With the help of a few friends, this database sits at about 75% of all arches having a photograph for them.  So you can check you which ones you would like to see.

Also with updating the database with all GNIS documented arches, the database now stands at 100 documented arches.  The map lags behind and is not a priority right now.  But you can click in the top left corner on the 3 lines and look through all the arches that way.

Please see the Welcome post for more information about arches in Kentucky and where you can get more information on them.

Hello everyone!  It’s time for a new edition of the KY Arches Arch Trip!  In our previous two trips, we visited arches in Carter Caves State Park and the Red River Gorge!  Now we are heading off to a different part of the state!  Did you know that Kentucky has around 2500 documented natural arches and bridges?  Though many are smaller in size there are plenty of larger arches throughout the state. The Red River Gorge region of the Daniel Boone National Forest has the second-highest concentration of natural arches in the United States behind the Arches National Park region of Utah.  With over 1000 documented arches in the RRG, an interesting story is developing in another area of the DBNF where two arch hunters are giving the RRG a run for its money.  This area encompasses McCreary, Whitley, Pulaski, and Laurel Counties which includes both the Stearns and London Districts of the Daniel Boone National Forest as well as the Kentucky section of The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Around 800 arches have been documented, 85% found by two arch hunters, and one of those arch hunters has documented over 550 himself! The most interesting thing about it all is that there is a high probability these two explorers are only scratching the surface and it is more than likely there are 1000’s more arches in this region to be discovered.  All this brings us to our next Arch Trip as we take a journey through these districts of the DBNF into the Big South Fork to some mostly lesser-known but very impressive and beautiful arches and bridges.

A note about many of these arches.  Due to their locations which are easily accessible many of these have seen some serious abuse.  When visiting arches please do not build fires, etch, camp under, spray paint, litter or dig for artifacts under them.  Heat and etching accelerate the eventual collapse.  Paint is difficult to remove. Litter is unsightly.  Native American artifacts are to be left alone.  Camping is not permitted under arches or recesses and all camping must be at least 100 ft away.  All of these actions are illegal and punishable by fines.  If you visit an arch and you find trash, please pick it up.  See a firepit or fire remains under it, please disperse it.  Thank you!  Now onto the tour!

Fishtrap Natural Bridge 

GPS Coords: 37.18470, -84.25650

More Information

The first stop on our tour is as impressive as any arch in the state.  With a measured span of nearly 100 feet, Fishtrap Bridge is larger than any arch in the Red River Gorge.  Unlike Sky Bridge Arch or Natural Bridge Arch which are located on ridge tops, Fishtrap is found down in a holler formed by eons of water erosion. Another unique feature of this bridge is two wet weather waterfalls that are right next to it and make for an impressive sight when they are flowing well. Access below the deck on one side requires some rock navigation while the other is a gradual descent. 

To get there:  From KY-80 Hal Rogers Parkway west of London turn north on White Oak Road towards London Auto Sales.  Turn left on KY-1956 Somerset Road for approx 1.5 miles and turn right on to KY 1464 Falls City Road.  The road will turn to gravel and become Forest Road 4094.  At approx 2.6 miles look for Forest Road 4095 on the left.  There are two options here.  1. If you have a lifted 4 wheel drive vehicle continue out FR 4095 for approx 1 -1.5 miles.  2. Get out and hike the 1 - 1.5 miles.  Either way, look for an old 4x4 trail on the right above the GPS location for the arch.  Follow the trail down the hill which will put you right on top of the bridge.

Daylight Twin Arches

GPS Coords: 37.07570, -84.24610

More Information - East & West

East Arch

West Arch

Located roadside, more than likely this is where you will see the worst abuse of all the arches on this tour.  The old wooden barriers to keep vehicles from driving on them are gone so it’s not surprising to see an off-road vehicle sitting on the east arch.  Finding the remains of a fire under them or trash all around is not uncommon.  Lastly, these arches have been tagged with graffiti on the side opposite from the road.  Though disheartening, they are still worth a visit and are visible from the road as you pass by them on the way to our next stop.  Both are span arches though the west arch has always reminded me of a turn of the 20th-century coke oven found near coal mines.  Every time I’ve been here I’ve had to clean up something or disrupt a fire pit so grab that trash bag.

To get there:  

From Fistrap Bridge:  Return KY-80 Hal Rogers PKWY and turn left towards London.  Take I-75 south to exit 38 KY 192.  Make a right at the end of the exit and follow it approx 5.7 miles to Line Creek Road and make a right.  See below for the remainder of the directions.

From KY-192 west of London: Take Line Creek Road Northwest for 5.7 miles, keeping left at each of the 3 Y-type intersections. At the first Y intersection, the road to the left will become gravel.  The arches will be on your right.

Skeleton Caves aka Bolton Branch Twin Arches

GPS Coords: 37.07010, -84.25359

More Information - East & West

Called Skeleton Caves by locals, Bolton Branch Twin Arches are a beautiful pair of arches that require an easy off-trail .5 mile (if that) hike.  The trail leads you to above the arches where they will be on the left. A steep but manageable sandy descent through the largest arch will take you to the base.  Once below you will see how impressive this formation is and see the west arch is significantly smaller than the left.  Between the arches you’ll notice the sandstone is black, this is scoring from a fire pit which I personally have dismantled three times.  On my last few trips here there has been no evidence of camping or building a fire under the arches. Though that could have changed since my last visit.

To get there:  From Daylight Twin Arches continue driving out Line Creek Road for approx .4 miles and look for a dirt road on the left.  Park at that road without blocking it and look for a trail to the right a very short distance down on that dirt road. 

Mount Victory Arch/Doorway Arch 

GPS Coords: 37.00694, -84.39873

GPS Coords for the unofficial trail: 37.00648, -84.39765

More Information - Mount Victory

Mt. Victory Arch

Doorway Arch

Distinctly different than any of the arches on this tour, Mt Victory arch is a massive pillar arch that reaches out from the ridgeline but to get to it you have to pass through Doorway Arch a section of rock eroded away at a rock recess.  There’s a lot of geology happening here in one spot and it’s really cool.  The faint unofficial trail to the arches, though short is sometimes hard to locate so be sure to have that GPS handy.  If you can’t locate the trail start heading off into the woods towards them and eventually you should pick it up.  The trail will pass gradually down the hill to a short section of man-made stone stairs right of the cliff line.  Ahead you will see a rock recess and to the right of that Mt. Victory should be visible. Walk the trail at the base of the cliff into the recess and to the right of the recess mouth you will see Doorway Arch.  Pass through the arch, to the right you see a man-made wall, to the left you will see Mt. Victory Arch.

Years ago when I first visited this arch it had seen some serious abuse; Trash everywhere, a rug, and two treated 4 x 4’s sticking 5 feet out of the ground right under Mt Victory, a fire pit, and the strange rock wall that stretches between the two arches.  We speculate that at one time someone was trying to make the area under Mt. Victory into a place to live. A couple of years ago some folks came by and cleaned up most of the trash and whatnot at the arch, only a rug and a rock wall remaining. However, on a recent return trip, someone has once again set up camp, creating a hearth for a fire pit, and a container to keep condoms cooking utensils, and canned goods.

To get there:  From Bolton Branch, Twin Arches head back to KY 192 and turn right.  Follow KY 192 for approx 16 miles passing by the Bee Rock Recreation Area and over the Rockcastle River and turn left on Old Whitney Road on top of the hill.  At the Y intersection keep right on Forest Road 122, it will turn to gravel.  At approx .6 miles from the Y look for a gated forest road on the right.  Park here. Walk the gated road back a very short distance looking for a trail on the right.

Nathan McClure Arch

GPS Coords: 36.96404, -84.35451

This span arch is the least impressive of the tour but since it’s not far away from Mt. Victory and it is worth checking out.  It might be .5 of a mile from the trailhead if that.  Follow the trail down the hill. Due to run off the trail has eroded a foot or two where you are walking through what is more like a crevasse. Eventually, the trail will level out with the rest of the surroundings and you’ll pass through a bald area of rock.  Keep your eyes peeled, the arch is to the left.  The arch is big enough to go under and has a skylight in the center.  Careful on the other side, it’s a long tumble down to the Rockcastle River below.

To get there:  From where you parked at Mt. Victory Arch, continue on FR 122 approx .9 miles.  At the Y intersection veer left onto FR 122A for approx 3.5 miles until you come to a large roundabout parking area.  The Nathan McClure Trailhead is to the right at approx 2 o’clock in the circle.

This concludes Arch Trip #3! Join us next time when we pick up where we left off and head over to Whitley County for 5 more aches!  Until then, happy arching!

This is the future database for the Kentucky Arches Database, similar to the Kentucky Waterfall Database.

Kentucky is said to rank 2nd or 3rd in the United States for arches.  There are currently around 1500 documented arches in the state.  That would make Kentucky 2nd to only the 4000+ documented arches of Utah.  To search out and find arches in the state of Kentucky is vastly different than the western states that lack the hollows, canopy and thick forest of the bluegrass.

Currently, there are several resources for locating and finding information on Kentucky Arches:

•There is Steve Martin's database at KGS's website (University of Kentucky).  It is a GIS map of arches that mainly he has been to and documented.  It includes some detailed information about the arches and includes several pictures of each arch.  There may or may not be arches from other's included on his map.  He gives you his information to submit arches to his & KGS's database on his website.  His map mainly has arches for the Red River Gorge but also includes several for other areas of the state including Carter Caves State Resort Park.

•There are quite a few arches labeled as 'Natural Arch' on the old USGS topographical maps.  The maps or quads are available from the USGS and must be searched to find said arches.  Even then, rarely is the common or historical name given for the arch.

•Tom Dunigan has a great database for Tennessee Landforms.  Part of his database includes all the known/submitted landforms for the Big South Fork NRRA.  His database for the Big South Fork includes both the Kentucky and Tennessee landforms of the park, which includes arches.  

•There is also Bill Patrick's database of the over 600 documented arches in the Red River Gorge Geological Area.  His database is in the form of 7 DVDs (currently).  There is no better resource for arches in the RRG area than Bill's DVDs.  It is one of the most thorough and best databases for an area in the nation.  His DVDs include pictures, videos, names, GPS coordinates, maps with directions, information about the size, elevation, history and other pertinent information about each arch.

•There are several publications available listing Kentucky Arches.  They are generally older and black and white photocopies.

•NABS, the Natural Arch & Bridge Society has a few hundred arches documented in their database for the state.  Nothing near the totality of even the arches of the Gorge, let alone the whole state.

•There is also the World Arch Database that includes some arches for Kentucky.

The area outside of the gorge is sparsely documented online in any format.  There are arches shown on local park maps, known by the forest service or locals that are not available to the arch hunter to go find and experience themselves.  That is part of the mission of this website.  This website will never be a one-stop shop for all arches located within Kentucky.  The Gorge is covered in great detail by Bill already and does not need to be reproduced here.

What this website's mission is to document the following for the arch hunter:

Arches that are shown on the old USGS topographical maps

Arches that are shown on park maps

Arches that are well known

Arches that are submitted by users

Arches that currently have locations freely available online

Arches that are popular amoung hikers

What this website will not be:

Is document every arch in the state

Fully document the arches of the Gorge (see Bill's DVDs instead)

written by Bill Fultz

edited by Christopher Morris

all photography credit to Bill Fultz & Fultz Fotos

Hello and welcome to the first installment of the Arch Trip!  Kentucky has a claim that no other state can make, the second highest concentration of natural arches and bridges in the United States!  Only Utah has more! Scattered across the Bluegrass, there are over 1600 arches and natural bridges and more are being discovered almost daily.  The highest concentration of these unique landforms can be found in both the Red River Gorge region of the Daniel Boone National Forest as well as in McCreary County near Tennessee.  By comparison, there are several arches in McCreary County that are far larger than any of the ones found in the Red River Gorge, but that has no bearing on anything.  Both areas have natural features that are both beautiful and unique.  Before we dive into the trip, let us take a moment and understand how something is called an arch or a natural bridge and discuss the threats that face these incredible geological structures.

Definition

For a long time, I was not aware that there was a difference between a natural arch and a natural bridge.  A natural arch is created by wind and rain, a natural bridge is created by running water. There are a couple of exceptions to this naming, notably Natural Bridge and Sky Bridge in the Red River Gorge region.  Both really should have the word ‘arch’ at the end of their names. I noticed at the parking area at Natural Bridge State Park it does, in fact, say Natural Bridge Arch.

Conservation and Preservation

Kentucky’s arches and natural bridges have taken thousands and thousands of years to evolve and are still evolving through our lifetimes, though in most cases it is not noticeable. Eventually, due to erosion these natural wonders will collapse and become a pile of rubble.  One would think the greatest threat to arches and bridges are the forces of nature, but they are not. Sadly, humans are their greatest enemy. If you have ever walked across Sky Bridge or Natural Bridge, one thing that catches your eye is the thousands of etchings that scatter the deck (lintel).  Though individually these etchings are small, as a whole this is a massive acceleration of erosion and destruction. Rock that would have taken hundreds of years to erode only took a handful of minutes with the use of a pocket knife. If etching were not enough, throughout the state the problem of spray paint is a real issue.  Within the last couple of years, the base of Sky Bridge was spray painted multiple times, but has since been removed by volunteers. Sadly, less popular arches don’t get that kind of care. Evidence of spray paint can be seen on several remote arches throughout the state, but the worst I have seen is Apex Arch (pictured below) in Christian County.  Located on private land, the arch itself is a beautiful thin sliver of rock where the entire surrounding landscape, as well as the arch itself, has spray paint on it. Oh, and there was a ridiculous amount of trash everywhere too, which has also been the case at many arches I have visited in the state. Often times if there is a lot of trash, there is also a fire ring and burnt debris under the arch.  Though camping is not allowed within rock recesses or under arches throughout the Daniel Boone National Forest, many choose to ignore this. All camping within the National Forest is to be 300 feet from the cliff line. Fire is especially damaging to sandstone as it heats up the rock causing it to become brittle and break off. The fire will also char up the rock turning the beautiful red and yellow hues to black.  Last year when we hit eleven arches in Laurel and Whitley Counties over a weekend, we dismantled seven stone fire rings that were directly under them. Keeping in mind what I've mentioned, I would like to encourage everyone who visits these natural arches and bridges to be mindful of these threats. If you see trash, pack it out. If you see a fire ring, dismantle it, throwing the rock about and dispersing what's been burnt. Woodpile next to the fire pit?  Disperse it as well throwing it where it will get wet in the rain. If you come across someone camped out under an arch, kindly explain to them that it is against National Forest Rules to do so. Together we can protect our beautiful natural landforms and educate others so we can enjoy them for generations to come!

The heavily spray painted and trashed up Apex Arch in Christian County

For our first arch trip, we will take an abbreviated tour in the Red River Gorge.  The Red River Gorge region is home to over 700 confirmed and documented arches and natural bridges.  At first, I thought about sharing some lesser known locations, but most of those are off the beaten path and directions and descriptions are a bit more difficult to be accurate with.  Also, Bill Patrick has seven volumes of DVD's featuring GPS locations and photos of many of the lesser known arches in the Red. A handy tool for any arch enthusiast or for someone who likes a payoff along a hike.  I will supply a link at the end of the trip to his website for those who are interested.  Keep in mind that the Red River Gorge is a dangerous place if one is not careful. Sheer sandstone cliffs are found throughout the forest and many have died being irresponsible. That being said, on this adventure, we will stick to the more popular arches that reside mainly in the southern section of the region.  So let us begin!

Gray's Arch

Winter At Grays Arch From The Rock Shelter Below

Early Fall Under The Arch

Of all the 100 arches I have visited, Grays Arch is my all time favorite!  There is something really cool about standing far below and staring up at this massive beauty!  To get there, from KY 15, turn north onto Tunnel Ridge Road which will take you over the Burt T Combs Mountain Parkway.  About 1 mile on your right, is the trailhead parking and picnic area for Grays Arch. The hike to Grays is a 1.5-mile moderate one-way hike.  Though the trail is mostly level the final .5 mile of the hike has a decent elevation change with several steps.  The Grays Arch trailhead is located at the picnic area, you will pass by the restrooms and follow the trail .3 miles to where it intersects with the Rough Trail.  Turn right here.  Eventually, the trail will begin to descend.  For those who don't want to make the trek down the steps, there will be an overlook of the arch on the right, though the view is not that great.  If you want to visit the arch continue down the trail and make your way down the series of steps.  At the base of the last flight of steps, you'll pass an intersecting trail to the left and continue straight.  Above to your left, you can see the arch.  Follow the trail which will bear left at the railing and you will ascend a series of steps for views directly beneath the arch.  Return to the parking lot the way you came.

For more information about Gray's Arch, just click here.

Map of Trail to Gray's Arch

Rock Bridge is one of the coolest features in The Red River Gorge area and there is a nearby waterfall too!  Technically the bridge is located in the Clifty Wilderness. Though not as majestic as Sky Bridge Arch or Natural Bridge Arch it makes up for it in its location and overall scenery.  From the Grays Arch, Parking Lot head back out to KY 15 and turn left.  When KY 15 meets KY 715 turn left onto 715.  After crossing over Mountain Parkway look for a gravel road on the right, this is Rock Bridge Road.  Follow Rock Bridge Road 3 miles to the end which has a circle parking lot with bathrooms in the center.  The trailhead for Rock Bridge is here and you have two options.  Being that the trail is a moderate 1.25-mile loop, you can choose the trailhead furthest from the restrooms or you can choose the one closest to the restrooms.  Me personally, I like heading out the trail closest to the restrooms and that is the direction we will use for our trip.  The trail begins at a near level pace but eventually begins a steep but manageable decent.  At the bottom, the trail intersects with the Swift Camp Creek Trail which leads off to the left.  The Rock Bridge trail goes to the right and that's the direction you want to go.   The trail will gradually descend and meet along Swift Camp Creek on the left.  You will see some paths going creek side, these paths offer a view of Rock Bridge stretching over the creek.  Continue along the trail and you will pass by the base of the bridge and just beyond offers more views of this unique landform.  While viewing the arch you may hear the sound of falling water nearby. That is because just around the corner is the beautiful Creation Falls.  Continue along the trail a short distance and it will lead you to an overlook which will view the falls from above.  You can also make your way down to the creek just before the overlook for access to the bse.  During the rainy season the falls is beautiful but during drier times it will become but a trickle.  In the summer the splash pool at the base of the falls is a popular swimming hole. To return to the parking lot, pass the waterfall on the main trail and make the ascent to the parking lot or return the way you came.

 

For more information about Rock Bridge, just click here.

 

Map of Trail to Rock Bridge

 

 

 

Sky Bridge

Another shot of Sky Bridge on a gorgeous Spring day

 

Both impressive and easily accessible, Sky Bridge is probably the most popular destination in the Red River Gorge.  That being said, do not be surprised to see a full parking lot on a summer weekend.  Though it can be crowded, if you have not been to this gorgeous natural feature it is a must see.  From the Rock Bridge trailhead, drive Rock Bridge Road back to KY 715 and make a right at approximately 4.4 miles.  As you drive, notice on the left you'll pass Chimney Top Rock Road and the trailhead parking for both Angel Windows and Whistling Arch.  In the apex of a downhill sharp right curve, turn left onto Sky Bridge Road.  The parking for the bridge is less than a mile.  Along the way, there are several pull-offs for overlooks which are worth having a look at, including the Devil's Canyon Overlook. The trailhead for Sky Bridge is at the end of the parking lot and is about a 1-mile loop hike.  For the most part, the trail is easy except for the roughly 75 steps back up to the parking lot along the trail.  Honestly, I've started walking the trail backward walking down the steps, it is a much easier hike that way.  For this post though, we will go the normal way where the trail takes you across the top of the bridge for views across the Red River Gorge.  The trail continues out the ridge, slopes down and makes a hard right taking you below the cliff line. Here you will pass along the underside of the arch and eventually come to the 75 steps that lead back up to the parking lot.  Be sure to notice all the interesting textures in the cliff as you make your way to the arch.

 

For more information about Sky Bridge, just click here.

 

Map of Trail to Sky Bridge

 

 

 

Angel Windows

 

A view of both the Angel Windows

 

The North Window resembles a grazing horse

 

From Sky Bridge head back out Sky Bridge Rd and veer right up the hill.  After a short distance, you'll see a parking area on the right for Whistling Arch.  Though not a part of this tour, the trail here is fairly easy 0.3-mile hike to the arch.  The Whistling Arch really isn't all that impressive but if you follow the trail beyond the arch there's a nice overlook that's also a decent sunset spot.  Continue past the Whistling Arch parking area soon you will pass the trailhead parking lot for Swift Camp Creek and Rough Trail and shortly after is the parking area on your right for Angel Windows.  The trail to Angel Windows is a 0.3 mile easy/moderate hike. Though these twin arches are not that big, they are still very cool. If you stand in the right place the right arch resembles a horse grazing.  In springtime/early summer Firepink can be seen around the base of the arches.

 

For more information about Angel Windows, just click here.

 

Map of Trail to Angel Windows

 

 

Princess Arch

 

 

From the Angel Windows parking lot, continue on KY-715 and look for Chimney Top Road on the right and turn on it.  Follow the gravel road approximately 5 miles till you come to a circle parking lot with a restroom in the center. There are two trailheads here, the one on the left when you enter the parking lot is for Chimney Top Rock.  The one on the right of the lot is the trailhead for Princess Arch. The Princess Arch trail sign says it is a .5 mile hike to the arch but it is less than that and for the most part it's an easy trek. The trail brings you over the top across the arch but if you look to your left before you reach the deck you'll see a short side trail that will take you to some great views of the arch from below. Though not massive by any means, it is a beauty.  If you continue along the lower trail a short distance past Princess Arch there is Little Princess Arch, a 21 foot by 6-inch arch forming under a small recess. A good time to visit Princess Arch is in the late day when a low sun in the sky will illuminate the sandstone on and around the arch creating a beautiful golden scene.

 

For more information about Princess Arch, just click here.

 

Map of Trail to Princess Arch & Chimney Top

 

 

Chimney Top

 

An obstructed sunset from Chimney Top Rock

 

Since you are at Princess Arch you might as well go across the parking lot and visit Chimney Top Rock and it is a fairly easy .5 mile of a hike.  If you have ended your day at Princess Arch, looking for a great place to watch a sunset or just like a good overlook this is the place to do it! Offering a ridiculous 300 degree plus view, to the left you can see Half Moon Rock, to the front left is Hanson's Point, straight ahead is Pinch'em Tight Gap and to the right is the Red River and the Red River Gorge.  Chimney Rock is a pillar that is separated and stands about eight away from and about eight feet ft below the main cliff. The separation is difficult to see from above. Keep in mind this is a dangerous place. Keep your children and pets close. There are rails in place for a reason. Many folks have died crossing the rails and attempting to jump to or return from the chimney.  Mostly it is returning from, as someone would have to jump eight feet up in the air and eight feet across the separation to make it safely.

 

For more information about Chimney Top, just click here.

 

So that's it for the Arch Trip, Volume 1!  Remember when in the Red River Gorge or anywhere in our National Forests and National Parks to practice Leave No Trace.  Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Keep your eyes peeled for the Arch Trip, Volume 2 where we will take a trip to Carter Caves State Park and one of the largest arches in the eastern United States!

 

You can check out Bill Patrick's DVD's over at Red River Gorge Arches or the link above, 'RRG Arches'.