to Star Gap Arch. Take your time and all will be well.

Read More

Anvil and Eholia Arches

Anvil and Eholia Arches

This is a tough hike with plenty of bushwhacking and frankly, a couple arches that aren’t exactly five stars:-) That said, I loved it! The hike back to Anvil Arch is relatively easy, but the ‘path’ to Eholia Arch is rough. It appears a wildfire devastated much of the vegetation in the area - leaving skeletons of rhododendron and mountain laurel on the forest floor. Be sure to read the cautions.

Read More

Moonshiner's Arch (Whitley County)

Moonshiner's Arch (Whitley County)

There are two Moonshiner’s Arches in Kentucky - this one in Whitley County and the other further north 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.

Read More

Muir Valley Named Waterfalls Hike - Liz's Arch, Horseshoe Falls, Joe Ponder Double Falls, and Nellie's Falls

Muir Valley Named Waterfalls Hike - Liz's Arch, Horseshoe Falls, Joe Ponder Double Falls, and Nellie's Falls

This was a fantastic hike featuring an arch and four waterfalls. I was a bit late after recent rains (more than 24 hours earlier), so these could certainly have more flow closer to rain - especially at Nellie’s Falls. Horseshoe Falls is amazing, but Joe Ponder Double Falls steals the show. With the double falls in the foreground, Upper Joe Ponder Falls can be seen in the background on lookers’ right. Simply amazing!

Read More

Unicorn Arch and Osborne Bend Arch Out and Back

Unicorn Arch and Osborne Bend Arch Out and Back

These arches are so close to the trail, but I’ve passed them by a number of times completely unaware of their existence. The Red is cool like that! Unicorn Arch is a gorgeous little arch that reminds me of a cartoon character that I can’t quite place. Osborne Bend Arch is a playful one not unlike Arch of Triumph. This is a short, sweet hike with a couple small, fun arches.

Read More