20220529 – Red River Gorge Geological Area KY – Double Arch-Auxier Ridge Loop
docscape
Date: 05/29/2022 – Distance: 8.3 mi – Elapsed Time: 5.75 hr – Ascent: 1322 ft – Descent: 1306 ft – Difficulty: Difficult
The Red River Gorge Geological Area is a nationally designated special area for its significant geological formations. It is situated in the Daniel Boone National Forest about an hour east of Lexington, KY. They have literally hundreds of natural stone arches here and huge cliffs, along with waterfalls, and diverse plants and animals. Numerous trails cover the area and rock climbing, and backpacking are very popular. Today I hiked to Double Arch and across the valley to Courthouse Rock and back on the Auxier Ridge Trail. The views did not disappoint at all. Wes had to head home in the morning, so it’s just me again for this hike.
I began my day with an espresso and breakfast burrito from this great cafe in Slade.I failed to get a picture of the crowded parking situation at the Auxier Ridge Trailhead, but this closed service road is also the trail to Double Arch.From the service road, the Double Arch Trail descends steeply into the valley.It’s hard to see, but the Umbrella Magnolias are blooming high in the tree canopy.Goatsbeard maybe?The cliffs are quite dramatic.And colorful.It’s difficult to see, but you can see Double Arch from the trail below.This rock resembles a snake head.The trail wraps around the base of the cliff and climbs up to the ridge where Double Arch makes a dramatic appearance.Some type of Catchfly maybe?A cool view looking through Double Arch at the Auxier Ridge on the other side of the valley.Auxier Ridge.There is a person up on the ridge.Haystack Rock.Spiny Lizzard.After descending into the valley from Double Arch on the Auxier Branch Trail, there are campsites in the base of the valley along the creek.It’s a grueling climb up the opposite ridge, but eventually Courthouse Rock comes into view.Almost to the top of Auxier Ridge, the Courthouse Rock Trail turns left.Auxier Ridge is still a climb up a staircase to the right.I went to see Courthouse Rock first.Beyond this dramatic rock is Courthouse Rock.The trail skirts along the base of Courthouse Rock on both sides, but only for a short distance.I returned to the stairs and wow, what a climb.A buzzard rides the air foils over Courthouse Rock.Still climbing the stairs.At the top of the stairs, I took a left to a dramatic overlook.The views of the Red River gorge are stunning.And you can see Courthouse Rock much better from here.The Red River is down in the valley, far below.I managed to zoom in on a small section where I could see the river.There are people on top of Courthouse Rock. Another hiker said there is a narrow crevasse you can climb up. I think I saw the said crevasse, and I said, “no way.”I continued along the Auxier Ridge Trail which has dramatic views and drop offs on both sides.This vista had an incredible view of the valley.Double Arch is over there somewhere.I zoomed in on it. You can really make out the Double Arch here, and some people.The cliff is really dramatic.That is Haystack Rock on the right side of the cliff.Watch your step.Haystack Rock sits atop a pillar of stone.Mountain Laurel.Oak leaves.There is a campsite over there somewhere.The Auxier Ridge Trail really lives up to it’s name.Goat’s Rue.The trail is well worn and challenging at times.A small recess cave on the final climb back to the trailhead.I stopped at the famous Miguel’s Pizza on the way back to camp.It’s quite the party here. Highly recommended, AND they serve breakfast and beer too.Last night in the Red.
