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!
Whittleton Arch Out and Back from Pinch 'em Tight Trailhead
This is a beautiful springtime hike to a massive sandstone arch with a rotating variety of wildflowers and a small waterfall along the way. After soaking rains, a waterfall flows over the top of the arch - creating one of the most magical scenes in the Red River Gorge Region.
Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole Out and Back
This is a terrific short hike while visiting the region. Enjoy a seasonal waterfall, sandstone arch, and idyllic swimming hole in the Clear Fork River. I imagine in the dog days of Summer, this is the place to be in Rugby.
Henson’s (Cave) Arch and Whittleton Arch Out and Back from KY-11
This is one of the best Spring hikes in Red River Gorge with plenty of wildflowers lining the trail, a massive arch, and when the weather is right, a waterfall flowing over the top of the arch. Kids love this hike - just be sure to keep them close when you arrive at the arch.
Swift Camp Creek and Spurs - Creation Falls, Rock Bridge, Pooch’s Turtle Falls, Turtle Back Arch, and Angel Windows
This is a nice day hike or first day of backpacking starting at Rock Bridge Trail in Clifty Wilderness and finishing at the Rough-Swift Camp Creek Trailhead on KY-715. Included are two waterfalls and three arches on nearly all marked trails with the exception of the spur to Turtle Back Arch, requiring a short Class 3 Scramble. Be sure to check the hiker notes and cautions below before hiking this route.
Grayson Lake Damsite Tower and Spillway
On the west side of the dam on KY-7 is a small tower, spillway, and trail. We popped in to checkout the tower and spillway and while the view from the tower is less than pristine, it does provide excellent birdwatching. And the spillway had a little manmade “waterfall” with a blue heron perched on the rocks - so not too bad for a quick stop on the way home.
Lick Falls Loop
This short hike is a nice walk through three distinct forest sections that passes the top of Lick Falls. Though the falls were barely flowing, it was a nice hike through the woods to round out our trip to Grayson Lake.
Copperas Creek Nine Arch Tour
WARNING | This trail is on unmarked, unmaintained trails; portions of this hike are on poorly defined user trails with unstable soil/rock and a risky crawl; getting lost is possible even for experienced hikers; no cell service is available in this canyon and GPS is far from accurate; inexperienced off trail hikers should NOT attempt this hike
Winter at Eagle Falls
With dry weather leading up to our hike, we opted for this dependable waterfall that flows year round with the rare exception during drought. The falls are gorgeous, the cascades above are peaceful, and the views of Cumberland Falls from the shoreline boulders are fantastic! This is a hike I like to revisit year after year and reasonable river levels make it all the better.
Winter at Broke Leg Falls
This is a classic Kentucky waterfall with plenty of height to impress along with some beautiful cascades just upstream from the big plunge. The area is highly developed with shelters, picnic tables, paved walkways, and railings. Just take care to keep children close as soon as they exit the vehicle - trouble can be found only steps from the parking lot.
Snow Day at Rock Bridge and Creation Falls
This hike is always a pleasure - and getting a snow day before the road closes for the season is even better! With 6 to 10 inches of snow in the area, the setting was fantastic. I strapped on some microspikes and enjoyed a nice, safe hike over snow and ice.
Summer Paddle to Grotto Falls
This was so much better than expected - and I expected it to be pretty awesome! The paddle to Grotto Falls was gorgeous with plenty of cliffs and boulders dotting the lake. And squeezing through the narrow channel before floating around the corner to have Grotto Falls revealed is the kind of thing that words can’t fully describe.
Summer at Eagle Falls
This is a classic route in Kentucky with views of Cumberland Falls, a beautiful forest loop, Eagle Creek Cascades, and the always glorious Eagle Falls. It’s not an easy hike, but short and a must-hike when visiting the region.
Summer at Cumberland Falls
This is easily the most developed set of overlooks in the Commonwealth of Kentucky - and for good reason. Cumberland Falls - a.k.a. Niagra of the South - is a massive and powerful waterfall, and summertime is an ideal time to visit with the whole family.
2021 Yamacraw 50K
I wear a Road ID bracelet and on it is inscribed, “Last Place > DNF > DNS.” Translated, that’s, “Last place is better than did not finish is better than did not start.” Coming in undertrained and in conditions that I’d rather hike than run, I hiked. A lot. And got that last place finish with only seconds to spare:-)
Princess and Julia Lynn Falls Springtime Out and Back
I’ve always hiked here as part of longer routes, so the day before a 50K race made for a great reason to hike the short version. Princess Falls is among the more playful waterfalls in Kentucky and typically has decent flow except during significant droughts. Along the way, enjoy Julia Lynn Falls that was trickling after a dry stretch, but is gorgeous with recent rains.
2021 Carter Caves Half Marathon
Let me introduce you to Kentucky’s Prettiest Half Marathon. Seven natural bridges/arches, a number of wet weather waterfalls, a lakeside vista, a clifftop vista, a pair of footbridges, loads of wildflowers, and plenty of gorgeous hardwood forest in between. There was so much to see - and photograph - that my phone died!
Smoky Bridge Out and Back
This short hike will take you to the massive Smoky Bridge located below Caveland Lodge, but most easily accessed from this 3-season trailhead. There is an arch somewhat hidden above the bridge, a mini-cave that kids love, and a small (spring) waterfall just outside the bridge.
Spring at Creation Falls and Rock Bridge
When folks visit Red River Gorge for the first time, I always recommend this hike. It’s a gorgeous mile and a half through Clifty Wilderness with the always playful Creation Falls and beautiful Rock Bridge. Kids love it; dogs love it; everyone loves it!
Copperas Falls and Sandy Arch Out and Back
This is about as perfect a day as you can have at Copperas Falls - great flow, comfy temps, and loads of sunshine! With plenty of rain in recent days, I also stopped up at Sandy Arch to catch a little water spilling out there too.