Rock Bridge Trail (Red River Gorge, KY)

Rock Bridge Trail is a short, moderately difficult trail. It features a picturesque sandstone arch that spans a creek, and is located in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge.

Are you planning a visit to Kentucky’s Red River Gorge?

It’s a beautiful area with lots of things to do!

You can hike to gorgeous overlooks, like Hanson’s Point.

You can also go kayaking in an underground mine, which we found pretty epic.

This area is also full of natural arches, like Silvermine Arch. Nearby Natural Bridge State Park is home to a massive sandstone arch that you can walk across.

And picturesque Gray’s Arch is impressively hidden in the trees, despite its massive size, until you’re almost right below it.

On our last visit, we also made the hike to Rock Bridge, a sandstone arch that crosses a creek and is quite pretty.

How Difficult Is Rock Bridge Trail?

This is a moderately difficult, 1.5-mile loop trail.

Despite the short length, I recommend bringing along a trekking pole, because this is a steep trail with lots of steps.

Also, I was glad I had on sturdy hiking boots. Do you need footwear suggestions? See my post on the best women’s hiking boots and shoes.

Parts of this trail seem to have been paved at some point, and now the pavement is falling apart. Watch your step to try and avoid turning your ankle.

Getting to the Trailhead

Our home base was Koomer Ridge Campground, just over a 15-minute drive from the trailhead.

To get to the trailhead, you’ll leave the highway and drive a few miles down a (sometimes narrow) gravel road to Rock Bridge Trailhead.

There was plenty of parking available when we arrived mid-morning, but the lot was full by the time we left around 11 a.m.

Hiking the Rock Bridge Trail

Follow the trail signs to start the loop.

You’ll begin descending steeply, alternating between steps and steep sections of trail.

Along the way, you’ll pass overlooks and some interesting rock formations.

This is a fun spot to explore a little bit.

As you continue, you’ll reach the creek, which was extremely low when we visited.

Kentucky was having a dry fall.

This section of the trail was extremely pretty.

You’ll pass Creation Falls, a cascade waterfall. It was small when we visited, but likely has more water in the spring and summer.

Next, you’ll see the main attraction: Rock Bridge. This rock formation spans the creek and is impressive! 

Once you pass the bridge, the trail ascends steeply away from the creek until it levels out again.

Follow the trail back to the trailhead to get back to your car, and then head to Miguel’s Pizza for some lunch.

I mean, you don’t have to — but it’s Miguel’s! It’s tradition!