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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Pachyderm Arch Out and Back
This is a beautiful arch that certainly calls elephants to mind. Though the walk is relatively easy, the class 3 scramble to reach the arch is on steep soil with extremely poor footing. I wouldn’t try this without rope.
Buzzards Roost Central Sunset
This is the most easily accessible of the three overlooks off Sky Bridge Picnic Area with a very fine sunset scene around the equinoxes in Spring and Fall. When visiting the region, this is a great, quick sunset location that is rarely busy. This is a small overlook, so it’s best solo or with a small group.
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.
Buzzards Roost North, Central, and South
This is a great trio of overlooks with each providing a unique view of Red River Gorge. North looks out over the river, to Hens Nest, and to Sky Bridge; Central has perhaps the best view looking downriver; South is the most iconic of the group with a spicy scramble down Keystone Arch and excellent sunset view. Skip the scramble if you’re not 100% comfortable; solid views are available without it!
Koomer Ridge Campground Loop
This hike combines popular short hikes surrounding Koomer Ridge Campground into a single loop that includes Hidden Arch, Silvermine Arch, and Cliff Trail for a total of about five miles. It’s a great way to spend a day - whether staying at the campground or visiting for the day.
Buzzards Roost South and Keystone Arch
This short, but spicy hike leads to one of the better overlooks in Red River Gorge. And while the views are fantastic, the final bit of hiking to the roost is the real fun. If you’re afraid of heights, have difficulty scrambling exposed areas, or have young children, this is not the hike for you.
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.
September Sunrise at Chimney Top Rock
This is my top spot for foggy mornings in Red River Gorge and with a fog advisory in effect, this was the place to be - and it delivered the goods once again. Get here to watch the sunrise behind you, lighting up Hanson’s Point and the gorgeous sandstone cliff faces.
Snow Day at Whistling Arch
Finishing off the day at Whistling Arch was pretty much perfect. The clouds finally broke and the wintry scene here is fantastic - particularly at the overlook. When you step out to the overlook, take care not to get too close to the edge when ice/snow are present, but take your time enjoying the view and listening to the waterfalls below.
Snow Day at Sky Bridge
I’ve hiked this little loop more times than I can recall, and it’s always gorgeous. Taking in the views and arch with snow was especially nice - even if the clouds lingered much later than forecast. When visiting the area, this is a great, short hike with plenty of eye candy.
Snow Day at Devil’s Canyon Overlook
I stopped here twice waiting for the clouds to break and finally caught a big view with a beautiful sky. This little walk out overlook is always beautiful. It’s also a cool spot to watch sunrise as the sandstone cliffs light up with a little fog playing in the canyon when conditions are right.
Snow Day at Camera Point Overlook
This overlook features a distant view of Sky Bridge, a commanding view of the Swift Camp Creek Valley below, and a look at Castle Arch Overlook across the way. When hiking Sky Bridge, this is a nice stop to grab a big view.
Snow Day at Swift Camp Creek Overlook #2
From this overlook, you can see Swift Camp Creek and KY-715 down below with Castle Arch across the way. Also, a fresh ‘No Camping’ sign was prominently placed near the overlook since my last visit several months ago.
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.