Cherokee Arch Out and Back + Rat Windows #1 and #2
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Map of Cherokee Arch Out and Back Hike, Red River Gorge
Elevation Profile of Cherokee Arch Hike, Red River Gorge
Overview. The scene at Cherokee Arch might be the most beautiful in all of Kentucky. Massive, primordial, pristine. Let’s keep it that way. The area under the arch is delicate to say the least - step only where others have stepped. Do NOT camp, build a fire, or otherwise unnecessarily impact this area.
Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 2 miles
Overall Difficulty | Moderate
this hike is unmarked and challenging to navigate
GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 37.825214, -83.617647
Turn at Second Campsite | 37.826092, -83.615819
Split to Mushroom or Cherokee Arches | 37.829794, -83.616164
Rat Window #2 | 37.830817, -83.613022
Overlook | 37.830828, -83.612611
Rat Window #1 | 37.830906, -83.612264
Cherokee Arch | 37.829769, -83.614686
Trailhead. The trailhead is a couple dozen paces from the Princess Arch Trailhead at the Chimney Top Rock Parking Lot. [map]
Trail navigation. An array of user trails exist here with only one path leading to the arch. For this reason, many hikers fail to reach Cherokee Arch. Start this hike just south of the Princess Arch Trailhead where you’ll find two posts without any signage. Follow this path out past a couple camping areas to the first waypoint above. Here, there are two trails that are only a few feet apart at the back edge of the camping area. Take the more narrow trail on the left. Continue along the ridge before reaching the next major trail intersection and go right to reach Cherokee Arch (left will take you to Mushroom Arch). Follow this trail that is a bit thick with scrub in some places before reaching Rat Window #2. Continue down the unmarked trail to find an overlook at the end of the ridge. Enjoy the views here and descend to reach the next waypoint at Rat Window #1. Keep going before the trail bottoms out into a T and turn right to curl back under the ridge you just walked out. Follow this distinct trail to reach Cherokee Arch. Once there, step only where others have stepped and be sure to preserve the fragile vegetation found here. Many plant species only grow under rock shelters with mature forest around it. That is exactly the scene here. Retrace your steps to return to the parking lot and complete the out and back.
PRISTINE AREA. This is a pristine natural area free from graffiti, trash, campfire scars, and other negative human impacts. Practice Leave No Trace with extra care to avoid damaging fragile habitat nearest Cherokee Arch. Review these principles with your hiking group before starting this hike. If you have a rowdy group, hike elsewhere (Princess Arch and Chimney Top Rock leave from the same parking lot), stay home, or go to the bar instead. I love slammin’ beers by the fire as much as the next hiker, but this isn’t the place. [LEARN MORE ABOUT LEAVE NO TRACE PRACTICES]
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]
Two posts mark the Cherokee Arch Trailhead
At the back edge of this camping area, two trails can be found. Take the one on the left to reach Cherokee Arch.
LaFonda under Rat Window #2, Red River Gorge
Overlook along Cherokee Arch Trail
Rat Window #1, Red River Gorge
Cherokee Arch, Red River Gorge