Having hiked both Star Gap Arch and a couple of these overlooks earlier in the year, I wanted to do a full exploration that is detailed here. The shear number of overlooks may be unrivaled in Red River Gorge with each presenting a unique view of the area. My favorite of the bunch was also the longest walk - going out to the end of the horseshoe-shaped ridge to the eastern edge of Cruise Liner Rock.
Read MoreThis is a tremendous hike with five arches and up to three waterfalls when conditions are right. On this day, it was a light rain throughout the day with nothing heavy. Coming on the heels of a lengthy drought, the waterfalls were still on the low flow side of things, but the arches more than made up for it! Plus, it was nice drying out for a bit under Copperas Falls and at the arches.
Read MoreHaving been to Gray’s Arch many times in the past, this is the first time I’ve hiked it out and back. It’s a short hike at just over two and a quarter miles, but it’s always a magnificent sight - and it’s a different look in every season.
Read MoreJust beyond Moonshiners Arch along the Red River are a pair of cave entrances with what in wet months is likely a waterfall. While caves are off limits in Daniel Boone National Forest, it’s cool to walk out to check them out. And, of course, the arch itself is super cool, and it has the added feature of a chimney.
Read MoreI believe Jerrell Goodpaster coined the name of this hike, so we’ll go with it:-) Tarr Ridge Extravaganza is a fantastic hike with four spurs leading to massive views at the end of each. The first two are readily accessible, but the third and fourth are a different story. We were able to reach the first three, but the fourth was a sketchy rock climb with an even sketchier ‘rope’. It pays to know if you’re a hiker or a climber - and we’re hikers:-)
Read MoreWe were a bit late getting up, but made it just in time for sunrise at Chimney Top Rock. Of all the places to catch sunrise, this one remains the best, easiest sunrise hike in Red River Gorge. Looking out, you can see Half Moon, Hanson’s Point, Pinch ‘em Tight Gap, Red River, and even Indian Staircase in the distance.
Read MoreThis ridgeline hike will take you out to see the small, but fun Arch of Triumph along with a pair of vistas on the southernmost fingers of the unmarked and unofficial Star Gap Trail. We took in a gorgeous Fall sunset and made it back just as last light was fading to darkness.
Read MoreExposed rock, big views, and the gorgeous southwest running Knife Ridge highlight this short hike. At the right time of year, the finest sunset view at the park might be along the Knife Ridge - a sliver of sandstone framed by trees with an opening to the south-southwest.
Read MoreThis handicap accessible overlook provides great views to the north and would be spectacular with puffy clouds and Fall colors. On this day, it was bluebird skies over Letcher County and beyond.
Read MoreThis is the northernmost of the walk-out overlooks at the park and has a great feel to it. Expansive views from north to west-southwest make this a great spot to watch summertime sunsets over Eastern Kentucky. It’s also a great stop for backpackers hiking the Little Shepherd Trail.
Read MoreThough the views at the park are outstanding, Log Rock really is an exceptional arch and worth the visit. This wide span, slender arch is absolutely gorgeous and just beyond it is a large patch of knobby rock ideal to catch some sun and enjoy a picnic. I’ll return just to spend a sunrise at this amazing place.
Read MoreThis short, quarter-mile loop around the small lake is a nice walk with plenty of ducks and a little fishin’ if you like. On this day, there was a family out enjoying themselves with some cane poles, small hooks, and plenty of bluegill.
Read MoreAfter entering the park, there is a nice gazebo with gorgeous views southeast to south a few dozen steps from the parking lot. This is handicap accessible and is a nice spot for sunrise with fog in the valley below.
Read MoreThis is a fantastic hike. While I caught the falls in the midst of a drought, the views atop Pine Mountain more than made up for it. High Rock and Mars Rock are wonderful destinations on their own, with expansive views west. It’s also worth exploring near the falls along the cliff face moving northwest, but stopping at the rock formation that I’d call the “Dragon’s Mouth” pictured below.
Read MoreThe Original Trail is the fastest, shortest way to the top of Natural Bridge. It’s a steep climb, but the views up top are fantastic. On this day, we caught one of the best sunsets I can remember with a beautiful sky from a quiet, peaceful perch.
Read MoreThis short out and back is a lot of fun in warm weather when you can enjoy Red River’s most famous jump rock. For kids, this is among the best hikes in Red River Gorge with a long footbridge over the river. On this day, we also found a plethora of fall wildflowers in bloom with plenty of butterflies and bees taking full advantage.
Read MoreBell Falls is a great roadside hike at only a quarter-mile total. The falls were running on this day which was surprising with the long dry spell we’ve had. It’s a steep climb to the top with a number of small cascades further up Bell Branch. Take care with your footing, as it’s slick and steep - use all fours when in doubt.
Read MoreI love this arch. It’s a short hike, has a chimney, and runs alongside Red River. At the time of this hike, the river was low, so we took advantage of it and picked around the water’s edge to add a little extra fun.
Read MoreThere are a handful of roadside pull-offs with big views in Red River Gorge. This particular one is among the best with a very short unmarked trail leading to a nice perch overlooking Swift Camp Creek below. It’s a small piece of rock - perfect for couples or you and your bestie.
Read MoreNext door to Big Bone Baptist Church is Adair Wildlife Management Area (WMA). We decided to take advantage of this long dry spell to do some arrowhead hunting and hiked the dried up stream beds on the eastern half of the area. This time of year, it’s a guaranteed bushwhack, so be prepared and don’t wear anything nice:-)
Read MoreFinding peace and happiness on the trails of Kentucky.
