Castle Arch and Overlook

Map of Castle Arch and Overlook Hike, Red River Gorge

Elevation Profile of Castle Arch and Overlook Hike, Red River Gorge

Overview. This is a nice, steep hike to a gorgeous arch and beautiful overlook with a little scramble sauce mixed in. And, it has a big boulder sitting under it, making for a super awesome spot to chill, meditate, or enjoy lunch. Get here for Golden Hour before sunset.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 0.9 miles
Overall Difficulty | Strenuous with Scrambles
this trail is unmarked and unmaintained

GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 37.813008, -83.582761
Campsite | 37.811897, -83.581942
Castle Arch | 37.812500, -83.580136
Ridgetop Intersection | 37.812147, -83.579539
North Ridge Overlook | 37.812858, -83.580367

Trailhead. The trailhead is located at the south end of the unnamed parking lot just below Lower Swift Camp Creek Parking Lot. [map]

Trail navigation. From the trailhead, move upstream beside Swift Camp Creek before reaching a drainage. Cross here and move to your right (south) on the other side of the creek. You’ll see a large, heavily impacted campsite. Look to the back of the campsite moving uphill to see a large boulder. Take the trail on the right side of the boulder and begin your ascent. There will be plenty of steep terrain and rhododendron. The trail will move to your left just below the arch. Find the exposed rock and scramble up to reach Castle Arch. Take in the scene here and continue moving through the arch and down to the right before starting uphill to the ridgetop. You’ll emerge on the ridgeline through some pretty dense vegetation. It’s easy to miss this on your return, so feel free to drop a water bottle here to mark you exit. Move north along the ridge to enjoy any of the overlooks with the best of the bunch facing north looking out to the confluence of Swift Camp Creek and Red River in the distance. Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead. You can explore the ridge to the south and east, but the trail is less well defined and views are a little more work to reach that direction.

Kids, dogs, and teens. Between the steep grade and scrambles, kids and larger dogs will have a difficult time. Teenagers, however will find this adventurous and enjoyable - just be sure they don’t play around on the scrambles or at the cliff’s edge.

CAUTION - High water. Swift Camp Creek is prone to flood quickly, so be sure to avoid this hike during high water periods or after particularly heavy rains. Wolfe County Search and Rescue has a number of swift water rescues here - don’t be one of them.

CAUTION - Cliffs. Be careful to avoid getting too close the edge of cliffs, as this is the leading cause of serious injury and death when hiking in Red River Gorge.

CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. While the gorge is within the range of timber rattlesnakes, copperheads are the most common poisonous snake encountered. Stay alert on the trail, as snakes are commonly found taking in the warmth of the trail. Give them a wide berth or wait for them to move off the trail.

CAUTION - Bears. Black bears are growing in number throughout Daniel Boone National Forest. Be sure to follow bear safety precautions. [Be Bear Aware by US Forest Service]

Castle Arch Trailhead on South Side of Parking Lot

Move right of this boulder to find the trail and begin your ascent to Castle Arch

Big taking in the views from Castle Arch, Red River Gorge

Castle Arch North Overlook with Swift Camp Creek Below and Red River in the Distance