A hike that has it all in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge
The Red River Gorge in Kentucky is a hiker’s paradise. I found a trail that has intriguing features and, for hikers with Parkinson’s, I’m ranking as difficult.
That’s due to its length (a 6.5-mile loop), the elevation gain (including long staircases) and several obstacles along the way.
(Jump to hike stats.) (Watch the video.)
On the plus side, this trail, unofficially called Double Arch and Courthouse Rock via Auxier Ridge Loop, includes a scenic walk along a ridgetop, a huge landmark boulder, and an amazing arch.
If you feel up to a 3½ – to 5-hour outdoor adventure, you might consider this hike. If not, there are plenty of less-difficult options in the Red River Gorge.
Getting there
The gorge is part of the vast Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky.
Mr. Unshakable and I took a bumpy dirt road off State Highway 15 for four miles to the trailhead.
The parking lot was mostly empty – something I would totally expect at 2 p.m. on a weekday in April. If it had been a nice summer Saturday or Sunday however, I would have arrived early in the morning to nab a parking space.
In fact, a ranger told me that on busy days, they’ve had to close off the road to this particular lot when it gets full, which can be as early as 8 a.m.
“The gorge is being loved to death,” he told me, adding that illegally parked cars are subject to being ticketed.
Once at the trailhead, we decided to take the loop going counter-clockwise. That way we could take in the views from the ridge early on, and later traverse the trail’s dull 1½-mile section of gravel road at the end when we were tired and dragging our feet.
The trail started off mostly smooth with occasional roots and rocks to watch for.
New leaves were just out, and the aroma of springtime filled the air. (Not that I knew first hand. Mr. Unshakable did the smelling for me since Parkinson’s has largely disabled that sense for me.)
White blazes on trees marked the trail. We gradually went upward and found ourselves on the Auxier Ridge.
Ridges can be dangerous places. I was afraid this one would be only a few feet across with huge exposure down into the gorge, but it was wide enough to feel safe.
There were lookouts jutting from the trail, but I didn’t get too close to the edge. I tend to push my limits, but I’d like to think I’m not stupid.
We made a few stops for views, as did these hikers. I also took some pictures with my drone along the top.
Then we came to a long, winding staircase that brought us near the Red River Gorge’s floor.
Parkinson’s hiking tip
On man-made stairs, if you’re using trekking poles, they won’t help as much as hanging on to railings will. This staircase has solid hand rails to ease your way down, so securely stash the poles and hang on to both sides until you reach the bottom.
The stairs led us to the base of Courthouse Rock. At first we mistakenly thought this big boulder was Courthouse Rock – silly us – but later we realized we had woefully underestimated the size of the feature.
It’s actually huge and you can hike around it.
From there, the trail took a left. Right away we had to scramble/slide down some rocks about 10 feet to where the trail continued. We’d reached the bottom of the gorge, and the path followed a small stream on the right.
Parkinson’s hiking tip
Speaking of water, bring plenty, even if the temperature is mild. The ranger suggested at least a liter per person for this trail. Hikers with Parkinson’s can see their motor symptoms go into overdrive when they are dehydrated.
There were some obstacles like fallen trees, but the trail was level and mostly compressed dirt. I imagine it could be muddy after big rains.
The route had us cross the creek, which was running low enough to avoid getting our shoes wet. (Poles are extremely helpful for water crossings.)
Signage at the Red River Gorge is pretty good. The trail started to rise again, and we came to this sign.
The Double Arch – the feature we were most excited about – was at the end of a spur off of the loop, out and back for an added 1½ miles.
Parkinson’s hiking tip
If you’re feeling fatigued at this point, you may want to consider skipping the arch. It’s a unique feature of the gorge, but there’s a lot of elevation to get to it. Plus, once you’re back to the loop trail, you still have a ton of uphill to get out of the gorge and back to the trailhead. Ration your energy wisely.
The ‘Double Arch’
The steep trail to the arch included uneven steps near the top. We took it slowly, grateful the path was nice and dry.
The “double” part of the arch’s name refers to the two open spaces to see through, one on top of the other.
It’s an amazing piece of natural architecture!
After going back down and rejoining the loop trail, our route took us through more woods and to the final staircase — a wooden one with at least 60 steps, again with solid railings to help.
Sliver warning: the handrails aren’t sanded smooth and painted.
At the top was the gravel road.
Roads are not my favorite feature on any hike, but I have to admit it was nice at that point to not have to watch my step or go up any hills.
We walked more than a mile and came to a wooded path, and after a short jaunt from there we were back at the parking lot. Our trek clocked in at about 4½ hours.
Does the Red River Gorge live up to its hype? I think so. This route is a classic with a little bit of everything, but hikers with Parkinson’s may need to take a lot of breaks. I did, and it made a difference.
Hike info
PD difficulty level (see chart): difficult
Distance: 6.5 mile loop with spur to arch
Elevation gain: about 1,000 feet
Trailhead location: from KY15, turn onto Tunnel Ridge Road and go 3.7 miles to the end.
Bathrooms: at trailhead
Emergency medical support: 40 minutes from trailhead by car to a hospital in Winchester
Costs: none
Road access to trailhead: trailhead is close to parking
Insider tip:
Early spring and fall may be the best times to go. Spring because there are fewer people and bugs, and it’s not too hot and humid yet, and the trees haven’t filled in too much to block your views. Fall because of the colorful leaves.
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Nice. Love that first drone-shot of you on the big rock wall!
Thanks! Controlling my drone isn’t easy these days. I’m nervous flying it, and being nervous makes my hands shake wildly! Sigh.