Hiking
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Natural Bridge State Park
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TRAILS
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Red River Gorge Geological Area
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Hiking
Hiking in the Red River Gorge is predominately done on established trails within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Hiking Trails range from less than a half mile long and easy terrain to strenuous overnight trips, but there is a trail to appeal to all ability levels. We have gathered a list of some of the most popular hikes in the Red River Gorge but, this is by no means all the hiking the area has to offer. Some suggested hikes are listed below: Gray’s Arch – Trail # 0.3 miles A Short but moderately strenuous hike that takes you down below the second largest arch in the Red River Gorge. Sky Bridge – Trail # 214 partially paved easy trail that takes you on top of Sky Bridge arch then down below it on a loop that eventually brings you back up to the parking lot. The first paved part of the trail is easily accessible to wheelchairs, and then it turns to a hiking trail with 75 stairs which bring you back to the parking lot. Rock Bridge – Trail # 207, 1.5 miles an easy loop trail that takes you down to rock bridge and creation falls. Rock bridge is the only major arch in the Red River Gorge which spans over a body of water. Chimney Top – Trail # 235 1 mile out and back easy hike which takes you to chimney top rock. This is a large overlook where you can see the Red River flowing through the gorge. Courthouse Rock/Double Arch – Trails # 202, 203, 201. Approximately 6 miles and strenuous, from the end of Tunnel Ridge Road hike 2.8 miles on the Courthouse Rock trail until you reach Courthouse Rock. Then take the Auxier Branch Trail # 203 to Double Arch where you will join the Double Arch trail #201 and take it back to the parking area. Please see the Trail Map for more info |
Sheltowee Trace
This trail was named after Daniel Boone, who was given the name Sheltowee (meaning “Big Turtle”) when he was adopted as the son of the great warrior Chief Blackfish of the Shawnee tribe. It is a 282 mile (453.84 km) National Recreation Trail that was created in 1976 and stretches from Pickett State Park in Tennessee to northern Rowan County, Kentucky. The trail is mostly in the Daniel Boone National Forest, but also takes visitors through the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, two large recreation lakes (Cave Run Lake and Laurel Lake), and many wildlife management areas. All but the southernmost 10 miles (16.09 km) are in Kentucky. The trail may be multi-use, in certain sections, allowing horses, mountain bikes and off-road vehicles in some designated sections. Check with the ranger district for local rules if in doubt. http://www.sheltoweetrace.com
