Daniel Boone National Forest is one of the Bluegrass State's greatest treasures. It spans 21 counties and two million acres in eastern Kentucky. More than 600 miles of hiking trails crisscross through the forest. There are countless ways to spend a day hiking in the national forest, enjoying the natural formations, stunning waterfalls, and soaring arches. The Gobblers Arch Trail is a fantastic day hike in Kentucky, taking hikers on a ridgetop route to a hidden sandstone arch with impressive size and beauty.
Gobblers Arch Trail is a three-mile, one-way trail numbered #636 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
It is in the Daniel Boone National Forest Stearns District and begins at the Hemlock Grove Trailhead. Parking and restrooms are available at the nearby Hemlock Grove Picnic Area.
The route climbs from Rock Creek, a picturesque stream that flows north to south through Stearns District.
Rock Creek is a popular fishing spot and is a Kentucky Wild River. There are slippery rocks and uneven terrain along the dirt route.
From the creek, the trail leads to a cliff line, ridgetop, and eventually, Gobblers Arch.
The arch soars nearly 12 feet into the sky and is 50 feet wide. With the layered sandstone and surrounding trees, the arch provides a fantastic photo opportunity.
Kentucky has many natural arches, which form slowly over time when the materials underneath the stone arch erode.
Gobblers Arch formed when the unyielding sandstone resisted erosion and, eventually, stood alone as a natural arch. Some of Kentucky's most notable natural arches are Natural Bridge, Angel Windows, Princess Arch, and Mantle Rock.
The trail ends at Forest Road 6105. There are a few ways to return to the trailhead.
Hikers can turn around and complete the three-mile trail back. Alternatively, hikers can take the Mark Branch Trail and section 37 of the Sheltowee Trace Trail to return via a five-mile loop hike.
Gobblers Arch Trail is open year-round, allowing hikers to see the forest's changing seasons.
In the spring, fresh green leaves emerge throughout the forest. In the fall, hikers can enjoy the foliage, changing from bright green to stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow. Aren't the colorful leaves remarkable against the bright blue sky?
Have you visited Gobbler's Arch or another natural arch in the Bluegrass State? What is your favorite day hike in Kentucky? For more information about Gobblers Arch and the Gobblers Arch Trail, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service website. And before you set out on your next hike, peruse our list of hiking must-haves.
Stearns, Kentucky, is a remote town of about 1,300 people, making it ideal for relaxing and recharging. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway starts in Stearns and takes passengers on a picturesque three-hour ride through the region. The Jewell Kidd Grocery Store and Deli is a nearly 100-year-old grocery store in the city worth visiting.
If you're interested in staying overnight in the region, take a look at this fantastic four-bedroom Airbnb.
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