Red River Gorge Scenic Loop Drive

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This Gorge drive is one of the most rewarding journeys that sightseers can take in the land of the arches. The trip features parts of the rim on the lower Red River Gorge with several scenic overlooks, views of several arches, and stretches of the Red River in the bottom of the gorge. The round trip is approximately 35 to 40 miles long and includes much to see both for the good hiker as well as those whose handicaps limit them to short walks or no walking at all. With a combination of a lot of motoring and little walking, the loop trip can give you spectacular views of the Gorge and several good examples of ridge top arches. It is difficult to estimate the time to complete the journey, for this will be governed mainly by the interest of the viewers. The speediest could hardly do it in less than two hours, while for the careful unhurried visitor it could take all day. Most people complete the loop during either a long morning or a long afternoon. By using the directions below, and the map that's located at http://www.thecarls.com/gorgemap.gif you can easily find your way along the loop drive. Also, individual trail descriptions and directions to trailheads can be found at http://www.thecarls.com/TrailLinksPage.htm

At this writing the loop trip can be done in either direction, although there is talk of making at least part of it a one way road. It is described here in only one direction which, I believe, is the most scenic of the two. Most of the driving covers good but often narrow blacktop roads. One important side trip is on a one lane gravel road maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. I would also like to caution the driver that much of the loop road meanders, having numerous curves. Visibility is often restricted to a few yards, but with proper precautions, the drive is not a dangerous one.

From Slade To Pine Ridge

Take Kentucky Route 15 east from the small hamlet of Slade in the direction of Campton and Pine Ridge. If the Mountain Parkway is on your right as you leave Slade, you are going in the proper direction. Just after leaving Slade, Route 15 crosses over the Mountain Parkway.

After that crossing, Route 15 climbs Slade Hill and goes through a series of tight curves. About 2 1/2 miles from Slade, Route 15 hits the simultaneous beginning of Tunnel Ridge Road on the left and Whittleton Branch Trail on the right. Shortly after this junction, Route 15 again crosses over the Mountain Parkway. If you are familiar with the appearance of Indian Head (also known as Profile Rock, the Devil's Pulpit and Lover's Leap) from earlier visits to Natural Bridge State Park, you can see them again shortly after this second crossing of the Mountain Parkway. If you haven't seen them at a closer range, it would be of little interest for you to stop and see them at this distance because they appear so small. If you do wish to take a look, pull off on the right hand side of the road about 100 feet after crossing the parkway bridge. Looking to the right, you have a view down the valley cut by Whittleton Branch. In the distance, a little over two miles away as the crow flies, both Lover's Leap and Indian Head Rock are seen in the hazy distance. Not far beyond this point and a little over four miles from Slade, the road passes the entrance to the Koomer Ridge Recreation Area campground on the left. Then Route 15 crosses over the toll road again and goes by the Mountain Park Motel. When you continue on Route 15, just after entering the small hamlet of Pine Ridge and passing the Sky Bridge Motel on the right, Kentucky Route 715 intersects Route 15 from the left. Turn left here and follow Route 715.

On this corner, set back from the road, is the Dessie Scott Children's Home whose story is another interesting part of the local mountain history. Before there were good roads in this region, it was almost impossible for children to receive much formal education. Some dedicated teachers with missionary zeal penetrated these areas in an attempt to introduce rudimentary education and improve living conditions when and where they could. The Dessie Scott Children's Home is a marvelous surviving example. In 1934, a lady named Esther Pushee came from the New England states to do missionary work in the mountains. When the mother of a large destitute family died, Miss Pushee began to care for the children. Soon other children came to her seeking aid, and before long this foster home was established. A disastrous fire claimed several lives in 1939, including that of the housemother, Dessie Scott. The home was named after her as a memorial.

Today, the home ministers to the needs of 30 to 40 children who range in age from two to twenty. When I asked Mrs. Winchip, the acting director, how long the children stayed, she replied, "They stay as long s they need us." The entrance to the home is a few yards east on the Route 15 and visitors are welcome.

From Pine Ridge To Chimney Top Road

Just after you turn left and head north on Route 715, the road passes a tobacco barn on the left, then crosses over the Mountain Parkway. As you cross the bridge you can look left down the valley cut by Chimney Top Creek. The speck of a water tower seen on the horizon is at Frenchburg. Less than 100 yards beyond the bridge, Route 715 passes the beginning of the Rock Bridge service road on the right. On the right side of the road a sign announces that you are entering the Red River Gorge National geological Area in the Daniel Boone National Forest. At this intersection the Forest Service has a visitor center in a mobile home type structure. The times that it is staffed by forest service personnel varies with the seasons and the whims of the federal government and its funding allotments for paying seasonal employees.

The Rock Bridge loop hike beginning three miles down the gravel road on the right is one of the best in the area, but if you are trying to complete the Gorge loop trip in half a day or less, this worthwhile excursion may prove too time consuming.

Chimney Top Scenic Drive

A little less than two miles beyond the Rock Bridge road, Route 715 goes by the beginning of Chimney Top Scenic Drive on the left. In a little less than four miles, this side road leads to Chimney Top overlook where you have one of the best scenic overlooks of the lower Gorge. Cars going in the opposite direction on this narrow gravel road can just barely pass one another if it is done at a snail's pace. If you take this highly recommended side trip, about a half mile from Route 715, the Parched Corn section of Rough Trail exits to the right and the Chimney Top section of Rough Trail exits from the left.

Just beyond this trail crossing, there is a well marked large parking lot to the left. Since Rough Trail passes through the parking lot it is a good point for taking day hikes on these two sections of trail. It is also the parking lot to use for primitive campsite # 3.

A short distance beyond the parking lot there is a pullout on the right side of the road for an overlook view. The view is disappointing and most will find it not worthwhile. Not far beyond this pullout there is another one on the left that offers better scenic rewards. By walking just a few feet from your car, you get a good view of the backside of Half Moon Cliff just to your right. From this viewing position it looks as if Half Moon Cliff is divided into three large rock sections. Although there is an arch in the ridge, it is not visible from here. If you look right, above those large sections at the end of the ridge, you can see both Raven's Rock and Courthouse Rock in the distance. These landmarks can be seen from here by people who have seen them previously at closer range. The perspective from this distant view makes these monstrous sandstone monuments rather obscure and tiny.

Half Moon Arch

If you are not pressed for time and would like to visit Half Moon Arch, you can walk to it easily on a little unmarked trail in about five minutes. It begins on the left side of Chimney Top road about 3.4 miles from Route 715. You will see a sign on the right side of Chimney Top Road that reads: PRIMITIVE CAMPSITE #4. Alongside it there is a refuse cage enclosed in chicken wire. The campsite, complete with privy, is in a field that opens up a few yards back from the road.

Across the road on the left you will see a bank of sandy, red-colored earth in the road-cut above the road. Go to the top of the bank and you will see the little trail. Although most of the trail is very easy, there is a challenging stretch just before you get to the arch which could prove too much for walkers who have difficulty going up or down rather steep embankments. If you decide that you want to see the arch, the walk should take you about ten minutes one way.

Follow the trail along the ridge top which, despite its unofficial status, is far more distinct than it was a few years ago because Half Moon rock is a favorite of rapellers and rock climbers. The trail will take a decided drop, then level off. When you come to where the ridge takes a second more decided drop then goes up the narrow rock spine of the ridge, you are close to the point where you leave the top of the ridge. Go almost to the bottom of the dip then start working your way way down the left side of the ridge, keeping the ridge top on your right. The descent is steep, but you don't have to go many feet before you arrive at the arch. It is six feet high and eight feet long. Just beyond the arch there are about a half dozen much smaller openings that go entirely through the ridge. It is rather rare to see so many ridge piercing holes so close together and they might vaguely remind you of a giant piece of Swiss cheese.

Princess Arch

Just as you approach the turnaround loop at the end of Chimney Top Road, where there are Forest Service toilet facilities for each sex, a sign on the right indicates the trail to Princess Arch. A very easy trail, which is less than half a mile round trip leads you to the top of this very lovely arch. With its 32 foot length and 8 foot height, it is not one of the biggest or most spectacular arches, but its gently curved surfaces give the viewer an attractive example of what is known in geologic terms as a finished arch. The walk to the top of the arch can be made by almost anyone, and it warrants a visit from all but the most hurried visitor. Getting to the bottom of Princess Arch is difficult for those whose walking is generally restricted to level surfaces.

The trail takes you right over the top of the arch. If you want to see it from underneath there are two ways to get there. First, once you know you are on top of the arch, turn around and walk back up the trail for about 70 feet. Look to the right and you should find a small path that quickly takes you down to the underside of the arch. It is a steep but not dangerous grade. The other way is to continue across the arch and walk about 70 feet beyond it on the ridge top. There is a tree growing quite close to the ridge on the left side. By using the tree as a support and some natural stepping stones in the sandstone ridge, you can lower yourself down to the bottom section of the arch.

Chimney Top Overlook

Even if you decide to skip Princess Arch, you shouldn't miss the short walk to Chimney Top Overlook, especially if it is a nice day. Go around the loop turnaround at the end of the road. Just as you complete the circle, you can see the beginning of Chimney Top walk on the right. A wide and easy paved trail with a round trip distance of 2/3 miles makes the walk a gentle one for almost anyone who does not have a serious physical handicap. This trail takes you right to the cliff top of the Gorge. Chimney Top, about 200 feet high and 600 feet above the Red River, is a slump block created by a joint fracture that has broken away from the cliff face and is about 3 1/2 feet from it. It all sounds very spooky if you suffer from acrophobia but it really isn't, for the the Forest Service maintains steady guard rails that lend the necessary sense of security. It will take the average walker about ten to fifteen minutes to reach the viewpoint atop Chimney Rock. There you have an unobstructed view of several miles of the lower Red River Gorge and the panoramic view is spectacular especially when the fall colors are at their peak.

On reaching the overlook, look sharply left and you will see a high cliff with a crescent top, hence its name, Half Moon Rock. I also like to think of it as Chimp Rock, as the upper middle section protrudes outward and is shaped very much like the head of a giant chimpanzee. If you have trouble seeing the natural sculpturing, note that there is a small tree growing from his nose.

Half Moon Rock tapers off to the right into the valley cut by Chimney Top Rock.

At this writing you can see a house and a small barn below you in the valley formed by Chimney Top Creek which was part of a small farm owned by the same family for many generations. But the property has recently been sold to the federal government for inclusion in the Daniel Boone National Forest. How long the buildings will remain is something the forest service will have to decide.

The high cliffs directly behind the farm constitute the end of Pinch-Em-Tight Ridge. Note that there is a low section or saddle between the top sections at the end of the ridge. That is Pinch-Em-Tight Gap. This gap gave the ridge its name for the children who lived on the farm a few generations ago used to visit children who lived on another farm on the opposite side of the ridge. Since going through the gap was, in places, a narrow squeeze the children named it Pinch-Em-Tight. The right end of this ridge that overlooks the Gorge is also known as Revenuer's Rock. In the moonshining days before roads were plentiful in the area, federal agents used to scramble up this high point looking for tell-tale traces of smoke rising from the fires of illegal stills hidden in the trees.

At the bottom of the valley between you and the farm is Chimney Top Creek, which flows into the Red River to the right. Looking straight down the Red River, to your right, the large rock promontory with a rounded stone top is known as Cloud Splitter Rock.

Parched Corn Overlook And Angel Windows

After returning to Route 715, turn left on the black top road. In a little over a mile, Wildcat Trail commences on the right side of the road. Another 7/10 miles takes you to Parched Corn Overlook with the parking area on the left side of the road. The overlook itself gives one a view of a heavily forested valley cut by Parched Corn Creek. It is not a spectacular view, but it is here that another pleasant walk begins to Angel Windows.

When you face Parched Corn Overlook from the road, Angel Windows Trail begins at the left end of the parking lot. Angel Windows are two small arches that are just a few feet apart at the end of the same ridge. The first one is approximately 4 1/2 feet high and about 5 feet long. The second arch is approximately 5 1/2 feet high and about 7 feet long.

When this area became part of the government forest, a very devout local resident showed these twin arches to a Forest Service employee and told him that a halo is sometimes visible through the opening, hence the name, "Angel Windows". This effect is probably caused by sunlight filtering through the very large hemlocks that grow in the hollow behind the arches. Despite several visits to the windows, I have never seen the halo effect. Even without glowing nimbuses these arches are still worth seeing, for their charm is in their diminutiveness. The trail is easy to follow, and the round trip walk is only a little over half a mile. This easy trail should not prove at all difficult for any healthy walker.

Leaving Parched Corn Overlook and continuing north on Route 715, in about 3/10 mile you will pass a parking lot on the left. At the far end of this parking lot the northern end of Swift Camp Creek Trail meets the eastern end of Rough Trail. This lot is well situated for doing day hikes along short sections of these trails.

Whistling Arch

About one mile from the Parched Corn Overlook, Route 715 makes a sharp hairpin turn to the right and begins a rapid descent into the Gorge. Sky Bridge Road comes in from the left and joins Route 715 at this point. To the left of Route 715, just before the curve and the intersection, Whistling Arch Trail commences. A small and not very spectacular opening, Whistling Arch could be missed if your schedule is cramped. It does, however, offer some things in its favor. First, it has the easiest and shortest walk, being less than 2/10 mile round trip. Secondly, its 11 foot span, which is only 4 feet high, is a good example of what is known as an arch in formation. Contrast its rough jagged edges with the smooth lines of Princess arch or Sky Bridge and you can see the difference between what the geologists call an arch in formation and a finished arch. In high winds air rushing through the low opening whines, giving the arch its name. This whine is something that happens very rarely.

On The Way To Sky Bridge

At the Sky Bridge intersection do not turn right down Route 715, but take the Sky Bridge Road left. This trip to Sky Bridge should not be missed even by the most hurried visitor, for this arch is one of the great scenic wonders of the Gorge. Along the road to sky Bridge you will pass some scenic overlooks. The first of these, called Devil's Canyon Overlook, is on the left side of the road with limited parking space on the right. It looks down into a section of the Red River Gorge where high cliffs are easily seen Those cliffs that are farthest from you are on the opposite side of the Gorge.

Swift Creek Overlook

Just 2/10 mile further down the road the Swift Creek Overlook is on the right side of the highway. Overlooking the valley of Swift Camp Creek, this is an exceptionally interesting viewpoint, even though Swift Creek itself is out of sight, buried in the trees below. If you look straight ahead through the V in the valley, you will see distant cliffs that are on the other side of the Red River. Between the V and the cliffs, Swift Creek empties into the Red River. You will see another cliff promontory on your left with a visible guard rail on its top. On the other side of that viewpoint, you get an excellent look at Sky Bridge, the next stopping place described on this trip. Looking to the right, across the valley cut by Swift Creek, you can see what looks like a large rock shelter, and indeed that's what it was in the not too distant geologic past. But it now has broken through to the other side and is Castle Arch. Although a view through the arch is impossible from this overlook, there is one location further along the trip where a look through Castle Arch is possible.

Sky Bridge Overlook

When you reach a fork in the road you will see one of the Sky Bridge parking lots ahead on the right. Before gong into the lot, take the right fork of the road for the best view of this beautiful arch. A sign there says: BRIDGE OVERLOOK CAMERA POINT.

Drive the short distance through a picnic area until you come to the loop at the end of the road. There is very little parking space at the loop. If you arrive on a busy day, it would be better to use the new parking lot found on the left just before the turnoff to Sky Bridge Overlook. From the loop there is a blacktop footpath that, in less than 100 yards of easy walking, brings you to the overlook. At the guardrail, look left and the view of the arch is before you. Measuring 74 feet in length and 23 feet above the ground, it is one of the largest and, perhaps, the most beautiful arch in the Gorge. Like Princess Arch it belongs in the finished arch class since its surfaces are graceful and smooth. Many of the lost silver mine hunters believe this is the "hole in the cliff" mentioned in John Swift's journals.

After you have drunk in the splendor of Sky Bridge, turn and look over the opposite side. You again are looking into the valley cut by Swift Camp Creek. The closest rock outcropping almost directly across the valley is the ridge that contains Castle Arch, though from here you can see only its top. Look to your right, and among the trees you can see the railings of Swift Creek Overlook where you were probably standing a few minutes earlier. you can't see Swift Creek from here either, but it curves around the base of the ridge that contains Castle Arch. Looking down into the valley of Swift Creek, you can easily see a section of Highway 715 below you. If you are completing the Gorge loop, you will cover that section of road on your way to the bottom of the Gorge.

Sky Bridge Walk

After returning to your car, drive the short distance back to the fork and turn right into the parking lot. At the far end of the lot, the walk to Sky Bridge commences. There are rest rooms here and a drinking fountain. Next to the drinking fountain the blacktop trail commences. At the end of the auto turnaround there is a sign which says: SKY BRIDGE TRAIL NO. 214 - SKY BRIDGE 1/4 MI. - SKY BRIDGE LOOP 1 MI.

Another sign nearby explains that there are over 750 species of plants found in the Gorge area representing ecosystems that are found from Atlanta, Georgia in the south to Montreal, Canada in the north.

There are three different alternatives here for the sightseer. The first is to take the very easy walk to the top of the bridge where both the Red River and Swift Camp Creek are visible. The second is to continue on to the end of the ridge which is just a couple of hundred yards of easy walking after you cross Sky Bridge. From there you can see a bridge that crosses the Red River and look into the upper Gorge. The third alternative is to take a loop trail that continues on from the end of the ridge, doubles back from the end of the ridge and takes you under the arch. Except for a set of 77 wooden steps at the end of the loop, the walk is an easy 3/4 mile stroll. The steps themselves are not frightening for they have sturdy handrails and four platforms where you can catch your breath. But 77 steps is about the same as walking up to the sixth floor of an average building. If a couple of stories leaves you huffing and puffing you had better stop and weigh the consequences. The rest of the loop trip is baby simple.

The first part of this walk is paved and quite wide. Don't let children stray off the trail for this is a dangerous high cliff area. After a short distance you arrive at an overlook with guard rails on your left. Here, through the trees in all seasons of the year, one bend of the Red River and a stretch of Route 715 are visible. You will pass over that section of road later on the loop trip.

A few yards past the overlook you arrive on top of Sky Bridge. The upper surface of the arch has, unfortunately, become easily identifiable by the illegally carved names and initials of vandals and fools on it. Even though it is a federal offense, the desecration of these natural landmarks goes on at a frightening rate.

When you reach the center of the span, the view to your right looks down into the valley of Swift Creek, visible for the first time on this trip. You can also see a stretch of Route 715 that you cover later on the loop drive. Looking down from the other side of the arch you view a rather unexciting part of the north fork of the Red River.

After crossing Sky Bridge, the paved trail continues along the ridge top with a metal guard rail to aid you. There is an overlook at the end of the ridge which is enclosed in a wooden guard rail. At this spot you can see the cement bridge on Route 715 crossing the Red River about 400 feet below you. This bridge is the division point between the upper and lower sections of the Red River Gorge. If you look straight ahead up the river, you can see the precipitous cliffs on each side of the narrow upper Gorge. It is a magic wonderland of scenery now designated by state law as a "Wild River". To me, the Upper Gorge is as ruggedly beautiful as any area I have seen in the Eastern United States, but there are no roads or overlooks for the Upper Gorge. About the only way to see the entire Upper Gorge is by floating through with a canoe or kayak, a trip that should be considered by experienced whitewater paddlers only. Hikers can walk the first two miles along the river bank by taking the Douglas trail.

If you want to go under Sky Bridge and complete the loop walk, turn right at the guard rail and start down the trail that begins to descend the side of the ridge. Another easy 200 yard walk and 40 wooden steps lower you down to the underside of Sky Bridge. From here you can see that the underside of this arch is divided into two distinct sections. A pinnacle hanging down from the central span of the arch thins out to a column touching the ground. This forms two separate openings under the span; the smallest measures 9 feet long and 6 feet high, the larger being 73 feet long and 23 feet high.

To continue the loop walk, after passing the arch, you will soon descend ten wooden steps and pass by some small rock shelters. It is conceivable that sometime in the geologic future a few of these rock shelters might become new arches. But don't wait around watching, for a prospective new arch won't be completed till long after we are beyond speculating about such earthly matters.

Just beyond the rock shelters near the 77 wooden steps that take you back up to the ridge top there are interesting geologic formations etched in the side of the cliff wall consisting of many swirling stone lines that were created by stream action in the river deltas and shallow seas many millions of years ago. Once you have negotiated the 77 wooden steps a short blacktop walk completes the loop by returning you to within sight of the drinking fountain. When you return to the parking lot you may want to use the toilet facilities here since they are the last you will encounter on the loop drive.

To Castle Arch View

Take the Sky Bridge Road back to the junction of Route 715. Check your mileage indicator at the intersection, then turn left on Route 715 in the direction of Frenchburg. When you have gone exactly 1/2 mile from the intersection, look carefully through the top of the trees on the right side of the road and almost parallel to it for a view of Castle Arch. It is more easily seen when the leaves have fallen, but is still visible here during the spring and summer months. This is the arch that looked like a rock shelter from Swift Creek Overlook. This arch in formation measures 13 feet high and 45 feet long.

Moonshiner's Arch

In less than half a mile from the road view of Sky Bridge, you arrive at the bottom of the Gorge and cross the cement bridge over the north fork of the Red River. After you have crossed the bridge you will see a parking lot of sorts on the right side of the road. This is the area to park if you want to take the short walk to Moonshiner's Arch or the unofficial Douglas Trail.

Moonshiner's Arch has not been included because of its beauty, for it isn't really a very attractive span. I include it because of its unique geologic and historical interest. It is a limestone arch and formed in an entirely different way than the sandstone arches you have seen. It is also the only limestone arch that is close to the road and easy to get to.

It's name also is a result of an odd geologic formation. There is a round hole about 5 feet in diameter which goes from the underside of the span clear through to the top. It made a marvelous natural chimney, so before good roads were built in the lower Gorge, moonshiners placed their smoking stills under it. Although the arch has a rather large front opening, the smaller opening in the back which completes the span is only 16 feet long with a height of 9 feet.

If your decision is to see Moonshiner's Arch walk toward the river from the parking area and you will see a well used trail heading down toward the river bank. This is the beginning of the Douglas Trail. Moving upstream, the trail then parallels the river. In a very short distance the trail threads its way through an area of boulders where an underground stream surfaces from under two large rocks before it tumbles in the Red River some 30 feet away. A short distance beyond this stream, the trail takes you to within sight of Moonshiner's Arch which is off the trail to the left. It's about a five minute walk from the parking lot.

Returning to the road, you will find that just beyond the bridge and the parking lot you can see a narrow road to the left (with a gate that is often closed) that goes down to the river. The bridge is the dividing line between the upper and lower gorge and this is the take-out point for the whitewater paddlers shooting the upper gorge and the put-in for those canoeists who wish to do the easier but far less scenic lower gorge. If you would like to canoe this Class One section of the river and do not have a canoe you will see a sign on the right hand side of the road which says: RED RIVER CANOE RENTAL, and is in operation at this writing during pleasant weekends in season when the river has adequate water levels.

After returning to your vehicle, continue westward along Route 715. For the next few miles the road follows along the Red River. This area along the Lower Gorge is a pleasant and very curvy woodland drive.

About a mile beyond the cement bridge, you can see some very large boulders in the Red River. These huge rocks are the same ones Al Cornett painted in the large oil painting which hangs in Hemlock Lodge at Natural Bridge State park.

Continuing on Route 715 you will soon get glimpses of Tower Rock to the right and above you. This solitary pinnacle, standing better than 200 feet above the level of the road, was made from more weather resisting sandstone and has survived, while the ridge that once contained it has now eroded away. A trail has recently been added that circles the tower. Look for a trailhead sign at the right side of the road.

This trail was constructed to aid rock climbers in getting to the bottom of Tower Rock. The trail has a moderate to moderately steep climb with a round trip distance of a little over a mile. It will take 30 to 45 minutes walking time to complete the hike. I am told the views from atop Tower Rock are impressive but I've never seen the view. Neither will you unless you are a serious rock climber for the trail only circles the base of the rock and does not take you to the top. Rock climbers consider this an easy climb but, for people not trained and equipped for this activity, the ascent up its walls is nearly impossible. The trail itself, although easy to follow, is disappointing for it remains largely closed in and offers no panoramic views. When you reach the base of the rock the trail takes you through one interesting geological feature. It passes through a vertical joint fracture of a very large slump block.

Bell Falls

Slightly over a half mile from Tower Rock there is a sign on the right side of the road announcing Bell Falls. It is a quite short but somewhat difficult walk back to the falls because the contour of the ground is quite steep and often slippery. With water trickling over a sandstone ledge and falling about 25 feet, this is a pretty but hardly spectacular falls. Unless you have a strong waterfall addiction and your emotions are set afire by every falling rivulet, you can bypass Bell Falls and feel certain that you have not deprived yourself of one of nature's great natural wonders.

To Chimney Top View

About 3/4 of a mile beyond the falls the road crosses the bridge over Gladie Creek. The bottom of the Gorge is wider here and one can see that this bottom road curves sharply left. In a few more yards it curves sharply right. If the foliage is not too heavy, look left at this curve, across the road and field until you see a deteriorating ridge on the other side of the Gorge. In the edge of that ridge there is a profile of a human face visible in the winter months. This profile rock looks very much like a dour faced George Washington.

Approximately 1 1/2 miles further on, look for a sign for Chimney Top View on the left side of the road. From this viewpoint, you can easily see the 3 1/2 foot crack that separates this precipitous joint fractured slump block from the cliff. You can also see the guard rails where you stood earlier in the day if you made the short walk to Chimney Top. The highest level of Chimney Top is more than 500 feet above the level of the road.

To Silver Bridge And Raven's Rock

Continuing approximately a mile beyond Chimney Top View, you can look left across the flood plain of the Red River to the ridges rising on the other side. You can see the erosion caused by Chimney Top Creek, Rush Branch and others, leaving this series of ridges where many of the forest service trails are located.

Route 15 dead ends into Kentucky Route 77. Turn left on South 77 in the direction of Nada. In less than a mile a gargantuan solitary rock promontory known as Raven's Rock becomes easily visible. For years it was believed that ravens used it's pock-marked cliffs for nesting places. Birds do nest in them but they are vultures, not ravens. If you arrive here late in the afternoon, you may be able to see a small opening (lighthouse) that is called Raven's window high up on Raven's Rock.

Highway 77 then turns left and goes over the Silver Bridge. If it is late in the afternoon, go about 1/10 of a mile beyond the bridge and stop. Look right, in the general direction of Raven's Rock and you may be able to see another small lighthouse known as Goldfinch Window or Goldfinch Eye.

Over a decade ago a former automobile dealer from Mount Sterling, Kentucky envisioned turning Raven's Rock into a major tourist attraction. He spent considerable sums of money on the project, which included building a steep paved road to it's top, so people could drive up to what is probably the most spectacular overlook in the entire Gorge area. Further plans included the eventual building of a restaurant atop the rock with the view to whet the appetite of the diners. A fee was charged for driving private autos to the top. Serious problems soon arose. In September of 1976 a two day hang gliding tournament was held atop Raven's Rock with the participants sailing off the 600 foot cliff into the valley below. On the first day of the meet a young pilot from Cincinnati was killed. It was thought at that time to be just an unfortunate freak accident and the meet was allowed to continue. A second fatality occurred on the next day. Again, the victim was also from Cincinnati. Since both men were experienced hang glider pilots and had soared from Raven's Rock on several previous occasions, it was never fully determined whether the dual deaths were due to peculiar wind shifts around the rock, or to pilot error. Hang gliding has been forbidden from the rock since these accidents.

The number of automobiles making this steep and somewhat hazardous trip up and down did not produce enough revenue to keep the inclined road in repair so the whole enterprise was abandoned. Raven's Rock has since been purchased by the federal government and is now part of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Serious erosion cuts in the road have made it impassible for even four wheel drive vehicles but hiking up the abandoned road can be a pleasant experience. Even though the view is outstanding, there are several things to consider before making the ascent. The round trip of almost four miles will take at least a couple of hours with an altitude gain of 500 feet in about 1/2 mile. At this writing there is no parking area on public ground and there is no drinking water at the top. But for those in good condition and who have time for the climb the view offered from the top of Raven's Rock certainly makes the hike worthwhile.

Up To Nada Tunnel

Beyond the Raven's Rock turnoff, Route 77 begins a gradual climb out of the Gorge. About 1 3/4 miles from Silver Bridge, the Martin's Branch section of Rough Trail begins on the left. It is just beyond a little red cabin on the left side of the road.

Beyond here, the climbing on Route 77 becomes steeper. As your vehicle negotiates the rise, notice the very high cliff to the left. That is Tunnel Ridge, and you will soon be passing through it. After a series of curves you arrive at Nada Tunnel.

Built as a logging railroad tunnel in 1911, its rather scanty dimensions of a 12 foot height and 13 foot width allow only one-way traffic. Those with large campers or trailers in tow may find the squeeze a bit uncomfortable, but I've seen full sized school busses go through with no difficulty. There are no lights in the tunnel so when you peer through its 700 foot length, the opening on the other end looks suspiciously tiny. Some drivers believe that the other end of the tunnel isn't big enough to accommodate a car. It is, but headlights are necessary. A word of caution for those on bicycles. If your bike does not have a headlight, walk your bike through, for it is only too easy to collide with a wall in the darkened interior. If you are in a car, remember to turn your lights off when you have cleared the tunnel.

Nada And Beyond

A mile and a half beyond the tunnel you begin passing through the town that gave the tunnel its name. Sixty years ago Nada was a thriving community with a population of over a thousand people, the center of a profitable lumbering operation. Once the forests were cut, the town's major economic activity was at an end and no new enterprise emerged to take its place. Those people who chose to continue living in Nada have found steady employment difficult to come by. The result has meant abject poverty for many of the town's inhabitants, an all too common sight for many small communities in Appalachia.

After passing through the town you go under the Mountain Parkway and hit Route 15. If you wish to return to the Slade Interchange, turn left on Route 15 and in about two miles you will again be in Slade, completing the loop trip....

(This information was taken from the book "Kentucky's Land of the Arches -The Red River Gorge"
by Robert H. Ruchhoft, Copyright 1976 & 1986)