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.
Read MoreThe 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 MoreThis is a nice, steep hike to a gorgeous arch and beautiful overlook with a little scramble sauce mixed in. And, it has a big boulder sitting under it, making for a super awesome spot to chill, meditate, or enjoy lunch. Get here for Golden Hour before sunset.
Read MorePerhaps the most iconic sunset in Kentucky is here at Chimney Top Rock. An easy hike on mostly paved trails, summertime provides a magical sunset with the sun moving in line above Red River Gorge below.
Read MoreThis is one of the prettiest arches in Kentucky, and the hike comes with a few overlooks that were spectacular in the late day sun. While the trail has certainly suffered from heavy use, it remains a must-hike when visiting Red River Gorge.
Read MoreThis 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 MoreThis 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 MoreThis is a gorgeous short hike with a little challenge, plenty of forest, a couple creek crossings, and beautiful Suzanna Arch at the end of the trail. While the trails were closed in Red River Gorge, private trails like these remained open. To access this trail, you must rent from a lodging partner in the Cliffview Resort Area.
Read MoreThis 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 MoreShort on daylight, I opted to hike Horseshoe Falls as a quick out and back. The trails were in great shape, and the falls were running beautifully. While the pics give you an inkling to the totality of these falls, its far, far better in person when you can see the full view from top to bottom.
Read MoreThis pair of small arches or ‘windows’ is a short, easy walk from the parking lot. It’s worth a stop just about anytime you’re passing through. Kids enjoy exploring the windows and small rock shelters along the way, but be sure to keep them close past the windows.
Read MoreThis is a short, but sweet hike where you can explore a double arch and take in a number of expansive views. It makes a great ‘drive-up’ hike and with the picnic area nearby, a nice place to take lunch and relax. If you’re in the Gorge, this is a no-brainer hike to add to the list.
Read MoreThis is a great day hike with plenty of physical challenge, interesting geology throughout, and more than a few great views. We mixed up the hike a bit by taking Gray’s Arch Trail over to Rush Ridge before rejoining Rough Trail. This eliminates one of the tough climbs on Rough Trail and replaces it with some easy, peaceful miles in the woods.
Read MoreFinding peace and happiness on the trails of Kentucky.
