Powder Mill Branch Trail to Wolfpen Arch

Powder Mill Branch Arch

Overview. This short hike will take you across Indian Creek, through the forest, and up to Powder Mill Branch and Wolfpen Arches. It starts on Powder Mill Branch Trail, then leaves the marked trail north to the arch. When you examine the arch, you'll notice that it's not sandstone - making it a bit of a curiosity.

Route Type:  Out and Back
Total Distance:  2.6 miles
Overall Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate
USDA Forest Service Trail Map
USDA Forest Service Map of Red River Gorge Area

Trailhead. The trailhead has roadside parking available on Indian Creek Road just north of the steel bridge near Pebble Beach Trail. [map]

Trail navigation. From the road, you'll see a large area next to Indian Creek with a number of primitive firepits. Continue through the camping area to the creek and take your time finding the trail that should be a bit downstream from the trail sign. We turned upstream and had to bushwhack to the established trail. Once on the trail, you'll climb the hillside and hook around. About a mile into the hike, you'll turn right (north) and leave Powder Mill Branch Trail. This is a well established user trail that runs alongside a small stream 3/10th of a mile up to the arches. Retrace your steps to return to your car.

CAUTION - OFF TRAIL. While this is a relatively easy hike and only 0.3 miles is off trail, be sure to have solid map and compass skills to avoid getting lost. We lost the trail at Indian Creek for a brief time, but used our map and compass to find the trail and continue on.

Map of Powder Mill Branch Trail to Wolfpen Arch

Elevation profile of hike to Wolfpen Arch

Trail sign for Powder Mill Branch Trail

Dave hiking up to Powder Mill Branch Arch

The view from inside Powder Mill Branch Arch

Dave standing atop Powder Mill Branch Arch