Red River Gorge - Kentucky

I admit I have been slacking on my sharing of my adventures in Kentucky - but here I am trying to rectify that. My venture out to Red River Gorge was actually not my first one. I ventured out that way with my Mother once on our way back from a Bachelorette Party in Nashville. We were looking for an excuse to get out of the car and stretch a bit. It was stunning then and it was stunning again the second time.

Auxier Ridge Trail:

I got this trail suggestion from a coworker of mine and I will happily admit that it did not disappoint!

This was meant to be an almost 8mile hike but course I managed to lengthen it by wandering off trail for photos! Photos like that crazy cool tree (bottom right) and course climbing up to the top of the arch in the last photo in the gallery just so I could see what the view was from the top! How could you not though? There were small little foot and hand holes cut into the stone all the way up!

The hike itself was amazing though! You started your hike along a ridge line allowing for sweeping sight lines and sheer drop offs on both sides! Then once you got to Courthouse Rock (the first photo - NOT the second) you will encountered your first climbing opportunity! Alas I did not do any intense or excessively dangerous climbing- but I did wander up the stairs and monkey around some large boulders a bit. Given I almost always hike alone; I do try not to take any great unnecessary risks climbing or bouldering but I do still attempt a fair amount especially when the reward is a fantastic veiw! I just can't seem to help myself! Plus I enjoy a challenge!

The trail eventually makes an large loop - so the arch you can see from atop the beginning ridge line (see photo below) is the same arch in the bottom right photo I eventually climbed!

For those who know me well enough - they will also know that I can never walk away from a chance for "Cliffside Seating". Any chance to sit on the edge of a cliff and dangle my feet over the edge and just relax a bit - I love it! I think because I am short - it makes me used to my feet not touching the ground when I am sitting down! So any opportunity to recreate that feeling but from a greater height...I can't pass it up! :)

And sit on the edge I did - I actually had my lunch and a quick snack atop the arch and definitely startled some other hikers as well when they came to check out the arch! Sorry friends!

I intended to visit this area a few more times while I was in Kentucky; however with more places still on my list I never made it back. If any of you do get the chance to explore this stunning area; please do! There are plenty of arches to visit and gorgeous views to find!