We spent the night prior at Sky Bridge Station - my favorite post-hike destination in Red River Gorge

Overview.

Route Type: Loop
Total Distance: 7.5 miles
Overall Difficulty: Moderate
USDA Forest Service Trail Map
USDA Forest Service Map of Red River Gorge

Trailhead. This parking lot services trailheads for Rough Trail and Swift Camp Creek Trail just off KY-715. [map]

Trail Navigation. Head east from the back of the parking lot and across KY-715 to begin your hike on Swift Camp Creek Trail. You'll descend down to Swift Camp Creek over the first 1.5 miles.

When you reach the creek, look across to see a large backcountry camping area just northeast of the trail. It's worth moving across the creek (if water levels are safe) to see a large, eroded boulder pictured below.

From here, you'll move alongside Swift Camp Creek, but spend much of the hike well above it. The trail through this section is narrow and eroded - take care to stay to the high side of the trail for surer footing.

Continuing on, you'll come to the junction with Wildcat Trail at mile 3.3. Take Wildcat Trail back up into the forest and continue until you come to KY-715. We opted to explore some backcountry campsites accessible from the Wildcat Trail parking lot.

From there, head north on KY-715 until you see the Angel Windows parking lot (be sure to walk facing traffic and yield to vehicles - especially near sharp turns). Head west to the trailhead and continue for a short hike of about 1/3rd of a mile. You'll see this pair of arches with a large rock shelter behind them.

Return the way you came and head north on KY-715 to return to the Rough Trail/Swift Camp Creek Trail Parking Lot.

CAUTION. We encountered a juvenile copperhead snake in the very early part of this hike. Always be aware of your surroundings and give these guys a very wide berth. We waited patiently for it to move of the trail...with a little prodding...using a very, very long tree limb.