Kentucky
Nature|Hiking

This 5-Mile Loop Trail Offers Some Of The Best Views In Red River Gorge In Kentucky

Red River Gorge in Kentucky offers a stunning five-mile loop hike combining Auxier Ridge and Courthouse Rock trails with breathtaking views.

Published Jun 10, 2021

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

Kentucky is a hiker's heaven; our blue hills, myriad rivers, and stunning geological formations providing the most breathtaking backdrops for a hike. And Red River Gorge is one of the state's most beloved hiking spots. There are well over 60 miles of mapped trails throughout the Gorge, each of which offers hikers a different experience of this natural wonder. One of our favorite hikes in Red River Gorge is actually the combination of two different trails. For the best views of Red River Gorge in Kentucky, combine the Auxier Ridge and Courthouse Rock trails into one easy, five-mile loop trail.

Hiking to Courthouse Rock is one of those things that's on any Kentucky adventurer's bucket list.

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Paul Duff/AllTrails

To access this iconic formation, you'll follow Auxier Ridge Trail #204, a 2.1-mile climb where views of Double Arch, Haystack Rock, Courthouse Rock, Raven Rock, and other views of the Red River Gorge are numerous.

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Sheer cliffs extend on both sides of the ridge, so this hike may not be the best for those wary of heights!

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The views are worth it, however. (And yes -- this trail is dog friendly!)

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The Auxier Ridge Trail ends at the junction with Courthouse Rock Trail #202.

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Rob Herfel/AllTrails

At Courthouse Rock, hikers can either return to the parking area by retracing their steps, or continue on along the Courthouse Rock Trail.

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We suggest the latter.

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This trail passes back down through the forest, below high cliffs and across babbling springs that feed into Auxier Branch.

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Portions of the trail are quite narrow and craggy at times.

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This portion of the trail features some remarkable geological formations that really are unique to The Bluegrass State.

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Sean Hunt/AllTrails

In life, we are constantly confronted with choices. But this one? It's easy.

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Opt to extend your trek in this scenic Red River Gorge hike. We promise, the views are well-worth it.

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volgariver/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Have you hiked this Red River Gorge loop trail before? Aren't the views fantastic? If you give it a go, be sure to tag us on Instagram at #OnlyInKentucky to share your photos from this scenic trek!

Red River Gorge really is the perfect Bluegrass State day trip -- here are some more ideas for recreation at Kentucky's own Grand Canyon!

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Nature|Hiking

The Kentucky Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination

Discover two easy and scenic hiking trails in Kentucky's Red River Gorge, perfect for all ages and abilities.

Updated Jul 18, 2024

Written by 

Catherine Armstrong

With all of Kentucky's stunning natural beauty, it's no wonder that hiking is popular here. Here's a short, sweet little trail that takes you to an unforgettable lookout... and we've included a little bonus trail that also has a remarkable natural feature. Here's why you'll want to add the Chimney Top Trail in Kentucky to your hiking bucket list.

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Kentucky's Red River Gorge is a stunning, vast place that will take your breath away. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, this 29,000-acre gorge is the perfect spot for hiking and photography.

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For a sweet, easy hike, take the Chimney Top Trail. It's just 0.6 miles out and back, and it's suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. You'll find the trailhead at the end of Chimney Top Road.

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You'll see a sign at the trailhead that warns you of potential dangers. While the trail itself is easygoing, please keep safe by staying on the path and definitely don't go climbing over the railing at the overlook. Use your noggin and you'll be perfectly fine.

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The short trail leads you just over a quarter mile through the pretty, wooded forest...

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...to the overlook on Chimney Top Rock.

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You can see for miles up here!

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As you can see, the views from the stone overlook are absolutely gorgeous and you'll be able to capture some beautiful photos.

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While you're in this neck of the woods, you'll also want to explore the Princess Arch Trail. It's right across the parking lot from the Chimney Rock Trail, and it's just as short and sweet.

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This lovely trail is also just 0.6 miles out and back, and it's considered easy for most hikers.

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The trail ends at Princess Arch, a 32-foot-long natural sandstone bridge.

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Enjoy viewing and photographing this beautiful natural wonder. Both of these short hikes will fill with awe and make you truly appreciate the beauty of Kentucky.

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Have you trekked along these stunning trails? What's your favorite hiking spot in Kentucky? Leave your suggestions in the comments below so we can explore them, too!

If you're looking for more great trails to explore, don't miss these 5 hikes that everyone in KY should take.

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Nature|Hiking

The Kentucky Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination

Rock Bridge Trail in Red River Gorge, Kentucky, offers a scenic and accessible hike featuring a unique natural sandstone arch over water and the beautiful Creation Falls.

Updated Jul 18, 2024

Written by 

Rachel Shulhafer

It's no secret that Kentucky is chock-full of beautiful hikes that take you to some jaw-dropping scenery. However, this one hike in the Red River Gorge leads you to an unforgettable destination that is unlike anything else in the state. In fact, it's quite possibly one of the most scenic hikes in Kentucky. The best part is that it's suitable for most hiking skill levels, so almost anyone can enjoy what Rock Bridge Trail in Kentucky has to offer.

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To find the trailhead for Rock Bridge Trail, take exit 40 off of Mountain Parkway and head west on KY-15, then take a right onto KY-715. Continue for not quite half a mile, then turn right onto Rock Bridge Road.

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This is a narrow gravel road, so use caution while driving on it. You'll continue on Rock Bridge Road for three miles. The road will end at the trailhead for Rock Bridge Trail, which has bathrooms and picnic tables.

The trail is a 1.5-mile loop, so it does not matter which direction you start. The beginning of the trail is paved, but it quickly descends into a deep ravine surrounded by lush, green forest, and dotted with ancient rock shelters.

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As you get lower in elevation, you will start to hear the sound of water flowing. This means you're getting close your unforgettable destination: Rock Bridge.

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As the trail winds around the side of this impressive natural sandstone arch, you'll see that it is actually going over the creek.

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In fact, it is the only natural arch in all of Red River Gorge that goes over water, making this geological formation truly unique.

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There is a clearing just past the arch that makes a great spot to stop for a snack or a rest.

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With so much scenery to admire, it's no wonder this tops the list of the most scenic hikes in Kentucky.

Not far past the arch is another beautiful site: Creation Falls. There's a small beach area close to the falls, as well as a viewing area. Creation Falls is one of the most gorgeous sites in the whole Gorge.

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Have you ever hiked the Rock Bridge Trail in Kentucky before? Do you consider this among the most scenic hikes in Kentucky? We'd love to hear all about your experiences in the comments below! For related content, you'll love learning about these swinging bridge trails in Kentucky that offer the perfect amount of adventure:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/swinging-bridge-trails-ky/

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