Nada Tunnel Arch

Nada Tunnel Arch (East Side), Red River Gorge, Powell County, Kentucky

Overview. This is a beautiful small arch that’s difficult to locate this time of year thanks to plentiful roadside vegetation. If you’re passing through Nada Tunnel, this is a nice stop when parking is available. Use the GPS waypoints, photos, and navigation section to make finding this arch a little easier.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 60-ish paces
Overall Difficulty | Strenuous, but Short
this trail is unmarked and badly overgrown

GPS Waypoints
Roadside Parking | 37.817361, -83.677821
Trailhead | 37.817402, -83.677312
Nada Tunnel Arch | 37.817428, -83.677257
coordinates are estimated; nearby cliffs reduce accuracy

Trailhead. 2 or 3 cars can park on the eastbound pullout just past Nada Tunnel. Two additional pullouts are available at the east entrance to Nada Tunnel. [map]

Trail navigation. During growing season, the trailhead is obscured by vegetation. After parking in the pullout, move across the road to face westbound traffic toward the bend. Look up to find the rock formation pictured below just past the start of the bend. Cross the roadside drainage and look for a narrow sliver of trail that moves southeast (looker’s right). The trail can be found after crossing the drainage channel on the north side of the road at the bend and beyond the primary drainage. Approach the arch from the right (southeast) side of the rock formation to find stone steps leading to the arch. Retrace your steps to return to your vehicle.

CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. Timber rattlesnakes and copperheads can be found in the region. 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]

Nada Tunnel Arch is at the base of this rock formation visible from the parking pullout

Nada Tunnel Arch (West Side) - Red River Gorge, Powell County, Kentucky