Sunset at Military Wall Overlook

Sep 15

Map of Military Wall Overlook Out and Back - Red River Gorge - Kentucky Hiker Project — Map of Military Wall Overlook Out and Back, Red River Gorge

Elevation Profile of Military Wall Overlook Out and Back, Red River Gorge

Overview. This was a nice, quick walk out to a clifftop overlooking Military Wall. After hiking below and above the wall on prior visits, it was great to catch a fresh perspective - at sunset no less. The unmarked spur is well trod and relatively easy to navigate with a short scramble on the final approach to the overlook.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 2.00 miles
Elevation Gain | 212 feet
Overall Difficulty | Easy with Class 2 Scramble
a portion of this hike is on unmarked, unmaintained trail with a Class 2 Scramble nearest the overlook

GPS Waypoints
Gray’s Arch Trailhead | 37.808250, -83.657575
Gray’s Arch-Rough Trail Junction | 37.809094, -83.660025
Unmarked Turn to Overlook | 37.814906, -83.660625
Military Wall Overlook | 37.815425, -83.665078
Red River Gorge Area Map

Parking. There is a lot of parking at the picnic area, around the bend at the D. Boon Hut parking lot, across the street at Archaic, and back a ways on Tunnel Ridge Road at Pinch ‘em Tight Parking Lot. Usually, there is plenty of parking around sunset, but during the heart of the day on weekends, expect all of these lots to be full unless you arrive early or late.

Trail Navigation. Begin at the Gray’s Arch Picnic Area and locate the trailhead near the pit toilets. Walk out the flat trail until reaching the junction with Rough Trail. Turn right (northwest) and follow the marked trail until reaching the turn to the overlook. There is a large, distinct tree down here that you can walk around and over or simply duck and walk under. Continue out the ridgeline until reaching the scramble. A zig-zag route is easiest here and long legs certainly help. As with any scramble, be sure you can make it back up before descending. Walk out to the overlook and enjoy the views. Scramble back up and retrace your steps to the parking lot.

HIKER NOTE - Headlamp and Batteries. Always bring a headlamp with batteries and backup batteries whenever you go for a sunset hike.

HIKER NOTE - Early Sunset. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to catch sunset relative to the stated time online. This overlook sits at a slightly lower elevation than the finger of the ridge that is Military Wall, so sunset is a little early.

HIKER NOTE - Camping. There are three campsites along the unmarked, unmaintained spur. If you choose to camp here, know that you’ll likely have other hikers passing through your camp since this is a well known spot among RRG regulars. There are no water sources anywhere nearby - skip the campfire and checkout the stars instead.

CAUTION - Deadly Drops. Long falls from high places are the #1 non-health related cause of death for hikers in Kentucky. Keep your distance from the edges of cliffs to avoid a deadly fall. Young children should be kept close.

CAUTION - Poisonous Snakes. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes can be found in the area. Should you encounter one, stop and slowly back away. Always give venomous snakes a wide berth. Know Before You Go => University of Kentucky Venomous Snake Guide

CAUTION - Black Bears. Ursus Americanus - a.k.a. the American black bear is growing in population throughout much of Kentucky. Know Before You Go => US Forest Service Black Bear Safety Tips