2024 Sheltowee Trace Ultras - 50K Course
I signed up for the race with my buddy, Handsome Klatzke, to celebrate his 50th birthday with 50 miles. We both put in a good block of training, but it was an unknown - neither of us had ever run 50 miles before. As of this writing, ONE of us knows what it’s like to run 50 miles, and it ain’t me:-)
Eagle Point Buttress Scenic Loop with Unicorn, Osborne Bend, and Moonshiners Arches
This is a classic loop in Red River Gorge that visits three arches and the best south facing overlook in the region. Situated above a bend in Red River, Eagle Point Buttress provides a stunning view if you can manage a very steep section of unmarked and unmaintained trail. Be sure to read the cautions and notes below before heading out.
Henson’s Arch, Whittleton Arch and Falls, Whittleton Branch Falls, Hanson’s Point, The Veranda, and Rush Ridge Overlook Lollipop
Hike to two arches and two premium views with this lollipop route from the Whittleton Branch day use parking lot. Hike this after heavy rains and enjoy Whittleton Arch Falls and Whittleton Branch Falls too!
Flag Rock in Mid-October
This is a short walk to a developed and fenced overlook above the City of Norton. The forest composition is among the most beautiful for fall colors and my favorite pocket of forest in SWVA sits to the right (west) as you walk to the lower viewing area. Along the trail, you’ll see the Woodbooger statue - the local name for sasquatch/bigfoot.
Austin Gap with Ravens Nest, Staircase Caves, and Skyview Rock Shelter
This is a spectacular hike and leads to arguably the most interesting geological formations on Pine Mountain’s 120+ mile ridgeline. At the top, you’ll enjoy massive views east and south across Virginia, a pair of small caves, and an arch complex with a skylight that is absolutely stunning. BUT, you’re gonna have to work for it - see the notes below.
“Walrus Rock” at Windy Gap
This hike isn’t worth doing on its own unless you’re looking for a spot to camp and maybe a little geology after packing up - and that’s exactly what I did here. That said, read the note below for a more satisfying hike to Twin Cliffs.
Sunset at Rainbow Point Above Rocky Branch
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.
October Sunset at Buzzards Roost Central
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.
Tarr Ridge East Overlook #1 Out and Back
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.
Pebble Beach Out and Back
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.
Blackburn Rock Out and Back from Hatton Ridge Road
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.
Chimney Top Rock and Princess Arch
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.
August Sunset at “Moreland Branch South Overlook”
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.
Cruise Liner Rock Out and Back Highlight Reel
There are a dozen or more overlooks off the main trail along with a number of arches. This hike is the highlight reel version - taking advantage of the more expansive overlooks and dropping down to Sky View and Star Gap Arches on the way back. It is a tremendous walk that packs a ton of sights into a half-day hike with just a bit of spice with a pair of scrambles en route to the arches.
Rough Trail Plus Gray's Arch, The Veranda, Hanson's Point, and Angel Windows
This route is a rite of passage for Kentucky Hikers, and those who travel this path won’t soon forget it. The route described here is the ‘hard way’ moving from west to east and features five steep climbs, four overlooks, four arches, and some truly magnificent forest scenes. Check the notes below for some tips to make this easier.
Sky Bridge Recreation Area Overlooks Tour - Summer Edition
While many will be familiar with Sky Bridge - the incredibly beautiful double arch - relatively few visiting Red River Gorge are aware of the other unmarked overlooks in the recreation area. On this walk, we took advantage of the summer sun setting to the northwest at Buzzards Roost South while visiting Sky Bridge and Keystone Arches along the way.
Red River Gorge Northeast Loop with Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, and Indian Staircase
If you split the gorge into quadrants with Sheltowee Trace and Red River as bisectors, this would be the northeast loop using mostly marked trails with only three unofficial user trails to Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, and Indian Staircase. It’s a beautiful route and the road walk is made more interesting with the gorge’s incredible geology ever present. Check below for enjoyable add-ons as well.
Copperas Canoe Launch - Red River Access
Red River is a federally designated Wild and Scenic River, and while you can rent your kayaks downstream, you can also bring your own and launch from here. Of course, you’ll need water and wild river depths can be finicky, but it is fantastic wading after a long hike!
Red River Gorge Northside Traverse with Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, and Indian Staircase
This is the most popular variation of this traverse with unmarked/unmaintained trail stops at Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, Indian Staircase, Osborne Bend Arch, and Moonshiners Arch traveling mostly official trails from Sheltowee Backpackers’ Lot to Osborne Bend’s East Trailhead. Route info and navigation is for eastbound travel.
Arch Overload Tour
Book this tour and hike this hike. The tour is a stunning display of the geological wonders commonplace in Red River Gorge Geological Area with a total of 10 arches and a terrific clifftop view.