There are two arches in Muir Valley along the trail system and both are beautiful. Liz’s Arch calls to mind Angel Windows while Sunny Side is a really unique arch with a kind of slot canyon feel along its eastern entryway. Both are worth a stop when visiting the waterfalls here over Winter when climbers (primary trail users) are away.
Read MoreThis little hike off the southwestern reaches of Laurel River Lake will take you to a pair of arches separated by only a few hundred yards. Whippoorwill is a big beauty while Whippersnapper has its own playful charm.
Read MoreThis is a classic Red River Gorge hike with all the crowds to go with it - and that’s why we hit it on a Monday…in November:-) Stops at Adena Arch, Indian Arch, Cloudsplitter, Frog’s Head, and Indian Staircase make for a fantastic day - just be sure your crew can handle the scrambles at Indian Staircase and Cloudsplitter. And remember - better to turn back and hike another day if it’s not right for you!
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreThis is a gorgeous hike on my favorite trail in Kentucky - Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail. Enjoy the sturdy, boxy Eagle Arch and a big view from Americorps Cliff Overlook that sits high atop Pine Mountain. The approach to the overlook is picturesque - especially on sunny days with small puffy clouds on the horizon;-)
Read MoreThis is a nice, short mountain hike with a steady, challenging grade to reach Powderhorn Arch. This is one of three documented sandstone arches on the park’s property and is a fun one to be sure. You can continue all the way up to Chained Rock to add another couple miles to the out and back.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreI LOVE this hike! Cross Indian Creek, visit a pair of unique arches, and enjoy one of the best overlooks in Red River Gorge with plenty of elevation gain along the way. Be sure to pack a lunch to enjoy the massive views at Blackburn Rock!
Read MoreLonghunter Trail is a short hike that includes Bear Rock Arch, Lighthouse Arch, and a nice view underneath the Civilian Conservation Corps bridge. When visiting Pine Mountain State Resort Park, this is a must-visit.
Read MoreThis is one magnificent arch and a short, but beautiful hike in Big South Fork. Without question, this is a must-hike when in the area, and on this day, I also enjoyed coming across a copperhead on the way back:-) Be sure to walk out to Bear Creek Overlook while you’re there - ideally for sunset.
Read MoreThis small arch is just off Sheltowee Trace between US-27 and Barren Fork Horse Camp. Though small, it’s a nice little arch that’s super easy to reach and worth stopping in for a quick peek.
Read MoreThis hike has all the best things that Kentucky hiking has to offer - a big view, natural sandstone arches, waterfalls, and playful streams. On a day with 13 different hikes, this one was the longest and best of the bunch. And wow did this trail have a variety of mushrooms!
Read MoreThis handicap accessible walk leads out to a great view of Natural Arch. I started and ended my day here with a time lapse of daybreak and another approaching dusk. Of course, I tapped the wrong setting at dusk - oops:-)
Read MoreThis is one of the prettiest arches in Kentucky, and the hike comes with a few overlooks that were spectacular in the late day sun. While the trail has certainly suffered from heavy use, it remains a must-hike when visiting Red River Gorge.
Read MoreThis short out and back is an easy hike with one steep descent. Friendship Tube is neat, but I really enjoyed Friendship Arch’s smooth walls and large pockets. As a bonus, there’s a nice view above Laurel Branch just before the big descent. It’s best to hike this in dry weather when the descent is more easily managed.
Read MoreThis is a beautiful walk in the Clifty Wilderness through mature hemlock forest passing one of the largest bigleaf magnolias I can recall in the area. Turtle Back Arch is spectacular with a secondary window on the frontside and gorgeous sandstone erosion patterns on the backside. This hike is unmarked and has a short scramble that looked serious enough for me to fix some ‘just in case’ rope.
Read MoreIf you’re looking for a nice 3-ish mile hike, this one is fantastic! Enjoy playful Arch of Triumph and one of Kentucky’s best, Star Gap Arch. This is a ridgeline hike that is mostly flat, but comes with one tricky spot to descend to the last bit of trail to Star Gap Arch. Take your time and all will be well.
Read MoreThis is a tough hike with plenty of bushwhacking and frankly, a couple arches that aren’t exactly five stars:-) That said, I loved it! The hike back to Anvil Arch is relatively easy, but the ‘path’ to Eholia Arch is rough. It appears a wildfire devastated much of the vegetation in the area - leaving skeletons of rhododendron and mountain laurel on the forest floor. Be sure to read the cautions.
Read MoreThis is a gorgeous short hike with a little challenge, plenty of forest, a couple creek crossings, and beautiful Suzanna Arch at the end of the trail. While the trails were closed in Red River Gorge, private trails like these remained open. To access this trail, you must rent from a lodging partner in the Cliffview Resort Area.
Read MoreFinding peace and happiness on the trails of Kentucky.
