Hidden Trails of Red River Gorge: Red Byrd Arch

A strenuous and challenging hike (~3.2 miles) along unmarked trails in an isolated area in the eastern section of the park. Hiking to the river and exploring as depicted will add 1 miles to this total.

This trail, which was already hard to navigate, has been damaged by heavy storms in 2016 and 2017, and you may spend hours climbing over downed trees. Finding the arch would pose a serious challenge for someone unfamiliar with the area. We strongly urge those who attempt the hike to bring a GPS and coordinates, compass, and be prepared to hobble over lots of deadfall.

To reach the trailhead:
From rest area at exit #33 off of the Mountain State Parkway Turn left, and return to the Mountain State Park – West (10.0 miles)
Take Exit 43 for KY-15 toward Campton. (0.8miles)
Turn left onto KY-191 East- at Shell Station. (1.5 miles)
Turn left onto KY-746 (1.9 miles)
Turn left onto Calaboose Ridge Road. (3.4 miles) After 2.0 miles you will pass a church on your right and about 0.75 miles later the road becomes a dirt road. At 3.4 miles you can park at a traffic circle. The road continues off to your right. The trail is 0.1 miles to your left up the unmarked road. Depending on the type of vehicle you are using, you may drive another 0.1 miles or leave your car here and start here.
Turn left onto the unmarked road and go to the gate on your right side that says foot travel welcome. (0.1 miles)

GPS Coordinates of start of hike to Red Byrd Arch
37, 47′ 45.0 N
83, 33′ 30.3 W

GPS Coordinates of approximate point where logging road meets forest service road.
37, 48′ 3.3 N
83, 33′ 31.0 W

GPS Coordinates of waypoint campsite in route.
37, 48′ 47.2 N
83, 33′ 10.2 W

GPS Coordinates of point on ridge above Red Byrd Arch.
37, 48′ 55.4 N
83, 33′ 3.2 W

GPS Coordinates of Red Byrd Arch
37, 48′ 54.4 N
83, 33′ 1.6 W

Note: This video depicts only a tiny fraction of the vast wilderness around the Red River. Plan ahead to avoid dehydration, exhaustion, inclement weather, and dangerous falls. Getting lost will obviously exacerbate all the above risks.

Special thanks to Kai Rosenkranz for his musical inspiration:

Video Filmed on 06/03/17 at Red River Gorge.

[supernaut]

Found Red Byrd this week via Douglas Trail. Thanks for the video and I hope there's more in the future! Thatd be bad ass man!

[freetickeys]

It hasn't gotten any easier. The 🎀s are gone now. The reroutes around the debris fields are more pronounced and most can be followed. My advice is have a GPS with a preloaded map. You will get off course and need it. It's a nice arch and worth the effort.

[randallflagg]

Really appreciate you guys!! Red River Gorge fanatic here

[stormiekriete]

always watch your guys videos before we head to the gorge . bad ass!!!

[SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Now that's a true hidden trail with a cool payoff. Thanks for sharing!

[markcaudill]

That's bad ass man, great video and thanks for sharing.

[reaganl.]

There used to be a way to Red Bird Arch from Castle Arch. With all the blow down it is probably not possible now. Definitely a hike to do in the cooler months since there isn't much water to be had along the way.

[RHODOAN]

Never gone to Red Byrd that way. Always went up the Red River. It's a real ass-buster going up the river on the Douglas Trail then across the river after crossing Clifty Creek, then over all those boulders. Really beautiful and difficult. No trails, no gps, only topo maps and sweat. And then the final upclimb to find the arch. Have to know where to climb.

[ktrigg]

The best part is they are hidden, but won't be with all these how to guides on Youtube.

[everydaycitizen]

This is great. My husband's career causes us to move from state to state, and, every time, I have to start all over with hunting for good spots that you only find out about when you've lived in a place for a certain amount of time if you know what I mean. Im mostly on my own for up to 2 months at a time, and it's hard to find hiking buddies when you move around as much as we do. I love hiking and being outdoors, but my circumstances usually require me to venture out alone. Will be moving to the vicinity of Bowling Green shortly, and was wondering if there are any places that you could suggest ladies like myself could explore safely/independently? I do have a CCW permit, so not totally helpless.

[All_Things_Out_Doors]

I have not run into a copperhead yet but heard they are plentiful. run into any in the makings of these videos yet?

[benjaminotto]

Bad ass, man. Let me know how I can bring some Cincinnati flavor to one of your hikes. #whodey #badassman