American Byways

My leg was quite stiff from a spill on my bike, where a softball-sized knot formed on my right knee after I did a quick save of my bike, but not my body. But I was not about to let a beautiful, sunny Saturday go by without at least heading out for my second trip to Red River Gorge for 2009. For this, I decided to take it easy and trek out on several smaller trails and take frequent breaks to let my leg rest up.

The first trail I pursued was the Whittleton Branch Trail (T 216) and the Whittleton Arch Trail (T 217). The trail 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. The trail is almost entirely covered by dense second-growth forest canopy, and brilliant wildflowers blossom in the valley during the spring and summer months.

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. It is relatively difficult to photograph due to its impressive size — it is one of the largest arches in the gorge.

Whittleton Arch

I then attempted the Hidden and Silvermine Arch Loop (T 208 and 225), located near the Koomer Ridge Campground. Beginning at the trailhead parking lot, I followed the Hidden Arch Trail (T 208) for about one mile to a overlook of a deep watershed that flowed northward to the Red River. Twenty-seven steps led away from the overlook, snuggled amongst rhododendron, before coming to Hidden Arch — appropriately named for its location inline a rock house.

Hidden Arch

The trail then descended more steps before ascending a hill to the Koomer Ridge Trail (T 220). I turned right and took the Silvermine Arch Trail, following a mostly level path as it passed by the Koomer Ridge Campground. At two miles, the trail descended an impressive rockface via a 89-step staircase, which afforded great views of the valley below. The trail continued down the hill before ending at the impressive Silvermine Arch — also considered a waterfall step arch.

Silvermine Arch

I ended the day with the Sky Bridge Trail (T 214), is an easy .8 mile 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.

Sky Bridge

The sun sets over the Parched Corn Creek valley.

Click through to find more about Red River Gorge and photographs of the terrifc sunset, Hidden Arch, Silvermine Arch and Whittleton Arch. Watch for new recreation pages on two prairies in Ohio soon!

It was a sunny Saturday in late August when I trekked to Red River Geological Area in Kentucky to explore some of the trails on the eastern front near Swift Creek and the Clifty Wilderness. It had been almost a year since my last trip to the area, so an excursion to what is one of the commonwealth’s most popular recreation areas was well overdue.

The first leg of the trail involves the Wildcat Trail (T 219), a 1.8 mile trail that involves a mostly gradual descent. I parked at the Wildcat trailhead off of Kentucky State Route 715, and started out on the Wildcat Trail. The path begins to make a gradual descent towards the creek, but at .3 mile, the trail makes a sharp left and parallels the state route, although it is out of sight. The trail turned a short time later onto an old logging road before descending down into the Swift Creek valley though thickets of rhododendron and towering oaks. Numerous wildflower species lined the trail, becoming especially vibrant and noticeable as I petered further from the main road.

The Wildcat Trail follows closely to sandstone outcroppings.

Late summer wildflowers, such as the Common Yellow Flax, dot the mixed woodlands.

Along the way, I came across a group of 11 that were hiking towards the Wildcat trailhead. Although they were mostly older individuals, they explained that once every two weeks, they would meet at the Eastland Shopoing Center in Lexington to caravan to a state park or naturalized area to “take in what this state has to offer.” I couldn’t agree more with that statement.

At the junction with the Swift Creek Trail (T 228), I turned left and followed what is a more moderate trail that closely follows Swift Creek — although it remained out of sight for a significant distance as I was high atop the bluffs. The trail meanders beneath tall hemlocks and hardwoods, and features numerous small climbs and descents.

The Spotted Touch-Me-Not, also known as Jewelweed, is present along the Swift Branch Trail.

At mile 3.5, I was finally afforded access to the placid and wide Swift Creek. There were numerous campsites along the waterway, although it is not recommended to camp along the banks due to the threat of flash flooding.

Soon after the creek sightings, the trail began its relatively steep ascent towards the state route and the Angel Windows trailhead. It is an easy 20 minute hike along the road, heading south, to the Wildcat trail.

Click through to find more about Red River Gorge and photographs of the Wildcat and Swift Creek Trail Loop gallery. Stay tuned for my early September trip to the Gorge in my next entry!