Hiking Red River Gorge - Kentucky Backpacking in Fall
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- Опубликовано: 13 окт 2024
- Come along for 2 Nights of November Fall backpacking and hiking in Kentucky's Red River Gorge. GPS Trip Data at www.sintax77.com
For this adventure, we'll be visiting a very unique Geological Area within Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest, called Red River Gorge. This area hosts an impresssive collection of natural arches (or natural bridges, as they are often call), spread across some relatively young forest in the hills of eastern Kentucky, about 1 hour shy of Lexington. In fact, Red River Gorge has the highest concentration of rock arches east of the Rock Mountains (over 100). This makes Red River Gorge a visually impressive hiking area, as well as one of the world's top rock climbing destinations.
For this trip, I'll be hiking a 3 day, 2 night backpacking loop through the heart of the Geological Area, which is flanked by the Clifty Wilderness area to the East and Natural Bridge State Resort Park to the southwest.
For those of you who interested, I recorded full GPS track data for each days hike, which can be downloaded on my site's Trip Data page here: www.sintax77.co...
For a thorough overview of my backpacking gear used and complete gear list, check out this video: • 2014 Ultralight Backpa... (the only substantial changes for this trip were heavier boots and a 30 degree sleeping back instead of lighter fleece bag)
For details on how I find and plan trips check this video out: • Tips for Planning a Ba...
Trails Used, in order (with Trail Numbers):
Park at Bison Way Trailhead 37.83685,-83.609546
Day 1
Bison Way Trail 210
Sheltowee Trace Trail 100
Cross State Road 715 and River via suspension bridge
Rough Trail 221
Gray's Arch Trail 205
Set up camp near Gray's Arch (must be at least 600 feet away)
Stats for Day: 13.1 Miles ; 4,652 feet of elevation gain ; 4,425 feet elevation loss
Day 2
Gray's Arch Trail 205
Pinch-em Tight Trail 223
Buck Trail 226
Koomer Ridge Trail 220
Hidden Arch Trail 208
Cliff Trail 206
Silvermine Arch Trail 225
Koomer Ridge Trail 220 (backtrack and continue)
Set up camp near junction of Koomer Ridge Trail and Rough Trail
Stats for Day 2: 13.5 Miles ; 3,913 feet of elevation gain ; 4,125 feet of elevation loss
Day 3
Rough Trail 221 (short segment towards Sheltowee Tr )
Sheltowee Trace Trail 100
Road Hike along Red River back towards Bison Way parking area.
Stats for Day 3: 3.29 Miles ; 561 feet of elevation gain ; 574 feet elevation
Grand Totals for Trip: 29.89 Miles ; 9,126 feet of elevation gain ; 9,124 feet of elevation loss
Hey Sintax, just wanted to say thank you for pointing out the plaque for Jim Graf. Never thought I'd randomly run across that in a RUclips video! He was my uncle, and our family wanted to put a plaque there to commemorate his life and be a warning for others to take those warnings posted everywhere seriously. Keep up the great videos!
+Chad Graf Wow, the internet really does make the world a smaller place. I never would have thought when reading that plaque that I'd talk to someone personally connected to it. That's a very nice thing for your family to do and it's nice that your uncle's memory can live on in a positive way for others. I was actually just down there again with my wife and friends not too long ago. It's beautiful area.
I think it's worth a comment to note how much your cinematography skills have improved since this video was made. I can appreciate the effort dude, keep doing what you're doing!
Thanks, Chris!
I went back and watched 4 of your Sintax classic videos the last two days. 👍 After many years of watching videos you are still my Favorite to watch. Keep up the great work and be safe! With a little luck maybe I'll see you someday hiking on a trail up in Northern Michigan.😀
Beautiful area. Great to see those autumn colors! I never knew about the arches too! As I can no longer hike it’s fun to pretend I’m there. So glad to find your channel. The history is appreciated, thank you.
Limestone. It's under all of Ky and the magic behind bourbon.
Joe Schwartz and indiana
I went there this past summer.Was awesome!!!Cant believe you didn't do a hike to Double Arches!Backpacker Magazine says its the best view in all of KY,i think its the highest point in the Gorge.Stargap Arch and Jail House Rock are pretty awesome too.Hopefully I'm gonna go back again this year.Great vid dude!!
Yeah, I feel like I may I have to do a second visit with my wife sometime. There's just so much to see. I actually spent the last afternoon driving around and doing some nice half mile out-and-back hikes to some of the arches closer to the forest roads, but still have a lot left to check out.
sintax77 I just got back from my second trip there.I did the Bison Way Trail.Sucks that you missed Indian Staircase and Cloud Splitter on this trail(check out my last two vids). If you do go back,I suggest getting a book called "Hinterlands"(the guide to unofficial hiking in Red River Gorge) before you plan your trip.That'll make a big difference.
I work alot and live in the city so for now I watching sintax77 is sort of therapy for me, living vicariously through him lol
+BladeAddict8 haha. nice one.
Glad you liked our backyard! Great video.
Syntax, man i usually dont take the time to comment on videos, mostly because its not comfy on the ol ipad. However, your videos are superior, not just because of the editing, but because you keep it clean and interesting. I just really enjoy watching them brother, and i think it would be awesome hiking with you. I would encourage you to keep making these, i know alot of folks like them. Im not really sure why there are folks dislike them, but there is an old saying that goes, "You cant say or do the right thing to the wrong person." Some folks just arent happy :). Anyways i definitely wanted to take time to say hey, and that i appreciate these videos and the time it takes you to put them together.
Hello my outdoors friend, thank you for allowing me to accompany you on this outdoor adventure. Very picturesque area. Perhaps one day soon I will make it to that part of the country. In my 40+ yrs. of backpacking/hiking it has all been west of the Rockies. You be safe and have a lot of fun. 🤗
Thanks, Ronald. Glad to have you along. Hopefully you'll have a chance to get out here some day.
Great video of your journey. Quality as usual 😊
Glad you found your down to Grey's Arch. Too beautiful to not see up close, but a lot of people hike on by, not realizing what they're missing.
ALways enjoy wantching your hikes.... Thxs
amazing how something as simple as rain can quickly get out of hand while camping. Still enjoying your videos. You provide a fun perspective of camping/outdoors.
When you were going up the stairs by Grey's Arch, I was saying, no, go back go back LOL.
Man the best hiking vids on the net. Have watched this one twice. My legs are a bit to old for this now but sure is good to watch your adventures. Dave
I love your channel thank you for being you
I'm headed to the Gorge tomorrow and really like this style of hiking video. Informative and thorough. Hope I can find a great campsite off trail without gps.
Glad you had a chance to visit RRG. One of my favorite hiking/camping spots. Also great for rock climbing. Enjoyed the video.
really enjoyed the video sintax. red river gorge looks like a beautiful place.
This is great- have you ever made it up to Hocking Hills? It's really a beautiful place to do a bunch of day hikes
Awesome video man. Love all the details and the views on the trail.
We are going to Red River Gorge at the end of November to do an overnighter. Love the area. Great video! Enjoyed!
Always impressed with the quality of your vids bro. Thanks a lot!!!
Have done a day hike in that area. Enjoyed your video as always. I bought an Osprey Hornet after watching some of your earlier videos. I always learn something new when I watch.
That "ridge" you are on at around 45 minutes mark is cool, we see a lot of ridges like that in eastern Kentucky and far Southwest Virginia.
We spend are Thanksgiving 2015 hiking the Red River Gorge, a great place to visit, my
older daughter did some videos there, thanks to you we see how beautiful the place is
and we decide to go. Thank you for all the videos hiking and backpacking suggestions you put on ... "metric"
My kids and I just spent a few days hiking these trails, my daughter counted the stairs, 75. The dead end trail by silvermine arch was a great lunch spot for us, thanks for the info.
I'm heading there in May...thanks for the video...lot of great places to check out.
I plan to do this very same trip, didn't realize you had done this hike already. Thanks for all of the tips and guide info. I'll be spending 4 nights out opposed to 2, so I'll have plenty of time to explore.
I live just north of cincy, and I want to go to this place sooo bad... its absolutely gorgeous.
Glad you liked our backyard!
Thanks for the great video! First overnight hike will be there and very excited to experience it!!
i love these videos they inspire me to go hiking more thanks for uploading them
That's really nice to hear, thank you!
We were down there this past Sunday night but had to leave on Monday because several days of rain were coming in. I rained all night Sunday and up until the time we left on Monday morning. It was our first overnighter and it was kind of freaky being out in the woods alone. Every little sound is magnified. Have you ever seen or heard anything that just totally freaked you out?
Great report and video. Enjoyed it. Much like the Buffalo River Area around Ponca Arkansas. It's pretty wild in Arkansas. Almost no bridges or signs or stairs. Just wild. The trips you take solo is something I have never done. This weekend I have 20 going with us for a backpack in then a float trip on Saturday. I am glad your carrying the spot with you and I know it gives your wife some ease at letting your go exploring by yourself.
1st time in 22 years I had a boy of 12 fall and break his ankle We had warned him not to be climbing around but he didn't listen with 5 warnings. Ended up splinting his leg and carrying him out a mile over a very rough trail. With 18 in the group we had lots of carry power there.
Keep up the great reports and trail videos. Good stuff.
Mark Jones, Springfield, MO
thanks for taking us along sir, beautiful country you live in there, as always greetings from New Zealand
Thanks! You've got quite a beautiful country over there yourself - would love to hike it some day!
Great video dude, have only just come across your channel and subscribed. Look forward to seeing your future adventures ~Peace~
What ! No Knob Creek ? No Makers Mark ? Get yourself together man ! LOL Great trip my friend. Great editing, Thanks for sharing, you the man ! Peace
Oh believe me, the irony dawned on me about 2 hours before sunset on day one. I mean, of places _not_ to pack in an oak aged nightcap? I though I might at least run into an illicit still hidden back there, but no luck... :)
sintax77 the still was actually next to the gladie learning center where you got your pass....on the little trail that goes over to the reenactment home :)
One of my favorite channels. Excellent hiking videos. Thanks for taking us along. It's almost like being there.
Another great trip... but this time a cool geology lesson as well.
Very nice.
Thanks for sharing.
Hey I've watched several of your videos and love them all. I've learned a lot from you and your presentation is excellent. I'm just starting out and you inspire as well as educate and entertain. :)
Thanks for sharing, a lovely place really enjoyed the vid
Really like watching your videos, you make everything interesting and do a good job taking us the viewers along with you with informed information on your trips, I like the GPS tracks you post on some of your trips and look forward to go with my Son and friends. If you ever come back to NC there is the Uwharrie trail that goes about 40+- miles, good views with no extreme climes. Happy to go with...
I'm glad to hear that you like the GPS data, I was hoping some of the more interested / advanced viewers would get some entertainment out of that. Thanks for the heads up on the NC spot. I'll have to add that to my "potential trip" list. Always good to have a good bank of trips ready to whenever you get the chance!
I've looked at that map many a times. I'm from right outside the area and you show it very well. There's still much more to check out, hope you can come back some time. Great video.
I agree. It was definitely tough to choose a single route to hit for this trip. I'm looking forward to returning some day with my wife and doing some day hikes to check off some more of the arches.
Love The Gorge! Thanks for a great video. Been on a few of those trails, but ready to head back.
My pleasure. I love it down there.
Great video. I only live a about an hour and half from natural bridge state park. I've been talking to some friends about hiking the area. Thanks for taking me along with you on this great trip. Will be doing it myself in the spring.
I meant Red River Gorge instead of natural bridge.
Awesome vid man. Just picked up the sawyer mini based on your comparison and can't wait to try it out. Take Care
Just got done watching your video and enjoyed it as always. No comments from churchies yet on how long ago or how those arches were made. Keep it up I really enjoy the videos.
Awesome video as always. Really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing
What a great adventure. Thanks for sharing that!!
Great hike. I think this is the 3 or 4th time watching, I love it.
Another excellent trip and video, what a cool area!
It's winter here in the GWN, and I don't have a car--- so it's more challenging to find hiking locations, so I will enjoy this especially.
another good one mate , I always enjoy watching , thank you for sharing ..
Thanks, man. Glad to know you're still enjoying them!
Thanks...another great trip video and this one is close to home. Really appreciate the effort you make to produce and share these. Helps me get thru the time till my A.T. thru hike starts later this year . Always enjoy your commentary too.
best hiking channel I found so far, would be great if you can also explore and document other continents like Europe, South America etc.
+High Carb Vegan Adventurer Hopefully some day there will be some vids from trips abroad as well :)
I really enjoyed this video, fall is my favorite time to backpack. This has inspired me for my next adventure while it is still very winter where I live. Thanks for sharing!!
Hey Gary...make sure you don't walk backwards over a cliff!
Planning is half the fun - Spring will be here before you know it! :)
Awesome hike video, the explanation of the meandering river was really cool. Thanks for posting these, the editing, commentary and pacing is perfect.
Great video! I live about two hours away from the Gorge and I've been camping and hiking it for a long time. It's cool to see ya in Kentucky.
Your videos are pretty badass. I wish I had more time off for trips like these. Anyway keep up with the good work, I'll keep watching.
Keep up the good work Syntax77- really enjoy watching you explore!
Just subbed. I've watched 3 or 4 of your 55 minute videos and I love them.
I just subscribed and I have to say, your videos have motivated me to start hiking again! At this very moment I am planning a day hike at South Cumberland State Park for this weekend! Keep the videos coming man. Good stuff!!!
This is one of my favorite videos that you did. Might be heading there in September, not to sure yet. keep the videos coming. 😃
+jeremymalatt317 Thanks, Jeremy. Enjoy the September trip!
Will do. What hiking video are you putting out next?
Looks like an awesome place to hike, I love those arches that you can find all over eastern Kentucky...
hey man!!! i live like 23 minutes away from there, i go every weekend, i love it!!! glad u had such a good time!
Do you go alone? You know you shouldn't hike by yourself just in case you get hurt or something.. survival is the key.. great hike thanks for sharing. usmc..
great trip, Glad you got to see some of our state, the trails at mammoth cave NP are pretty impressive just have to drive a little further south. thanks for taking us along
Always a great video, Thanks man my Family and I enjoy watching
Great video..
Very nice area.. wind and rain.. not so great... but can't be helped.
Thanks for the vid.
I have watched a majority of your trip hikes. Loved them! While I am not a big believer in carrying in the backwoods, I support your right to do so; plus you aren't advertising it and it seems to give you that feeling of security.
Curious to see more hiking with your wife and maybe getting her perspective on things specific to her needs on the trail.
My wife and I are going to begin taking more overnights and extended walks in the woods after a short hiatus of a couple years. We have a few trips together, our last was a disaster, and it was in Red River Gorge (fell over a log, coffee spilled, she slept horribly;many colorful metaphors decorated the air), but she wants to get out there again and I want it to be more enjoyable for her so we can get out more often. She is not so much a fan of the mileage, but likes the scenery, camping and solitude (please no one suggest a campground, than it sucks for me).
Anxious to see the next trip and waiting for another adventure.
digging the adventures!
finch
I just got back from a 2 nighter at the RRG. It was really nice there, My first night I camped in the same spot you did on your second night, that spot was real cool and I had the same chicken teriyaki you did. I love that a lot of the trails loop and connect together, it leaves a lot of freedom to just go where you want. I also got turned around near Gray's arch too at those stairs. I will definitely go back again, there is still much to see.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Chris
Rob Marley Good deal, man. Glad to hear the trip worked out nice for you as well :)
Cool place, I have the same hammock...haven't used it in the rain yet...seems like I heard you can pot some cord or something in the lines to divert the flow of water. I found those snakeskins to be a hassle. Always like your videos. You get out a good way from your home area...I tend to stick to Arkansas...plenty to explore here but need to check out some other states.
Beautiful location. Being from Missouri, it looks similar to the Ozark Plateau area. You hike a lot of locations that I probably couldn't make it to, so thanks for sharing, (although this area is close enough for a drive.) Entertaining stuff. Keep rocking them out!
Thanks! I want to hit the Ozarks some day too. One of these days.... :)
Never pass up a chance to have a Miguel's pizza when you're in the area.
Thanks! Planning a KY hike just as an excuse to eat there after :)
PureIce4039 I hit up Miguel's pizza too this past weekend after I did the RRG, the french toast was good and pizza was outstanding ( although they were less than friendly there, maybe because I was just another dirty smelly hiker).
Rob Marley Miguel's is a hub for rock climbers in the area, dirty smelly hikers are indistinguishable from dirty smelly climbers, you must've just had someone on a bad day.
PureIce4039 Migeul's is the best pizza, especially after a long weekend.
I enjoy every day you journey out. Fact
This is and old school one too! Thanks, MnTmAn
I lived in Allenstown New Hampshire for about 4 years and it was absolutely amazing. I am back in San Diego and I do a ton of camping and backpacking here as much as I can.
So just to add some details, the first arch you came to is indian arch. there are two other arches close by, Adena arch and ky 80 arch. The largest rock shelter (Larger than a football field) in the gorge is also close to Indian arch. Just to clear up any confusion camping under the rock shelters is strictly prohibited and if caught results in very steep fines as these are areas are known to contain archaeological remains from inhabitants past. Also There are many unmarked trails in the gorge to explore. Auxier Ridge is also a must visit area of the gorge because the views are incredible! The Indian Staircase Area is also know for its views. A fun Hike/arch to do is cloud splitter arch. Its fun to get to! Remember if you are camping overnight, you will need a pass!! Happy Trails!!
P.S. Great Video!! Enjoyed watching your adventure! I live very near the gorge so if I can answer any questions, let me know!!
I love the way that you do not let the weather keep you from going out to some amazing places. I am a Geocacher who has hiked parts of a few of the areas that you have back packed in. Great videos, I have really enjoyed them. Check out my channels on a few places that I have visited over the years. Do you guys ever Geocache?
Turtle3863 Haven't played around with geocaching yet, but I've looked into it a bit. Looks pretty interesting!
Next time you go on a backpacking trip, load up a few caches on your route and give it a try. That new Garmin Oregon I saw you with is a very geocaching capable unit. Check it out by setting up a free account to www.geocaching.com and loading a few GPX files into that GPS. Would love to see you find a few on your next adventure.
Hey Sintax,
Just hit RRG this weekend Friday to Sunday, and matched a large portion of your hike -- ended up deviating to creek camp, and made my way down to Natural Bridge State Park on Sunday to play tourist. I appreciate the amount of information you documented and provided -- it helped me plan my time/route/deviations.
Very cool. I'm glad your trip went well. I still need to hit Natural Bridge State Park one of these times myself.
Im planning on hitting RRG on the 15th. Where can I get the trail maps online? Did you car camp or backpack (primitive camp)
+Josh Casey I backpacked. They sell permits and huge maps off of the Slade exit at the gas station... though they can run out. You can get them at the visitor center, too, and get a simple map off of the website. I got mine at a Benchmark Outfitters store near home in Cincinnati.
Thanks for replying. Where did you park and start your Hike? The same place as sintax?
+Josh Casey Yup. I went my own way after crossing the hanging bridge.
awesome video. good to see you in my neck of the woods. ive still got a few more items until i can declare my first backpacking trip but i will be doing 2 nights in RRG come spring! i think ive seen everyone of your videos but i havent found anyone on youtube who makes videos as good as you. when and where is the next trip... id love to come along!
Great video! I hiked a 14 mile section of the Sheltowee with a couple of friends last year. Bringing back lots of memories! Definitely need to get back down to KY. Did you happen to get a pizza from Miguels before you left? If not you need to go back, take a LONG hike, then go to Miguels for an awesome pizza.
Another great video! I love watching you hike in very beautiful scenery. I'm training to do more hike journeys! But Its such a shame we don't have big nature parks or mountains in the Netherlands! I hope I can come to America sometime and try one of your routes!
I love your videos, well made ,great editing. Do you plan on another Red River Gorge Adventure ? I have been to the Gorge numerous times over the last 10 years and cant get enough of its many beautiful , but dangerous and challenging ,trails. Would love to join you if you make it back to RRG. I turned 61 last year and I enjoy backpacking even more than I did when I was 40, thanks for all your advice ....one of my favorite youtube channels
Hi, John. Thanks for the kind feedback and I'm glad to hear you're getting out there more than ever! I actually just revisited the RRG this past summer with my wife and some friends. We hit some nice spots that I missed before. We had a blast:)
Beautiful views even with the rain. Glad you were careful. When you went along under the rock formations & cliffs did you see any animal tracks? The trails looked like they were marked & taken care of too. How was the food when you headed back home ?
Another great video! I would love to have you do a short video on how to pick a campsite. The obvious ones are where people have set up before but sometimes you can't always find those. What do you look for?
just found your channel , great set of videos ,
U missed out on indian staircase . It was before the very first wooden staircase at beginning of vid when u said there is a lot of sand stone. Then at top of that go left on trail and a great Gnome hole . Great vid and happy camping!!
Hey man. My name is Joshua. I've been watching your videos for awhile now and love what you and trail killa do. I'm a retired Army vet and do a lot of hammocking myself. It's almost fall I know y'all are far from me since I'm in central Kentucky but was wondering if a hiking trip sounds good to you??? Hope to hear back
Enjoy your videos man thank you, keep them coming! :)
Hey Sintax, I just got the same pair of boots you have in this video. Got them in the mail today. Got them off ebay brand new. Can't wait to try them out.
How are they?
@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism they are great. You can walk through water and they stay completely dry.
Another good video,mm Thanks
Thanks I enjoyed watching. I will have to go there this year after a few shorter trips to test out new gear. We are planning a west rim trail PA trip as a warm up trip. Then off to West Virginia and Kentucky and North Carolina
Hey Sintax, love your videos and Adventurous spirit. I live in Texas and recently backpacked The Lone Star Hiking Trail. It's pretty challenging, but beautiful and I think you would love it. Also, it's a trip to Texas, who wouldn't love it?
+Latasha Hagan Thanks, Latasha. We're actually headed out to Texas in the near future. I'll have to check the Lone Star trail out and see how far of a drive it would be for us. Still wrapping my head around how big you're state is compared to the ones out here on the east coast, haha.
+sintax77 If you're headed to TX and your travel plans allow for it I highly recommend Guadalupe Mountains NP in far west TX. The McKittrick Canyon area is remarkable. Also of significant beauty is the west escarpment where the Tejas Trail leads to the Bush Mountain backcountry campsite in a very . Guadalupe Peak is an experience but can be busy. I was just out there 3 weeks ago for the first time in 23 years. I was reminded how much I love that park!
Great cuts Sintax. Gained a new sub!
DeadLikeTick Welcome aboard :)
At the 8:30 mark is the access path to the Indian Staircase. I believe it was mentioned in here already and you even may be aware so I don't want it to be insulting but the Indian Staircase route is INCREDIBLE. Well worth the time and with some common sense doesn't pose much of a risk. MY understanding is that the Park Service posted those signs blocking the path in order to keep hikers from heading up that way as to protect the site and allow nature to reclaim it. The site has been hiked pretty frequently as you'll find out once you get up there with the numerous carvings in the rocks from hikers. That fact is very troubling and irresponsible to me but as long as you're hiking in a manner that leaves no impact then I would say absolutely check it out.
Exactly!! Shhhh!!
Been rock climbing in RRG many times, but never backpacked any of it. Nice video! I know you like your cheeseburgers, but like some other commenters pointed out, Miguel's pizza is a staple of the area. Even though it's a climbing area, next time you should check out Muir Valley, some really beautiful rock there.
Ian Young Oh, yes. When I finally make it back down there, that's exactly where I plan to go for my post hike meal. I hear they have plenty of toppings, so maybe I can simulate some sort of cheeseburger pizza :)
You could definitely make that happen.
I see this stuff, and think about my journey. I was an archeologist, traveled and camped in the 80's, 90,s
Look up Hanson's Point too! It's just a short detour off of the Rough/Pinch em Tight juncture and the view is more than worth the minor bushwhacking and route-finding issues.
Check out cloud splitter and indian staircase next time you're at the gorge. They're off the main trails so you'll have to search for them but it's worth it. Glad you enjoyed my state. Go to the gorge all the time.