Spring at Angel Windows
I see something new on each visit to Angel Windows. While the double arch formation is a real beauty (the right side looks like a thoroughbred), the intricacies and other small windows woven into the fabric of this rock are nothing short of fascinating.
Spring at Whistling Arch
You’ll often here the wind whistling here thanks to the very steep upslope from below the overlook. Whistling is a fine arch, but the views from the overlook are the real gem on this hike.
Swift Camp Creek South Overlook
This trail is across from the unmarked roadside overlook on Sky Bridge Road. The view goes straight down Swift Camp Creek, making for a gorgeous scene, and also provides a look at Castle Arch.
Spring at Swift Camp Creek North Overlook
This overlook sits high above Swift Camp Creek with a direct view out to Castle Arch across the way. From the developed overlook on the road, it’s a fine view. Walk a few dozen paces downhill and enjoy a much improved, wider view.
Camera Point
Major trail development projects like Sky Bridge sometimes include handicap accessible options like this one. Though the overlooks have been somewhat obstructed by tree growth, beautiful views still exist on this short, flat trail.
Spring at Sky Bridge
Springtime views are a real treat and the always magnificent Sky Bridge was perfectly lit by radiant sun on this unusually warm April day. I’ve walked this trail countless times and it’s always a delight.
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.
Bell Falls
This narrow, but beautiful waterfall is always a nice stop while visiting Red River Gorge. On this day, it was flowing nicely after a couple days of decent rains and the upper falls were a real treat with plenty of water tumbling down Bell Branch.
Winter at Creation Falls and Rock Bridge Arch
Perhaps the most playful waterfall in all of Kentucky, Creation Falls provided a magical scene under bluebird skies with magnificent ice curtains adorning either side of the falls. Add Rock Bridge Arch, the only waterfall formed arch in the Gorge, and you get a spectacular Winter hike!
Snow Day at Devou Park Overlook
When Northern Kentucky gets a big snow, the place to be is Devou Park. We stopped in for some snow-covered views of Covington and Cincinnati while also seeing the kiddos enjoying the sledding hill at the amphitheater. This is a fantastic spot for a quick, big view and snow makes it just a little prettier!
Snow Day at Moser Branch Double Falls
We had the pleasure of laying first tracks at Ft. Wright Nature Center on our way to Moser Branch Double Falls. This is a gorgeous little spot tucked away between a beautiful neighborhood and Highland Cemetery. For a longer hike, come in from the cemetery’s trail system that connects with the nature center at the falls.
Buzzard Creek Arch Out and Back
It was fun seeing this arch in the distance as we drove down Long Bottom Road. The arch is a classic ridgetop beauty - even with the spray paint at its base.
Hollow Rock Arch Out and Back
This is a large, sandwich like arch that is supported by at least four small pillars with multiple windows all around it. It’s a fascinating formation and one that is well worth the long drive and very short hike.
Horn Hollow Falls
This beautiful cascading waterfall is just off the main road at Carter Caves State Resort Park and should be on your list each time you visit. The stream ducks underground before re-emerging here - providing an amazing little scene.
Carter Caves Natural Bridge
This is probably the most visited trail at Carter Caves State Resort Park with the trail just to the side of the Visitors Center. It is also the only natural bridge in Kentucky with an active roadway in use above it. Put simply, it’s huge and a must visit.
Shangra La Arch and Falls, Smoky Bridge, Arch, and Falls
This is fast favorite with an arch and waterfall on one side and a bridge, arch, and waterfall on the other! Enjoy this in Winter with a little extra road walking, or visit Spring through Fall as a pair of short out and backs.
Box Canyon Loop at Carter Caves SRP
This loop takes you up and around a section of the creek gorge that sits above Cascade Cave. While the cave below is a showstopper, this hike is a fantastic short walk featuring Cascade Cave Natural Bridge, some amazing and colorful rock formations, and a pair of narrow squeezes that kids will enjoy.
New Year’s Day at Muir Valley
This was a “just kickin’ around” kind of hike that included a pair of arches, a nice flowing waterfall, and a couple wet weather spillers that made for another nice Winter day at Muir Valley.
Snow Day at Clear Creek Hollow
Having hiked this trail a number of times, I wanted the highlight reel section to max out a gorgeous snow day! This short out and back provided everything you could ask for - snow covered pines framing the creek, an ice draped railroad tunnel, and a boulder-top view to cap it off.
Liz’s Arch and Sunny Side Arch Out and Back
There are two arches in Muir Valley along the trail system and both are beautiful. Liz’s Arch calls to mind Angel Windows while Sunny Side is a really unique arch with a kind of slot canyon feel along its eastern entryway. Both are worth a stop when visiting the waterfalls here over Winter when climbers (primary trail users) are away.