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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Martin’s Branch (Fork) Overlook Out and Back
This is a quick walk to a nice view of the Martin’s Branch/Fork drainage from just off Rough Trail. This hike is alright alright if you’re camping nearby - there are better views to be had, but not for so little effort.
Martin’s Fork Mid Loop and Overlooks
This is a classic route in Red River Gorge that arguably includes the geological area’s most beautiful arch and overlook at Gray’s Arch and Hanson’s Point, respectively. This hike adds three other overlooks, a playful arch, and a little archaeological history as well. If you’re looking for a nice half-to-full day hike to get to know Red River Gorge, this is a great one.
Martin’s Fork Short Loop and Overlooks
This is the ‘short’ loop from Martin’s Fork that includes Rough Trail’s Stepped Overlooks, Military Wall Overlook, Mid-level Arch, Gray’s Arch, The Veranda, Rush Ridge Overlook, and D Boon Hut. It is an excellent sampler platter and solid introductory hike on official and unofficial trails in Red River Gorge.
Nada Tunnel Arch
Nada (NAY-də) Tunnel Arch is a roadside arch just east of the famous tunnel on the north side of Red River Gorge Actual. It is often driven by, but seldom seen - unless you visit during the forest’s resting season. While it’s a very, very short walk off the road, it’s hard to see even while looking directly at it.
Sunset at The Veranda
This premium overlook is better known for its sunrise views, but nearest the Winter Solstice, The Veranda delivers an incredibly beautiful scene. With the sun dropping down just at the edge of Rush Ridge, this was an ideal way to close out the day.
Lullaby Arches Out and Back Bushwhack
These arches had eluded me on a previous visit using a steeper and much more dangerous approach angle from the west. Coming in from the east was certainly safer, but the final climb to the arches remains steep and slick. Take care with your steps if you elect to attempt this hike and be sure to follow Leave No Trace by spreading out and not creating a trail - especially immediately off Pinch ‘em Tight Trail.
And, full disclosure - while I love arches and find them all to be worthy destinations, most hikers will not enjoy this one - there are many, many prettier arches requiring a small fraction of the effort this one demands.
Military Wall Out and Back - Emergency Brake Pillar Arch, Big Hole Arch, and a Couple More
Big Hole Arch is the highlight on this short, but rewarding hike that crosses paths with two named arches and a couple others that might qualify as arches. Military Wall is one of the few bolted (sport) climbing areas in Daniel Boone National Forest and is maintained by Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition (RRGCC). Be sure to respect climbers on route by walking quietly and giving an extra wide berth. NEVER walk beneath rope between belayer and climber.
Sunset at Military Wall Overlook
This was a nice, quick walk out to a clifftop overlooking Military Wall. After hiking below and above the wall, 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.
Raven Rock
This is the only private day use fee area in Red River Gorge and provides some of the most commanding views in the region. A loop of overlooks at the top provide 360-degree views of the Gorge that were spectacular on this sun and clouds day. Be sure to spot Auxier Ridge, Courthouse Rock, Tarr Ridge West, and more while you’re up there.
Sunset at Twilight Arch Overlook
I had visited this overlook a couple weeks back and brought LaFonda out for a quick sunset hike. Twilight Arch Overlook is quiet and beautiful with sweeping 180-degree views ideal for sunset year-round. There’s a catch, of course, so be sure to read the hiker notes below.
Sand Gap, White’s Branch Arch, Ramp Arch, Twilight Arch, Natural Bridge, and Rock Garden Window Complex
There’s nothing to see, then there is a ton to see! This hike has some beautiful forest walking for the first 4+ miles before reaching the ridgeline to four arches, four overlooks, and plenty of amazing geology. The hike is moderately difficulty overall, but a class 4 scramble is required to reach White’s Branch and Ramp Arches. Overall, this is one of the best 10+ mile routes in the Red River Gorge Region, but can be made shorter with more direct approaches (see hiker notes below).
Anvil and Eholia Arches 1 & 2 Out and Back
It had been a couple years since my last visit here, and what a great day to be back! This hike not only has plenty of off trail flavor, I also noticed a third arch (Eholia Arch #2) on the route along with a gloriously eroded piece of sandstone (pictured below). This isn’t an easy hike and the arches certainly aren’t going to win any beauty pageants, but for off trail hikers and arch hunters, this hike is a winner!
Arch of Triumph, Star Gap Arch, Double Arch, and The Observatory for Sunset
This is a classic route in Red River Gorge using a combination of marked and unmarked trails that are easy to follow with a couple light class 2 scrambles as well. Star Gap Arch and Double Arch are hiker favorites while Arch of Triumph is small, but playful. And sunset at The Observatory? Fantastic!