This is an absolutely gorgeous overlook - especially for sunset! This was my last stop before heading north for home, and looking back, I wish I’d have stayed here until nightfall. That said, several weeks before or after this July hike would be ideal, as the sun would set directly above Bear Creek for an amazing view.
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 is one of two drive-up overlooks above Blue Heron Mining Community in Big South Fork - a really neat recreation of a classic Eastern Kentucky coal mining camp. It’s a gorgeous overlook sitting high above the South Fork of Cumberland River.
Read MoreThis short, accessible, walk-out hike is on paved trail leading to a large platform structure with bench seating and some shade:-) The draw is a fantastic view of Devl’s Jump - a set of rapids on the South Fork of Cumberland River.
Read MoreBetween the two overlooks in the Yahoo Falls area, this is the winner by a lot. Located above a bend in the river, the sweeping views from here are nothing short of spectacular. Some list this as the South Overlook, but I think of it as the West Overlook.
Read MoreThis is a terrific hike on double-track trail through Big South Fork NRRA. Along the way, you get a gorgeous view above Yahoo Creek and South Fork of Cumberland River, the ever so tall Yahoo Falls, and Roaring Rocks Cataract.
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 MoreI’ve seen a lot of vistas in Kentucky, and this one is up there on that list. Forget about the graffiti on the rock, the view here is special. Situated at a bend in South Fork and with an uninterrupted viewshed, this is a fantastic place to sit a spell and have a think.
Read MoreMy last visit here was in the dead of Winter and wow what a difference a couple seasons make:-) This trail leads to an expansive view of the ‘Great Gulf’ which is a surprisingly wide valley with cliff-lined ridges all around. It’s a short, quick hike and a great complement to Natural Arch just down the street.
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 MorePerhaps the most iconic sunset in Kentucky is here at Chimney Top Rock. An easy hike on mostly paved trails, summertime provides a magical sunset with the sun moving in line above Red River Gorge below.
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 MoreWe visited four arches on this day and Phalanx Arch was the perfect way to close out the day. It’s a big, beautiful arch and in terms of photo-friendliness, it’s a great one! LaFonda enjoyed looking up at the arch with sunlight coming through its chimney.
Read MoreThis was the third quick out and back hike of our day, and it’s a wonderful arch just off some double-track trail. There was a decent sized camping area just above the arch and plenty of space to play below.
Read MoreFinding peace and happiness on the trails of Kentucky.
