Natural Resources: Arches

Stanton District

The number, size, and variety of natural stone arches in the Red River Gorge contribute to its uniqueness. Sculpted by wind and water, the Gorge offers spectacular views of heavily forested slopes, ridges, and cliffs that provide a stunning backdrop for more than 100 natural arches.

• Sky Bridge is a large, sandstone conglomerate arch formation 23 feet high and 75 feet long. To reach the arch, follow the Sky Bridge trail. The trail is a loop trail that leaves the Sky Bridge parking area and extends along a narrow ridge to Sky Bridge Arch and scenic overlooks. The trail passes over and beneath Sky Bridge Arch, then along a high cliff shelf back to the parking area.
• Gray’s Arch is 50 feet high with a span of 80 feet across. The arch is called a buttress type arch because it extends off the end of a cliff and forms a buttress. To view the arch, follow trail #205 from Gray’s Arch Picnic Area. On the ridge top, the trail passes through mixed pine and hardwood stands with blueberry and huckleberry understory. After 0.2 miles, follow trail #221 to the north. The arch is visible from trail #221. The trail is scenic and rich in flora. A beautiful waterfall occurs at the arch during periods of wet weather.
• Double Arch is an unusual twin arch, one large 30 feet long by 12 feet high arch, with another smaller 25 feet long by 2 feet high arch on top. To view these arches follow Tunnel Ridge Road to its terminus. Park at Auxier Ridge Parking Area and walk along the old road to Double Arch trailhead on the east side of the road. The trail descends below a high cliff of sandstone conglomerate and ends at a breathtaking overlook underneath Double Arch. From this location, hikers can observe Courthouse Rock, Haystack Rock and other geological features of the Red River Gorge.
• Princess Arch. The hike to view Princess Arch is relatively easy. Follow KY 715 to Chimney Top Road and travel 3.6 miles to its terminus where you will find the Princess Arch Trail. The trail extends out onto a dry wooded ridge to this slender and graceful arch. The trail passes through mixed pine-hardwood stands with rhododendron, mountain laurel and greenbriar understory. Princess Arch measures 32 feet long and 8 feet high. Scenic vista overlooks occur on the extended cliff spurs.
• Rock Bridge is the only arch in the Red River Gorge that spans a stream. Follow trail #207 loop trail leading from the Rock Bridge Picnic Area parking lot. Rock Bridge is a sandstone conglomerate arch that spans over Swift Creek. Scenic overlooks are nearby for viewing the Swift Camp Creek Gorge area.

Stearns Disrict

• Yahoo Arch has a height of 17 feet and a width of 70 feet. There is a smaller arch on the left. From US 27 in Whitley City, take KY 700 west. Follow KY 700 approximately 3 miles. The trailhead is a gated road on the right. From the trailhead, follow the old road along the ridgetop. After mile, the trail begins to descend. Stairs with railings mark your approach to Yahoo Arch. Turn left and follow along the base of the cliff for one mile to reach Yahoo Arch.
• Markers Arch. From the Yahoo Arch trailhead, follow the old road along the ridgetop, taking a right at the fork in the road. There is a sign directing visitors to Markers Arch. The trail follows a pine-oak ridge before descending to Markers Arch.
• Koger Arch is 54 feet wide, 18 feet high and 91 feet across. South of Whitley City, follow KY 92 west to Yacacraw Bridge. Turn left just past the bridge onto 1363. Follow Highway 1363 approximately 3 miles to the sign for Bald Knob and Wilson Ridge. Turn left and follow county road 582 to the trailhead on the left. From county road 582, rock steps lead down to a seasonal creek. Cross the creek and follow the trail up to the arch. The arch is within 0.3 mile from the trailhead.
• Buffalo Arch. Native Americans gave this arch its name because they used its height as an advantage when hunting buffalo. The arch, located at the end of a ridge, is approximately 19 feet high and 82 feet wide. The ridgeline drops along the back of Buffalo Arch into a valley created by a nearby stream. To reach this arch, take US 27 in Whitley City to KY 92 west. Just past the Yamacraw Bridge over the Big South Fork River, go south (left) onto Highway 1363. Follow the signs to Great Meadow Campground. When you reach the fork for Forest Road 137 and 562, take 562 to Parkers Mountain. Follow 562 until you reach Forest Road 6305 on your left. Access to this trail is from the Parkers Mountain Trail. The trail follows a jeep road for 0.2 mile, then turns right and follows a ridge for 0.2 mile before reaching the arch.
• Gobblers Arch is a sandstone arch with a height of 12 feet and a width of 50 feet. From US 27 in Whitley City, take KY 92 west. After crossing the Yamacraw Bridge over the Big South Fork River, turn south (left) on Highway 1363. Follow the signs for Great Meadow Campground. At the intersection of Forest Road 562 and 139, go left, following 139 to Forest Development Road 569. Go about mile to Forest Road 6105 on your right. The trail ascends from Rock Creek until reaching the cliffline. The trail then follows the ridgetop until reaching Gobblers Arch.

Somerset District

• Natural Arch is an impressive 50 feet by 90 feet. The arch and surrounding 945 acres, once home to prehistoric groups and later the hunting grounds of the Cherokee, were set aside to conserve the area’s natural beauty. The trail begins on the north end of the picnic area and runs along a paved pathway to the base of Natural Arch, passing two scenic overlooks along the way. At the arch, you may climb the steps to the arch itself or continue along a dirt pathway that loops around the northwest end of the arch. The fenced area underneath the arch is closed.

Morehead District

• Several arches occur on the Morehead District but only one can be observed from a main trail. From Clear Creek Picnic Area, follow the Sheltowee Trace south along a scenic ridgetop. Just over one mile, the trail passes through an area known as “The Sinks”. The arch will be on your right, 2.5 miles from the picnic area. Further along, the trail will cross Forest Development Road 908 and offers one of the most scenic views from the trail.

London District

• Daylight Arch is actually a pair of delicate arches standing within a few feet of each other. The small arch is 7 feet high by 14 feet wide. The large arch is 6 feet high by 14 feet wide. From the junction of Forest Development Roads 119 and 56 go west on 119 exactly one mile. The arches are on the right next to the road.
• Schoolhouse Arch, as its name implies, was used as a classroom for a short time. It is 7 feet high by 80 feet wide. From the junction of Forest Development Roads 193 and 88 go west on 88 exactly 1.3 miles. The arch is 150 yards down a dirt road on the left.

Title: Arches
Last Updated: February 19, 2005