Rock Bridge, Red River Gorge Geological Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, April 2015

Kentucky is not a state known for its hiking opportunities, per sé. But a trip through Kentucky’s Appalachians may surprise you with its natural beauty. Perhaps chief among the must-sees is the Red River Geological Area, a beautiful tract of land administered by Daniel Boone National Forest, situated around an hour east of Lexington. Judging from at least two resources, Kentucky boasts more natural arches than any other state outside of Utah, and Red River Gorge has the greatest concentration in the state. It’s also a hiker’s nirvana—one of the finest hikes in the area is the 1.3-mile loop to Creation Falls and Rock Bridge, Red River Gorge’s only example of a “waterfall natural bridge.”

The hike

Reaching the Rock Bridge trailhead requires exiting the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway at exit 40, then cutting north through the small community of Pine Ridge on Routes 15 and 715. Route 715, while paved, is very narrow and (at least as of April 2015) lacks a yellow lane divider. Four-tenths of a mile from the start of Route 715, after passing over the highway, turn right onto Rock Bridge Road. This drive quickly leaves the pavement and cuts into the forest. Follow Rock Bridge Road to its end, three miles from the turn.

A quaint wooden sign, near the start of the short loop drive around the Rock Bridge picnic area, marks the beginning of the trail. Officially, the Rock Bridge loop is Daniel Boone National Forest Trail #207.

Start of Rock Bridge Loop, Red River Gorge

Much of the Rock Bridge loop is actually graveled or partly asphalted, but alas, it is far from wheelchair accessible. Nearly immediately, the trail descends a knee-buckling grade, followed by a series of stone steps.

“Rock House” overhang, along the Rock Bridge Trail

From here hikers drop into a rocky hollow, traverse a small footbridge, and encounter an impressive, cave-like overhang on the right colloquially known as the “Rock House.” Beyond, the trail continues to descend steeply to the north bank of Rockbridge Fork, here flowing gently and peacefully downstream to meet Swift Camp Creek. The forest here is dense with rhododendron, broadleaf magnolia, laurel, and hemlock trees.

Rockbridge Fork, Rock Bridge Trail

The trail briefly leaves the stream as it ascends the side of a slope but quickly returns to the creek at Creation Falls, a multi-tiered,12-foot cascade that ends in a small pool. Continue onward for a couple hundred feet to find the best access point to descend to the rocky beach at the foot at the falls.

Creation Falls, Rock Bridge Loop Trail, Red River Gorge

Beyond Creation Falls, the trail takes a hard left and offers the first view of Swift Camp Creek, which enters from the south. Straight ahead to the north is Rock Bridge. Covered in mosses and spanning perfectly still, yellow-green waters, the natural bridge has a sort of mystical flavor. It is possible to traverse the bridge; use caution, of course, and do not attempt when wet. Stop for a snack at the arch or in the shady hollow just beyond it, just before the trail begins its ascent back to the trailhead.

Rock Bridge spanning Swift Camp Creek

Rock Bridge from the opposite side

The ½-mile climb to the parking area is broken up by fleeting views of the valley around, as well as a couple wooden benches. Roughly 1/10 mile beyond Rock Bridge, the more strenuous Swift Camp Creek Trail (TR #219) takes off to the right.

Partially obstructed view from the Rock Bridge Trail

With about ¼ mile left, the incline eases and makes for a relaxed and pleasant return to the picnic area. The trail spits out on the opposite end of the loop drive—cut across the picnic area (past the bathrooms) to complete the hiking circuit.