Don’t Try This One Hike in Kentucky If You’re Afraid of Heights

Kentucky is full of incredible hiking trails that will lead you to epic waterfalls, mysterious caves, incredible rock formations, and mesmerizing vista views. Some of the best hikes in the state will push you past what you think you are capable of and reward you with endless views that make you think you’re on top of the world. 

One of my favorite things about hiking in Kentucky is that there’s always a trail to match your skill set and schedule. You can find plenty of short and sweet hikes that you can knock out in an hour or two, and also multi-mile treks that experienced hikers can check off their bucket lists. If you’re not afraid of heights, then you need to add the Eagle’s Nest and Osborne Bend Loop to your hiking bucket list. It’s one of the most extreme hikes in Kentucky, and worth every step. 

The loop trail hovers right around four miles and has an elevation gain of 623 feet. That might not sound like much, but you climb quickly, and there are several steep rock scrambling sections. Make sure you’re wearing good hiking boots to tackle this rugged terrain. Many hikers recommend hiking poles to relieve some of the stress on their knees. 

This isn’t a well-maintained trail, and there are often downed trees on your way. It can be tricky to stay on the trail, so make sure to download the trail map ahead of time. Hiking this trail in the winter brings even more challenges, since it can get icy and slippery really quickly. Spring or summer would be my pick to tackle this extreme hike in Kentucky, which will bring some pops of color along the way with plenty of wildflowers peppering the landscape. 

This trail has a little bit of everything: river views, a waterfall, caves, interesting rock formations, natural arches, and an incredible view at the top. 

While this extreme hike in Kentucky comes with plenty of steep sections and dangerous cliffs you need to carefully navigate, there are hidden dangers as well. The Red River Gorge is home to plenty of animals you wouldn’t want to be surprised by, including black bears, copperheads, and timber rattlesnakes. Most of the time, these animals want nothing to do with you. But if you’re not paying attention and unknowingly get too close to them, that’s when bad things happen. Make noise when you’re hiking so you don’t get a surprise encounter with a bear or venomous snake. 

All of your efforts will be rewarded when you make it to the viewpoint. Be careful if you choose to sit near the edge. People have fallen over. I’d sit a reasonable distance from the edge, enjoy a snack, and admire that beautiful view. Just remember that what goes up must come down, and the trek back down can be equally as strenuous as the hike up, so go slow and be careful!

Share this article with your fellow hiking buddies and make plans to tackle this extreme hike in Kentucky this year. Make a weekend out of it and try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.