Daniel Boone National Forest

This is an incredibly scenic route and was especially so with the lively clouds we enjoyed throughout the day. This hike visits seven named overlooks and four arches with a handful of unnamed overlooks to go with it. Mostly ridgeline hiking, be sure to pack plenty of water and electrolytes on hot days and leave a water cache if needed (we did) because there are zero reliable water sources on the route.

This is a fantastic overlook that goes by at least two names - Rainbow Point or Rocky Branch Overlook #2. Both names are appropriate, as the curved cliff wall seen from the overlook certainly resembles a rainbow, and it is the second perch above Rocky Branch. Meh, doesn’t matter much - it’s a great spot with an easy 5K walk.

We were a couple weeks late on the Fall equinox, but the sunset was gorgeous with mostly clear skies and warm temps for early October. This is the easiest to reach of the three overlooks off the Sky Bridge Picnic Area parking lot - we brought a chair and loads of snacks to enjoy the finish to the day.

This is one of LaFonda’s favorite overlooks, and it’s among the best to enjoy midday in Red River Gorge. A short, easy walk leads out to a tremendous view south-southwest over Dunkan Branch. Though unmarked and unmaintained, it is well trod and easily navigated with the waypoints below or .gpx file loaded into your favorite map app.

This short hike is better known to climbers than hikers, but still provides some spectacular geology. It had been years since my last visit, but the textures of the walls and the massive leaning rock is worth the sweat required.

This is one of the better overlooks in Red River Gorge and a nice sunset spot. This short route is open Spring through Fall using the very long gravel road on Hatton Ridge. Forest Service closes the road in Winter. Read the cautions and notes below before heading out.

After getting into the Gorge, we stopped here to stretch the legs and catch some excellent views with friendly clouds overhead. This is a great hike to kickoff your time in Red River Gorge with a top notch overlook and one of the most popular arches in Kentucky.

This overlook has been labeled with several names over the years, but I think I’m settled on Moreland Branch South Overlook. It’s a very fine sunset spot that is ideal from mid-September to mid-October, but on this day was our closest short sunset hiking option as the clock was ticking and clouds were moving in. It’s a relatively easy hike to a large multi-level rock outcropping. Read the notes below for details.

It was fun seeing this arch in the distance as we drove down Long Bottom Road. The arch is a classic ridgetop beauty - even with the spray paint at its base.