![]() Within a few feet of this split, the trail begins a slight descent with the cliff line rising high on your lefthand side. You want to stay RIGHT at this intersection. One of the most helpful tips on this route is to have the gps coordinates for Rat Windows #2 on your map so as to make sure you are headed in the right direction.Īs you approach Rat Window #2 there is a very obvious split in the trail with the path on the LEFT headed towards Mushroom Arch and Rat Windows #3 & #4. In essence we are hiking parallel to the edge of the ridge until reaching the spot where we begin descending into the valley below near the Rat Windows. One of the downsides of attempting this trail during the warmer months is that it can become overgrown, making it difficult to discern where the paths truly are. It was hard to see at first since a downed tree lay in front of it. At this point the trail seems to disappear, but actually continues on the LEFT\northwest corner of the campsite. During the first stretch of this trail you’re hiking so close to the Princess Arch Trail that you can actually hear and see other people through the trees nearby.įollowing this path we walked through two small campsites until reaching a third larger campsite at the far end of the ridge. There is no mistaking this trailhead once you see it. The start of the Cherokee Arch Trail is marked by a path crossing in between two wood pillars to the far RIGHT of the Princess Arch Trail. Though I typically prefer to off-trail hike during the colder seasons, Chimney Top Rock Rd closes during most of the winter, forcing visitors to hike in the 5-mile length of road just to reach the recreation area. We began this journey by turning off of KY-715 and driving down Chimney Top Rock Rd until reaching the Chimney Top Rock Recreation Area. Many of these UNOFFICIAL points of interest can be found on the database and similar websites. If you have extra time while exploring the Cherokee Arch area, the same valley is also known to contain a handful more hidden arches within some of the larger caves below the cliff line, including Dragons Arch. ![]() On this journey we opted to cut the trip in half by taking only the direct route to Cherokee Arch, leaving the additional 0.5 mile spur to Mushroom Arch, Hemnsath Arch, and Rat Windows 3 & 4 for another trip. One can find information on this trail all over the internet with maps and GPS coordinates, but some of it is inaccurate so it takes a great deal of research to attempt this hike. This well established user made trail in the Chimney Top Rock Area is packed full of scenery and when done entirely, travels to 8 off-trail arches and 2 distinct overlooks. When it comes to UNOFFICIAL Trails in the Red River Gorge, the Cherokee Arch Trail is considered to be one of the “crème de la crème”. Do your own research before going out and attempting any hike! The Red River Gorge is home to several species of venomous snakes as well as black bears. This is NOT meant to be an instructional article, but a recollection of my own journey. ![]() Use common sense and do not attempt anything that would put yourself or others at risk or harms way. This hike includes scrambling over exposed cliffs and rock ledges that have resulted in deaths and injuries. This strenuous adventure is not for the faint of heart, but can be a rewarding experience for more highly skilled off-trail hikers.Ĭherokee Arch Trail (UNOFFICIAL) | 1.8 Mile Out & BackĬhimney Top Rock Area Location | Google Mapsīefore beginning, a word of CAUTION: Parts of this hike include UNMARKED TRAILS, not registered on any official map of Red River Gorge Geological Area. Along the path, hikers can also expect to find several more minor arches, Rat Windows 1 & 2, and an expansive overlook of the Glade Creek Valley. Perched high above a cliff line and with a running waterfall, it is highly regarded as one of the most beautiful arches in the gorge. Located in the Chimney Top Rock Area, this short yet difficult 1.8 mile out and back takes you to the 40 foot span of Cherokee Arch. The Cherokee Arch Trail is one of the most sought after Unofficial Trails in all of the Red River Gorge.
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