 
Within the Red River Gorge is the Clifty Wilderness, a vast tract of undeveloped and rugged forest land with hiking trails. Its 12,646 acres feature numerous natural stone arches, rock shelters, and looming cliffs within its steep valley walls and sparkling clear headwater streams. Its solitude and unspoiled bounty attracts many. As that is, there is no functional cellular or radio communications due to its remote nature and no modern facilities. The vast majority of the trails are unmarked due to its wilderness designation, so be prepared to bring a GPS, compass and map for reference. Some of the trails that cross through this desolate region include the Osbourne Bend Trail (T 240), Lost Branch Trail (T 239), Sheltowee Trace (T 100), Swift Camp Creek Trail (T 219), Wildcat Trail (T 228), and the Rock Bridge Trail (T 207). There are nearly 20 miles of trail to choose from. Besides expanse wilderness areas, there are over 100 natural stone arches within the gorge, sculpted by 70 million years of wind and water. These natural wonders help frame the Gorge's densely forested areas, from the valleys to the ridges and cliffs. As a result, many arches are popular with rock climbers. Some of the more famous arches in the trail include Double Arch, Grays Arch, Hidden Arch, Whittleton Arch, Silvermine Arch, Princess Arch, and the Whistling Arch. Many are not easily accessible and will require difficult hikes to reach. The distinct topography of the Red River Gorge also allures to many rock climbers. The numerous Corbin sandstone arches and highwalls make the area ideal for climbing, and has been ranked one of the top 10 climbing destinations in the world.(1) There are over 1,300 developed climbing routes, far surpassing those in many other naturalized areas. Fortunately, there are numerous outfitters that are located close to Red River. For beginners, the 42-acre Torrent Falls Climbing Resort located just down Kentucky Route 15 from Natural Bridge State Resort Park, is more than guide service and instruction with 50 unique climbing routes. The family-friendly resort is also a bed and breakfast and comes complete with log cabins, a waterfall, and a 70-foot suspension bridge over 50 feet of Middle Fork. Elsewhere, True North Outfitters offers training in climbing, mountaineering, kayaking and canoeing, and features climbing adventures and horseback trails. There is a chalet-style hostel that includes breakfast at the Crazy Climber's Cafe. There is also Red River Outdoors that offers guide services and climbing instruction, along with canoe and mountain bike rental, and guiding, hiking, backpacking and camping areas. Located at the mouth of Gladie Creek is Gladie, a former community located just a stone's throw from the Bison Way Trail (T 210) and the Sheltowee Trace (T 100). The land surrounding the community was once used for subsistence farming, and later became a logging camp for the timber industry which at the time was reaching its peak. Gladie at one time featured numerous homes, a school, cemetery, general store and community center.  Today, the Gladie Historic Site preserves these memories. The cabin, which dates to between 1876 and 1884, was originally moved there from a location 1/4 mile away. The house is being restored and will open as an interpretive site for exhibits and presentations. Adjacent to the Gladie Historic Site is the Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center, which provides information regarding the cultural heritage, unique resources, and geology of the Red River region. It also provides trail, camping, and hiking information. There are maps, passes, books, and souvenirs available, and is open seven days a week from 9 AM to 5:30 PM from spring to fall.Finally, located along Kentucky Route 77, the 900-foot one-lane Nada Tunnel was constructed as part of a logging railroad in the early 1900s. You can find more information regarding its history along with numerous photographs at Bridges & Tunnels. Red River through the Gorge offers spectacular canoing and kayaking opportunities. It was also designated as Kentucky's first National Wild and Scenic River. It is split into two sections: Upper and Lower. The Upper segment is for more experienced canoers as it has Class II and III rapids, while the Lower offers more tranquility and an easier time. To access the Upper portion, the put in is at KY 746 at the Spraddlin Bridge. The Lower portion starts at the concrete span below the Sky Bridge along KY 77; the take out point is at the blue steel bridge. If you need to rent a canoe, Red River Outdoors (phone: 606-663-9701) is one of the most reliable. They offer canoes to rent during the weekends and holidays from Spring until Fall and offer shuttle service for canoeists and kayakers with reservations. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DirectionsRed River is easily accessed from the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway southeast of Clay City and Slade. Use Exit 33 from the Parkway and follow the signage. A rest area, also located at the interchange, features an information center. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CampingBackcountry CampingRed River Gorge and the Clifty Wilderness offers many spectular places to camp. Anyone, as long as you have a recreation permit (between 10 PM and 6 AM), can camp along the trails within these two areas only. Camping is not permitted within 300 feet of any road, within 300 feet of any developed trail, or in any picnic or parking area. Guests cannot also camp in rockshelters, at the base of any cliff.Koomer Ridge CampgroundA U.S. Fee Area that has trailer and tent spaces, vault toilets, fire grills, lantern posts, drinking water, picnic tables, and an amphitheater, sites are on a "first-come, first-served" basis. The campground is in operation from mid-April to the end of October. Tent sites, however, remain open year-round although no water is available. The Hidden Arch Trail (T 208), Silvermine Arch Trail (T 225), and the Cliff Trail (T 206) can be accessed from the grounds. Koomer Ridge can be accessed via KY 15 between Slade and Pine Ridge.AmentitesTrailer and tent spaces, vault toilets, fire grills, lantern posts, drinking water, picnic tables.DirectionsLocated from KY 15 between Slade and Pine Ridge.Middle Fork & Whittleton CampgroundActually located just outside of the Gorge at Natural Bridge State, these two campgrounds are located near KY 11. There are 82 sites total with utilities (most hookups have been removed) and 12 primitive sites.AmentitesShowers, restrooms and dump stations.DirectionsLocated near KY 11.Primitive CampgroundsThese are located along Forest Road 10 (Chimney Top Rock Road) and offer a limited number of "first-come, first-serve" spots. The first campground is located just off of the road on the Rough Trail (T 221), while the other is located closer to Princess Arch (T 233) and Chimney Top Rock (T 235). Another campground is located on Forest Road 9B (East Fork Indian Creek Road).DirectionsForest Road 10 (Chimney Top Rock Road) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LodgingNatural Bridge State Resort Park Hemlock Lodge and CottagesThere are 11 furnished cottages and 35 rooms at the Hemlock Lodge, which is complete with a restaurant. Natural Bridge State Resort Park is adjacent to Red River Gorge. Make reservations and find more information here or by phoning 606-663-2214 or toll-free at 1-800-325-1710.Location2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, Kentucky800-325-1710 | Web-Site | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TrailsThere are over sixty miles of hiking opportunities from the unmarked trails in the Clifty Wilderness to paved, handicap-accessible paths. Many provide access to the natural stone arches that dot the region, and to large bluffs that provide unparalleled vistas.Angel Windows (T 218)Angels Windows Trail (T 218) is a brief and easy hike that borders a steep valley before bowing beneath a large rockhouse. At the end of the trail are "angel windows," a double arch carved through the rock by millions of years of wind.
Auxier Branch (T 203)This trail connects the Double Arch Trail (T 201) with the Courthouse Rock Trail (T 202). Beginning from Courthouse Rock, the trail begins a rather rapid descent via a series of small switchbacks and descends into a forested valley. The trail becomes narrow at places as it hugs Auxier Branch, which it eventually crosses via a ford. Although there is flat ground, camping is prohibited along the creek. There is a short and moderate climb to the Double Arch Trail.
TrailheadThe western terminus is the Double Arch Trail (T 201), while the eastern terminus is the Courthouse Rock Trail (T 202).Auxier Ridge (T 204)At 2.1 miles, the trail is an easy hike on relatively flat terrain to Courthouse Rock. It opens up to a high ridge that offers spectacular views along both sides of Raven's Rock, Double Arch, Courthouse Rock and the numerous valleys that fork from Red River. There are a few points where the trail narrows considerably as it passes over a narrow ridge consisting of bare rock, offering panoramas aplenty. Combined with the Courthouse Rock Trail (T 202) that ventures towards Haystack Rock, this can become a leisurely day hike.
TrailheadTunnel Ridge RoadChimney Top (T 235)The easy Chimney Top Trail (T 235) winds its way along a paved path to an overlook that provides panorama views of the deep valley below, along with Pinch'em Tight Gap and Cloud Splitter Rock that are in the distance. The overlook is named for the rock formation the overlook rests on, soaring 900 feet above the forest floor below.
Courthouse Rock (T 202)Beginning .75 miles from the Tunnel Ridge parking area, the trails begins a rather rapid descent through thickets of rhododendron and continues onward for a view of Haystack Rock. The trail continues at the edge of a small valley and crosses a small stream several times -- although it is mostly dry during the summer months. Combined with the Auxier Ridge Trail (T 204), or the Auxier Branch Trail (T 203) and the Double Arch Trail (T 201), one can make a great day hike and visit Courthouse Rock, Haystack Rock and Double Arch.
TrailheadThe trail begins at the Auxier Ridge Trail (T 204) near Tunnel Ridge Road, and ends at the junction of the Auxier Ridge Trail (T 204) and the Auxier Branch Trail (T 203) near Courthouse Rock.Double Arch (T 201)The trail rapidly descends via a series of switchbacks and over 40 steps into the Auxier valley, where the trail levels off as it stays within the shadow of a looming ridge. Along the way, note the visible fire damage along the highwalls. Double Arch becomes visible on the left approximately 3/4 into the trail, which then winds around the ridge and ascends via a series of steps to the arch itself. From the arch, a series of stone steps along the right side leads to the top.
TrailheadThe trail begins at the Auxier Ridge Trail (T 204) parking lot along Tunnel Ridge Road. Follow the now-closed portion of the road to the trailhead.Grey's Arch (T 205)This beautiful natural stone arch is a popular destination off of Tunnel Ridge Road. The trail passes through a meadow that features bountiful spring wildflowers before coming upon the namesake Gray's Arch. The trail is .9 miles in length and is considered a fairly easy hike. The trail has a connection with the Rough Trail.
TrailheadTunnel Ridge RoadHidden and Silvermine Arch Loop (T 208 and 225)Beginning at the Koomer Ridge Campground, this 4.8-mile Hidden and Silvermine Arch loop begins at a parking lot not far from the entrance to the park. Follow the Hidden Arch Trail (T 208), a short 1-mile hike that leads to the Silvermine Arch Trail (T 225).The Hidden Arch trail is on level ground passing through mixed hardwoods to Hidden Arch, although it dips to pass by a campground road and campsites 46 and 48. At .75-mile, the trail comes to an overlook of a deep watershed that flows northward to the Red River. It makes a hard right before descending down a flight of 27 steps snuggled rhododendron before coming across Hidden Arch, nestled amongst a rock overhang. From here, the trail descends another 35 steps to follow a cliff line before ascending the hill to the Koomer Ridge Trail (T 220). Bear right and follow the flat grade to the Silvermine Arch Trail (T 225). Turn left onto the path and follow it for 1.4-miles, following a mostly level grade as it passes by the Koomer Ridge Campground. There are some newer trail alignments and some forks, but the main trail is pretty visible or well signed. At 2-miles, the trail descends a rockface via a 89 step staircase, affording some great views of the valley below. The Silvermine Trail continues to meander and drop until mile 2.4 where it ends at the impressive Silvermine Arch. Return as you came until the junction with the Koomer Ridge Trail (T 220). Bear left which returns to the main trailhead parking area.
TrailheadFrom the Mountain Parkway interchange with KY 15 at Slade, travel 5.1 miles to the Koomer Ridge Campground. Once on the main campground road, turn left into the trailhead parking area.Princess Arch (T 233)The Princess Arch Trail (T 233) is a brief .4 mile path that follows a mostly level ridgetop to the arch and an overlook. The mixed hardwood forest provides plenty of cover, and thickets of rhododendron dot the fringes of the ridge.
Rock Bridge (T 207)The Rock Bridge Trail (T 207) accesses one of the more unique arches of the Red River Geological Area. The trail is mostly paved and features several steps with a net elevation change of approximately 150-feet, an easy hike for most. The path begins at a graveled parking area and descends down a series of steps and grades towards Swift Camp Creek, and at the base is a small waterfall, Creation Falls, along Rock Bridge fork. The trail continues on downward towards a large sandbar before the Rock Bridge fork and Swift Camp Creek junction, and it is near this point that an arch spanning the creek makes its appearance. Continue onward to the intersection of the Swift Camp Creek Trail (T 219), and bear left to continue on the Rock Bridge Trail towards the parking area.
TrailheadFrom Kentucky State Route 15 at Pine Ridge, follow Kentucky State Route 715 north for one-half mile and bear right onto a gravel road that leads to the Rock Bridge picnic area and parking lot.Sheltowee Trace (T 100)Named for Daniel Boone, this trail traverses through the entire length of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Part of this traverses through the Red River Gorge. There are beautiful vistas of the forested valleys below, along with scenes of towering limestone walls and the Indian Arch. It is considered a difficult trail. 17 miles of this trail runs through the Red River Gorge, Clifty Wilderness, and Natural Bridge State Resort Park.
Sky Bridge Trail (T 214)The Sky Bridge Trail (T 214) is an easy .8mile path that features Sky Bridge as its centerpiece. Beginning at the Sky Bridge parking area, the trail comes to a view of the top of the arch, affording impressive views to the east and west. The trail scrambles down some stair steps and loops back for a view of the belly of the arch, before returning via a staircase to the parking area.
TrailheadFrom Kentucky State Route 715, turn into the Sky Bridge Recreation Area and follow to the parking area.Tower Rock (T 229)Tower Rock Trail (T 229) is a lesser-used path at Red River Gorge due to its isolation in the overall trail network, although it affords a spectacular view of a fantastic rock formation, along with access to one of the best climbing routes in the region. The path, from the trailhead, is all uphill towards the base of Tower Rock. Along the way is a fairly narrow passage between two rocks.
TrailheadThe trailhead is along Kentucky State Route 715, approximately 1 mile east from the Gladie visitors center, with parking available on the road that diverges towards Red River opposite of the trail.Whistling Arch (T 234)The Whistling Arch Trail (T 234) is an easy and short hike to one of the more popular arches in the Red River Geological Area. It is noted for its picturesque views and grandeur, and for its overhangs that are popular with rock climbers.
TrailheadThe Whistling Arch Trail Parking Area is located along Kentucky State Route 715 approximately 5 miles from Kentucky State Route 15 at Pine Ridge.Whittleton Branch and Arch Trail (T 216 and 217)The Whittleton Branch Trail (T 216) begins at the Whittleton Branch Campground at Natural Bridge State Resort Park and meanders along an old logging railroad along the Whittleton Branch. Until 1928, the Mountain Central Railroad lumbered up the valley, crossing the creek an impressive 26 times in just two miles.Towering second-growth forests provide excellent cover along the trail, and several perennial stream crossings provide insight to the deep and isolated valley. Brilliant spring and summer wildflowers provide an abundance of color and variety. Approximately .8 miles from the campground is the junction with the Whittleton Arch Trail (T 217), which leads to Whittleton Arch -- the primary focus of this hike. It is an easy .02 mile trek to the waterfall step arch, one of a few within the gorge. Back on the main Whittleton Branch Trail, the path leaves the old railroad grade and begins a moderate ascent for the last .02 mile to its junction with Kentucky State Route 15 and Tunnel Branch Road.
TrailheadThe southern trailhead is at Natural Bridge's Whittleton Branch Campground off of Kentucky State Route 11. The northern terminus is at Kentucky State Route 15 and Tunnel Branch Road.Wildcat and Swift Camp Trail Loop (T 228, 219)The Wildcat and Swift Camp Trail Loop involves the Wildcat Trail (T 228) and the Swift Camp Trail (T 219). From the Wildcat Trail parking area, the 1.8-mile trail involves a gradual descent towards the creek. There are several sharp bends, some poorly marked, that deviate from older trail alignments or side paths. Old forest and logging roads are visible at places, and a side road leads up to an active cemetery on a public plot. The path, towards its midpoint, descends further into the valley through thickets of rhododendron and towering hardwoods.At the junction with Swift Camp Trail (T 219), bear left onto a more moderate trail that meanders up and down small hills along a ridge above Swift Creek. At mile 3.5, a small path finally affords access to the usually placid and wide Swift Camp Creek, containing numerous campsites and areas to just simply relax and unwind. Soon after the creek sightings, the trail begins an ascent back to Kentucky State Route 715 and the Angel Windows trailhead. It is an easy 20 minute hike along the road, heading south, to the Wildcat trail.
TrailheadThe Wildcat trailhead is located along Kentucky State Route 715, 3 miles north of its junction with Kentucky State Route 15 at Pine Ridge. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Further Reading1. Red River Gorge Geological Area by the United States Forest Service 2. Red River Gorge 3. Red River Gorge Scenic Byway at America's Byways 4. Red River Gorge Scenic Byway at See America's Byways | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sources1. Brown, Katherine Tandy. "Rockin' in the Gorge." The Lane Report June 2007: 48. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Do not stay at Pumpkin bottom! My wife, daughter, and I were looking for a good camping area May 2009. We drove down the lane to the campground, which seemed abandoned. There was a VERY dilapidated house the seemed to serve as the owner's residence. We didn't see anyone at all, so I followed the sign that said "campsites". Not finding one to my liking, I turned around and drove back towards the house. There was an immensely obese man with an oxygen tank on the front porch waving his arms and screaming at me to stop. I rolled down my window and he started shouting that this was "private property." I told him I was looking for a campground, but obviously would not be staying there. He started to yell again as I drove off. It was probably the most "Deliverance" moment I've every had.