Are you a modern-day explorer looking for an escape from the daily grind? Hiking in Red River Gorge is your opportunity to escape into nature and find solitude along with amazing breathtaking views. Red River Gorge is located about 100 miles from our home in Louisville, KY. So, we get to visit often!
With nearly 30,000 acres of wilderness to explore, Red River Gorge is an outdoor playground for nature lovers. We find the Gorge is like many of the huge mega national parks we love visiting out west. The Gorge offers several advantages over those parks like:
- Smaller crowd sizes
- Beautiful forest that provides shade while hiking and exploring
- Arches and natural features that “just appear” when hiking through the forest
In this guide to 5 Top trails with breathtaking arches, we will share our recent trek through the Gorge on a beautiful weekend in the fall.
Pro Tip: Using a professional guide like Leave No Trace Adventures helps maximize your time in the Gorge. Professional guides know all the best places!
Bonus Tip: These trails range from easy to moderate difficulty.
Table of Contents
Hike 1: Auxier Ridge to Double Arch to Jail House Rock to Star Gap Arch
Are you looking for a trail that showcases the best features of Red River Gorge? Then Auxier Ridge to Double Arch is a perfect trail to begin your journey!
The Auxier Ridge trailhead is located at the end of Tunnel Bridge Road.
Pro Tip: During the Peak Season of fall foliage parking on this road fills up fast. Arrive early!!
We typically hike this trail counter-clockwise.
Auxier Ridge trail begins high on the ridge line and offers hikers a gradual decent while hiking through the forest to the actual Auxier Ridge. Follow the marked trail (blazes on the trees) for about 1.5 miles to Auxier Ridge. I love the feeling of walking on this exposed ridge line because I feel like I’m on top of the world!
Enjoy the views in all directions. Across the forest valley to your left, when facing Courthouse Rock, is Double Arch. Continue walking across the ridge until reaching the staircases that take you to Courthouse Rock and Trail #203 which connects to Double Arch.
From the base of Courthouse Rock the views are amazing.
Auxier Branch Trail #203 descends into the valley below. Watch your step here because the steps down are tricky and turning an ankle is easy here! The hike up from the valley is steep but a relatively short half a mile or so. Take breaks as you need.
Trail #203 intersects with Double Arch Trail. Turn right and follow the trail to this amazing arch! After enjoying the views follow Double Arch Trail back the way you came but continue past the Trail #203 turn-off.
When you reach the forest service road turn right and head towards Jail House Rock overlook.
Jail House Rock Overlook
At the end of the forest service road, you will see a sign saying “Danger Cliffs” which is true so be careful! A single-track trail is on the left side of the road. This trail is not well marked so it’s tricky to find without a good map like Outrage GIS Maps.
This spur trail is a short quarter of a mile or less to a cliff line giving you an amazing view of Jail House Rock! Follow the trail back out and continue to Star Gap Arch.
Star Gap Arch
Like the trail for Jail House Rock, the trail to Star Gap Arch is easy to walk past. Located about a half mile to three-quarters of a mile from Jail House Rock trailhead you will Star Gap Trail will lead off to the right. We use a combination of hiking apps like AllTrails, Topo maps, and maps from the park when we plan our hiking adventures. Be aware that apps like AllTrails contain user-generated content that can be out of date or just wrong. So use, caution when looking at apps.
Finding this arch is tricky! The first time we hiked it we walked across the arch but could not figure out how to get down to see the arch. Before visiting this time, I studied the AllTrails map in more detail and really followed the map as I got closer to the arch.
The extra diligence paid off with a “new” arch sighting for me! Finding this hidden arch was super cool and really made my day on this hike!
After enjoying Star Gap Arch, follow the trail back out to the forest service road and back to the parking lot.
Overall Auxier Ridge to Double Arch is a moderate trail. Our total mileage for the trail including our additional hikes to Jail House Rock and Star Gap Arch brought our total mileage to about 7 to 8 miles. I took my dog on the trail, and he did fine.
Hike 2: Gray’s Arch
Gray’s Arch is an easy 2.5-mile out-and-back trail with minimal elevation change on the trail. Hikers access this trail via Tunnel Bridge Road approximately halfway between Highway 15 and the Auxier Ridge Parking.
Gray’s Arch trail starts nice and flat covering a well-groomed packed dirt surface. When approaching the arch there is a nice overlook giving hikers their first view of this magnificent arch. Following the trail leads to several flights of stairs. At the bottom of the stairs stay to the right to complete the hike to Gray’s Arch…and avoid the Rough Trail.
The final push to Gray’s Arch includes some minimal uphill climbing. This arch provides plenty of boulders to sit and take in the overall views from this amazing Arch. Gray’s Arch is 50 feet tall and nearly 80 feet wide. It is massive!
Take your time and enjoy this amazing arch!
We tried taking a spur trail to the top of the arch, but the trail had a scary-looking climb down on some sandstone rocks. Rather than risk injury or worse, we decided to skip out and safely hike back to the trailhead!
Hike 3: Hopewell Arch via Copperas Falls Trail
My second “new” arch sighting of the trip was Hopewell Arch. Red River Gorge always amazes me. Approaching Hopewell Arch the forest gave no hint that this wonderful was only a few steps away! Every time I see these arches my joy reaches new levels!!
Hikers access this trail near the parking from the Osborne Wilderness Trail parking lot in the Clifty Wilderness area. From the parking lot walk about 200 to 300 yards on the road looking for a lightly worn trail on the right side of the road (opposite the river).
Around the 1-mile mark, hikers will take a spur trail off to the left and cross the creek. Following the trail requires some level of detail and willingness to climb up a serious hill to reach the arch. I rate this trail as moderate because following the trail is tricky!
Getting a full view of Hopewell Arch requires climbing on some boulders, which I found to be super fun! Be careful.
Apparently, Double Deer Arch and Snow Arch are also on this trail, but we ran out of time to track it down. We continued to explore Sky Bridge and Whistling Arch.
Hike 4: Sky Bridge
Sky Bridge Trail is a 1-mile loop trail that is partially paved and well-groomed that showcases one of the easiest hikes in Red River Gorge.
My two favorite parts of Sky Bridge are the view from under the arch AND walking across the roof of the Arch. There is something special about standing under an arch and knowing you’re on a cliff soaring above the tallest trees in the forest valley below.
It’s like the sky goes on forever! Walking across the top of the arch offers nearly 360 degrees of views to the rock walls miles away!
This trail is easily accessible and is very highly trafficked especially during peak season. The parking lot fills up so be patient or plan to park and walk to the trailhead. Visiting during the fall foliage season provides truly amazing views of the forest below!
Hike 5: Whistling Arch
Since discovering the Whistling Arch Trail about 5 years ago, this is one of my go to arches to take first time Red River Gorge visitors. This trail marks a perfect first hike in the Gorge or last hike of the day.
Why?
- It’s a quick and easy trail at about a quarter mile out then back over a well-groomed path.
- The arch is impressive. While not the largest arch, I find it to be breathtaking nonetheless. In my mind, I can hear the wind whistling through the sharp angles of this arch on cold windy nights. Almost like the Gorge is talking to the animals who call this wonderland home!
Pro Tip: The parking lot is small, but hikers turnover often so wait a few minutes and you’ll get a spot.
FAQ and Helpful Content
What is the Best Way to explore the Gorge?
On our journeys we find having a guide, an expert from the area, show us all the highlights is the way to go! Since professional guides know all the best places, we find that professional guides maximize our time exploring outdoor wonderlands like Red River Gorge!
Do yourself a favor and check out the offerings from Leave No Trace Adventures!
Where Can I Camp in Red River Gorge?
The Gorge offers numerous camping options! Explorers can choose from backcountry camping (permits are required) to luxury glamping accommodations at Red River Gorgeous!
Backcountry camping sites are first come, first served. Many of the best spots are well known by locals and regulars so arrive early to snag a great spot. Rock Bridge Road has numerous dispersed backcountry sites to select from as does Chimney Top Road. Be sure to purchase an overnight permit at a local gas station or on-line through the US Forest Service.
Red River Gorgeous has awesome treehouses and Cliffhouse options. What’s a Cliffhouse? It’s literally a house attached to the side of a rock cliff face! Cliff houses have glass walls that provide unequaled views of the Gorge. If your budget can handle the nightly rate, this is a one-of-a-kind sleeping adventure!
We enjoy camping in our fifth wheel at 4 Guys RV Park. There are several RV Parks in the area and more popping up with Hipcamp options; 4 Guys remains our favorite.
What is the easiest hike at Red River Gorge?
The easiest hike in Red River Gorge depends on who you ask, but here are a few that are easy to the low side of moderate.
- Sky Bridge – The Sky Bridge offers a semi-paved trail around the arch and stairs with nice railings to access the lower side of the arch.
- Rock Bridge – This 1.5-mile hike is a nice loop along some paved and packed dirt down to the rock bridge. Hikers can extend the hike to include Creation Falls, which is beautiful! In my view, Rock Bridge is amazing because Swift Camp Creek flows under the arch!
- Chimney Top – This easy quarter-mile hike out to the top of Chimney Top Rock provides 270 degrees of views to visitors over the valley of the gorge deep below. The best time to visit is fall when the leaves are in full-color mode! Expect the parking lot to be crowded.
Are there bears at Red River Gorge?
Yes, black bears live in Red River Gorge and the surrounding areas. Since the 1990’s the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife has been re-introducing bears to Kentucky including Red River Gorge. In my nearly 20 years of regularly visiting and hiking in the gorge, I’ve not seen a bear or any footprints. We take precautions and urge you to respect these magnificent animals as well.
Are there snakes in Red River Gorge?
Yes, Red River Gorge is home to several types of snakes. Most are harmless. However, snakes like Copperheads and Timber Rattlesnake call Red River Gorge home and are venomous. During warm months, watch where you place your hands and where you step. Snakes generally want to avoid humans, so do your part and leave them alone if you encounter one.
Is Red River Gorge free?
Visiting during the daytime is 100% free to access hiking trails and explore the Gorge. However, an overnight permit is required for visitors wishing to camp in the Gorge. Permit costs during the 2023 season ranged from $5 for 1 day to $50 for the annual pass. This is excellent value!
What time of year is best for Red River Gorge?
Each season offers a special offering of beauty.
During spring everything is coming back to life. The greenery of the forest is so cool to see as the forest transforms from brown and dormant to green and lush. Plus, the waterfalls usually flow really well during the spring.
Summer is fun because the days are long and warm. Visitors can enjoy some fun activities like kayaking in the Red River or underground at Red River Gorge Underground. Or maybe take an offroad UTV ride!
Fall is special because the colorful trees are on full display across the valleys below. The window to catch the trees in their moments of glory is short so make sure to plan. The weather in Kentucky can be unpredictable so one large fall rain shower can bring down a lot of leaves. Our fall weather and leaf peeping can be fickle!
Winter offers solitude and a quiet retreat from the crowds. The days are shorter and often gray. But if a sunny Saturday is on the weather forecast we recommend a quick day trip out for a few quick hikes and a reminder of how lucky we are to have this awesome resource in our backyards!
Tips for first-time visitors to the Gorge
- Plan Your Hike in Advance: Research trails to suit your fitness level; some paths are more challenging than others. Ensure you’re prepared.
- Carry a Map and Compass: Cell service in the gorge can be spotty. Don’t expect cell service on a trail deep in the gorge. A compass, physical maps and knowing how to use these tools can be life savers as trails can be complex and winding.
- Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks: Hydration is key in any outdoor activity. Carry enough water and some energy-boosting snacks for your journey.
- Respect Wildlife and Nature: Observe wildlife from a distance, and don’t disturb the natural surroundings. Leave no trace to preserve the area’s beauty.
- Check Weather Forecasts: Weather can change quickly. Check forecasts and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for rain or sudden temperature drops.
- Respect the Cliffs: The cliffs at Red River Gorge are breathtaking. And they can be deadly if you are not careful. Be careful near the edge because you can lose your balance, lose your footing on slippery sandstone, or be standing on a false ledge that could give way. The view from the middle of the arch or ridge line is just as impressive!
Conclusion
Whether hiking Red River Gorge on a day trip or for several days, this Kentucky treasure is a hiker’s dream. The varied trails, from the magnitude of Gray’s Arch to the mesmerizing Whistling Arch, offer an unrivaled natural beauty. Each path we’ve trekked has been a story of discovery, unveiling the serene and wild aspects of this stunning landscape.
Hiking Red River Gorge is an exploration of nature’s magnificent creations. This slice of heaven leaves our souls filled with life!
Hiking Red River Gorge offers an escape into a world where nature’s grandeur is omnipresent. A showcase of Kentucky’s rugged beauty calls us back to explore further into the captivating landscapes. So, gear up for an exhilarating adventure in this natural wonderland, where every trail promises discoveries and unforgettable memories.
About Us:
Mike and Sara Lynch write and publish Our Campfire Unplugged a travel blog focused on exploring America with kids. Our goal is to inspire our readers to explore the great outdoors. If you’re in our area, please come visit Red River Gorge. To learn more about this magnificent natural wonder please visit our article titled What to Experience In Red River Gorge.
There are 2 comments
These hikes look so cool! Red River Gorge had never been on my radar but I’m definitely going to add it to my bucket list.
These are some awesome hiking trails and I enjoyed reading about them.