Looking for a trail with epic overlooks in Kentucky's Red River Gorge? Hike the less-traveled Jailhouse Rock Trail!
One of our favorite places to visit is Kentucky's Red River Gorge. It's one of my favorite areas for day hikes and camping, and has some of the best hiking trails around.
If you're up for a little bit of a challenge, the Jailhouse Rock Trail is really fun!
It's got amazing views of the Red River Gorge and steep cliffs, rock scrambles and even a (optional!) ladder.
Is Parking Difficult at the Jailhouse Rock Trailhead?
Parking is at the Auxier Ridge Trailhead area on Tunnel Ridge Road in Stanton, Kentucky. It's a very popular lot that fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
If you're planning to visit on a weekend, come early and have a backup plan! We also love the Gray's Arch Trail and the Hanson's Point Trail, both of which are nearby.
Still no parking available? Head to another section of the Gorge, such as the Silvermine Arch Trail (near the Koomer Ridge Campground) or the Rock Bridge Trail. We also loved the Red River Gorge Underground Kayaking experience.
Here are even more suggestions for things to do near Red River Gorge!
Staying Found on the Jailhouse Rock Trail
This trail is an unofficial "user trail," and is almost completely unmarked. There are lots of unofficial, unmarked trails in this area — it's one of the quirks of hiking here.
In addition to being unmarked, sections of this trail are overgrown with briars that make the trail difficult to see (even in winter). You will need some basic route-finding skills.
I highly recommend using a digital map, perhaps downloading the AllTrails map. I relied mostly on my Garmin inReach Mini 2 to navigate the trail.
The book Hinterlands (a guide to the unofficial trails in the Red River Gorge) was extremely helpful when I was planning the hike. I also recommend the author's book on the official trails, Red River Gorge Trail Guide.
How Difficult Is This Trail?
My watch said we hiked 4.4 miles total (out and back) with an elevation gain of 753 feet.
Since this is an unofficial trail, there's no official rating. I'd rate it as moderately difficult, noting that the hiking trail itself is mostly fairly easy, but there are several rock scrambles.
I'm Afraid of Heights. Should I Hike This Trail?
It depends. The overlooks at Jailhouse Rock have significant drops. However, it's a large rock with room to stay away from the edges.
If you're only somewhat afraid of heights, I'd recommend skipping the optional ladder at the end of the trail.
On the other hand, if you're absolutely petrified of heights, this might not be the hike for you.
What Gear Should I Bring?
In addition to navigation gear (such as a Garmin inReach Mini 2), I recommend using a trekking pole. In addition to helping stabilize you through elevation changes, it's helpful for pushing away briars along the path.
Make sure to bring plenty of water, especially if you're hiking on a hot day.
Also, because this trail is so overgrown in places, make sure to wear long pants. My favorite are these Kuhl Freeflex pants, which are both comfy and sturdy enough to avoid getting stuck on briar thorns.
I'd probably also recommend closed-toed hiking boots over hiking sandals on this trail (because of the briars).
Hiking to Jailhouse Rock
From the parking area, look for signs for the Double Arch trail. If you parked in the main lot, follow the connector trail. If you parked in the overflow area, you're closer to the trailhead.
This trail starts along an easy gravel road. The road is closed to cars (except for forestry service vehicles), so it's an easy road walk.
Walk past the gate and keep walking until the (unmarked) turnoff. It's the third trail on the left after the gate.
This turnoff is completely unmarked, so pay attention to your digital map.
The Jailhouse Rock trail starts off easy, and quickly arrives at a campsite. If you're planning on overnight backpacking in the Red River Gorge, this trail has lots of campsite options!
Next you'll arrive at a series of rock scrambles.
If you're comfortable scrambling up and down rocks, these will be fun. If you're not, be aware that there are at least three on the trail.
Keep hiking, making sure to check your map periodically.
Next, we passed another nice campsite with a stone fire ring.
If you need a break (and no one has set up camp there), this would be a nice spot to relax.
As you continue hiking, know that this section is pretty calm without rock scrambles.
When you reach the trail junction, turn right to see the views from Jailhouse Rock.
This junction was completely unmarked when we hiked it, but there was a tree stump that I used as a junction marker.
The short trail past the junction leads to some spectacular views of the gorge. I think this might be one of the best viewpoints in the whole Red River Gorge.
Take a few moments to rest and enjoy the views.
Maybe have a snack.
When you're ready, head back to the junction with the tree stump. If you're ready to head back, go back the way you came.
If you want more views and a fun (but honestly, somewhat sketchy) ladder experience, head down the other trail from the junction. This is the trail that was on your left when you initially reached the tree stump.
This section of the trail was extremely overgrown, and even with a map we got a little off-trail. However, if you make it to the end, there's another great viewpoint and a ladder that you can climb down for a different viewpoint.
If you opt to climb down the ladder, test it first. When we went it was bolted to the rock, but still moved quite a bit. Use your best judgment.
When you're ready, turn back (checking your digital map often) and head back the way you came!
Looking for somewhere to eat after your hike? Check out Miguel's Pizza or Red Point BBQ.
Leave a Comment: