Rock Bridge Arch
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Rock Bridge Arch is at the top of the list for easy, beautiful hikes in the Red River Gorge Area. You'll enjoy seeing this unique arch, Creation Falls, and if it's warm, a little time on the beach as well.
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Eagle Falls
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This short, but somewhat strenuous hike yields outstanding views of both Cumberland and Eagle Falls at Cumberland State Resort Park. We hiked it in the Spring and the water didn't disappoint.
Read MoreOsborne Bend Loop
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This is a nice, half-day hike through Clifty Wilderness where you can enjoy quiet solitude over some pretty easy terrain. We spent some time picking through Salt Branch for arrowheads to round out the day.
Read MorePebble Beach Trail
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Pebble Beach Trail is a short hike with views of popular climbing routes in Red River Gorge. On any given weekend, you can see climbers doing their work and marvel at their strength.
Read MorePowder Mill Branch Trail to Wolfpen Arch
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This short hike will take you off established trails and up to Wolfpen Arch where you'll notice a different geological story to this arch compared to others in Red River Gorge.
Read MoreRaven Run Red Loop Trail
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The Red Loop at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is an easy, beautiful hike with an overlook of Kentucky River that is outstanding.
Read MoreWhittleton Branch Trail
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This short hike will take you to Whittleton Arch and along a short section of Kentucky's longest trail, the Sheltowee Trace. We like to hike this while killing time waiting for Miguel's to changeover to lunch.
Read MoreAuxier Ridge Trail
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Auxier Ridge is one of the most popular hikes in Red River Gorge thanks to its phenomenal views and easy access. This is the short hike - though longer options exist.
Read MoreHighland Section - Pine Mountain Trail
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Pine Mountain Trail offers glorious vistas and a great backpacking opportunity with challenging trails, excellent shelters every 8 to 12 miles, and plenty of wildlife - like the 5 black bears we saw on our hike.
Read MoreCarter Caves Three Bridges Hike
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The three bridges hike at Carter Caves State Park will take you to three impressive arches with one among the largest in Kentucky. At only 4.5 miles in length, this hike can be enjoyed by all and is great anytime of the year.
Read MoreWhittleton Arch
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This is a great hike for all ages and is particularly beautiful during Spring wildflower season. Following Whittleton Branch, there’s plenty of opportunity to explore the water and the arch offers a fun scramble to the top.
Read MoreWhistling Arch
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This is one of a handful of ‘drive-up’ hikes available at Red River Gorge. It has a classic arch and a beautiful view overlooking the gorge.
Read MoreHood's Branch to Natural Bridge
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This is a nice way to enjoy a half day at Natural Bridge State Park, home to Kentucky’s largest natural arch. Rather than taking the Original Trail with its steep ascent to the top, this hike spread out the elevation gain while including a nice walk in the woods along Hood’s Branch.
Read MoreSunset on Auxier Ridge
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Of all the hikes I’ve done, this is among the most memorable. It was our first sunset on Auxier Ridge, and we got super lucky with the clouds. Having been overcast for nearly the entire day, the sun broke below the clouds and above the next ridgeline - providing a spectacular sunset!
Read MoreWhittleton Branch
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We were out to see wildflowers, and this trail is among the best at providing just that. As warmth returns, but before the forest canopy fills in, wildflowers can be found throughout the area. Whittleton Branch, however, seems to get more than its fair share - and that was all good:-)
Read MoreKoomer Ridge Loop Plus Sheltowee Footbridge Spur
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On this weekend, I had Bork and Dan with me, so we opted for a big hike to see what we could see. At more than 11 miles, this loop and spur hike was perfect. We enjoyed visiting my favorite tree in the Red, Hidden Arch, and the footbridge over Red River. Add wildflower season to the mix, and it was a perfect hike.
Read MoreWinter on Panoramic View Trail (Great Gulf Overlook)
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After walking the Natural Arch Loop, head a little further west for a quick walk to big views on the Panoramic View Trail. This looks out to Natural Arch and Buffalo Canyon Trail below. I can imagine this to be the ideal short hike when Fall colors are in season.
Read MoreNatural Arch
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Not to be confused with Natural Bridge, Natural Arch is the largest arch in the Big South Fork region - residing just north of the the National River Recreation Area. It’s an impressive arch to be sure, and the winter walk was the definition of solitary - not another human being in sight or sound:-)
Read MoreAngel Windows
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This 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 MoreD Boone Hut, Military Wall, and Left Flank
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This was a terrific wintertime hike with zero hikers on the trails but plenty of climbers making their way up Military Wall. It made for a quiet, scenic, and entertaining couple hours in the Gorge. It was fun watching the climbers and D Boon Hut sits under one of the largest rock shelters in the region.
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