You Have to Experience This Natural Arch Hike In Kentucky For Yourself

The Red River Gorge in Kentucky is truly a nature lover’s playground. Boasting towering cliffs, spectacular rock formations, and awe-inspiring sandstone arches, it’s no wonder this natural area attracts thousands of visitors each year.  I love that there are endless trails of all levels of difficulty here, so you can always find a hike that matches your skillset. You can also mix and match trails together for a choose-your-own adventure, which is what we’ve done here for this epic natural arch hike in Kentucky.

This Red River Gorge hike in Kentucky combines the Pinch Em Tight, Rush Ridge, Rough Trail, and Gray’s Arch Trail in Kentucky for a 3.6-mile loop trail that’s one of our favorites. The highlight of this trail is Gray’s Arch, one of the most impressive natural arches in the Red River Gorge Geologic Area.

We recommend hiking this loop counterclockwise to make going down from the escarpment easier. These trails are fairly popular and well-marked, but we always recommend downloading a trail map before setting off. 

The best time to tackle this trail is between March and October. I love this hike in the spring and summer, when everything is vibrant green and the trail is peppered with wildflowers. 

The Arch itself is tucked away in the forest, and you kind of sneak up on it. Spanning 79 feet, it’s pretty impressive when it reveals itself on the hike. 

This hike leads you through a thick forest with plenty of shade. Even so, I’m always going to suggest bringing along some trail snacks—just make sure you leave no trace! There is a recreation area with picnic tables and pit toilets at the trailhead.

Plenty of unique rock formations and ridgeline views will accompany your hike. Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are kept on a leash. This is also a kid-friendly trail, so feel free to bring the whole squad! Since this loop combines multiple trails, you can always cut the adventure short if the youngest nature lover is over it. 

There is a parking lot at the Grays Arch Recreation Area by the trailhead. It does fill up quickly during peak times, so plan to get there early (or go on a weekday) if you want to escape the crowds. 

Share this article with your favorite hiking buddy and make plans to hit this arch trail in Kentucky today!

Read on to check out some of the best scenic drives through the Red River Gorge.