Easy Trails in Red River Gorge

If you're looking for some moderately easy trails in Red River Gorge, here are our top picks from this beautiful eastern Kentucky region.

Red River Gorge has a bit of a mixed reputation when it comes to hiking.

On the one hand, many of the trails are fairly easy to moderate terrain. (Although we want to note that when we say "easy," it does not mean accessible, paved, or free of tripping hazards — it just means a trail that should pose no problem to the average hiker.)

On the other hand, Red River Gorge has a lot of cliff areas that could be perilous. Because of this, accidents happen every year. So take reasonable care about where you step, and keep children nearby.

The gorge is an area well worth visiting, even with those precautions in mind. Here are some of our favorite short trails to get started with!

Easy Trails in Red River Gorge

Chimney Top Trail

• 0.7 miles round-trip
• 88 feet elevation gain
• Gorgeous views

Chimney Top Trail is a short and fairly flat walk out to an overlook with fabulous views of the gorge. You can spot Hanson’s Point and Half Moon in the distance.

The overlook is fairly spacious, and if you prefer, you can stay somewhat far from the edge.

There are dangerous drop-offs here. Absolutely do not hop the fence and attempt to jump out to the “chimney” rock. And if you’re thinking about attempting the stunt, read this book about the RRG first.

Angel Windows

• 0.6 miles round-trip
• 88 feet elevation gain
• Photogenic arch

A short, relatively easy trail leads to the Angel Windows arch. This arch famously looks like a horse (or perhaps in Kentucky we see horses everywhere?).

Sky Bridge

• 0.7 miles (full loop), or shorter (top of bridge only)
• Large arch with gorgeous overlooks

While technically a moderate trail, Sky Bridge Trail can be made easy by only visiting the overlook. Even if you do the full loop, the only thing taking this from “easy” to “moderate” is a few sets of stairs, so depending on how adventurous (or agile) your group is feeling, the whole loop may be doable.

This trail does include walking over the top of Sky Bridge, which is 23 feet high and 75 feet long. The bridge isn’t overly narrow (I’m guessing it was around five or six feet in width at the narrowest spot), but this might not be the best for any in your group with a severe fear of heights.

Princess Arch

• 0.6 miles round trip
• Minimal elevation gain and an impressive arch

Another short trail to see one of Kentucky’s arches, this would be one to visit if you’re combining multiple short hikes in the Gorge.

Hike to Natural Bridge

• 1 mile round-trip on the Original Trail
• 500-foot elevation change, with some steps

The nearby state park offers a series of connected trails of various difficulty levels. Those who aren’t up for much of a challenge can park at Hemlock Lodge and stick to the Original Trail. It's a bit of a climb, but otherwise not difficult.

Any who want a slightly more challenging hike can take the routes via Devil’s Gulch or Needle's Eye, which include a lot more stairs.

If any in your group aren’t up for much hiking, they can take the skylift and bypass all the elevation gain.

Moderately Easy Trails in Red River Gorge

Is your group up for a small challenge? These trails are still fairly easy, but may require more stamina or have slightly more elevation gain.

Whittleton Arch (from Whittleton Campground)

• 4.5 miles long
• Moderately easy, with no major elevation gain and easy to follow trails

Technically located in nearby Natural Bridge State Park, Whittleton Arch is an easy drive from Red River Gorge.

This trail is perfect for spotting wildflowers in spring! Note that the beginning of the trail can be quite muddy after a rain.

Grays Arch (From the Grays Arch Picnic Area)

• 2.4 miles round trip
• Minor elevation gain
• Fairly easy path with a gorgeous arch at the end

Difficulty note: This trail becomes more challenging just before the arch. To reach the base of the arch, there are stairs and some relatively easy rock scrambling required (although you can see the arch without scrambling to the base).

Also note that there are multiple ways to reach Grays Arch: some of them are longer and more difficult than the direct route from the Grays Arch Picnic Area.

Hanson’s Point (from Pinch-‘em-Tight Trailhead)

• 5.1 miles
• Gradual elevation change
• Moderately easy and includes huge views

Cautions: While the path to Hanson’s Point isn’t overly challenging, this trail is unofficial and unmarked. It also includes a walk over uneven terrain with steep drop-offs.

Like with Grays Arch, there are multiple ways to reach Hanson’s Point, some of which are longer and more difficult than from the Pinch-'em-Tight trailhead.

Besides hiking, you can find several other things to do in the gorge, including a guided underground kayaking trip and lots of delicious food. Enjoy!