Kentucky’s Red River Gorge area is home to more than 100 natural stone arches! And many of them are easy to hike to, including Sky Bridge Arch.
The Sky Bridge trail is a short and sweet hike that leads to the bottom and top of Sky Bridge Arch. It’s a popular trail in Red River Gorge, and for good reason. The trail is easy enough for families with young children or those new to hiking but still packs a punch with views of the area.
We loved the hike to Sky Bridge. It was the perfect introduction to the beauty of the stone arches in the Red River Gorge. And we think you’ll love it too!
The guide below shares everything you need to know before you hike to Sky Bridge in Red River Gorge. So, let’s get going!
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Sky Bridge Arch: A Fun and Short Hike in Red River Gorge
The Sky Bridge Arch is one of the more well-known arches in Daniel Boone National Forest due to its size and ease of getting to. The loop trail is about 3/4-mile, but you can also walk on top of the arch easily on the flat path, not more than 500 feet. It’s one of the easiest hiking trails in Red River Gorge.
Sky Bridge Arch is 75 feet long and 23 feet high, so it’s not the largest arch in Red River Gorge, but it still impresses. It’s a fun and short trail and a great introduction to the area. Put this hike on your list when you visit Red River Gorge.
Things to Know Before You Hike to Sky Bridge Arch in Red River Gorge
Dangerous Cliffs
The top of Sky Bridge is open with no railings. Keep kids and dogs close to you at all times.
Limited Cell Service
Cell service can be spotty in Daniel Boone National Forest and the Red River Gorge area as a whole. It’s best practice to download a map before you start your hike.
Wildlife
Red River Gorge is home to many species of wildlife, including the occasional black bear and poisonous snakes. Always be aware of your surroundings and watch out for the wildlife.
Pets
Pets are allowed on the trails in Daniel Boone National Forest, including the trail to Sky Bridge. However, remember there are several stairs along the route. Keep your dog hydrated with this portable water bowl.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this park, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Parking for the Hike to Sky Bridge in Daniel Boone National Forest
To get to Sky Bridge Arch, follow KY 715/ Sky Bridge Road until you reach the road leading to Sky Bridge.
There is a large parking area at the end of the road that can easily hold 20 or more cars. This is a popular trail, so it might be crowded on weekends. We visited in the middle of the week in July and practically had the trail to ourselves.
Amenities at Sky Bridge
There is a vault toilet restroom at Sky Bridge Arch. There is no running water.
Hiking to Sky Bridge in Kentucky
| Trail Location: | Sky Bridge Road in Daniel Boone National Forest (Trail #214) |
| Trail Length: | .75 miles |
| Trail Difficulty: | Easy side of moderate |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 150 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Trailhead for Sky Bridge
We recommend completing the trail counter-clockwise, taking the stairs to the bottom of the arch first. There are about 75 steps, and it’s more fun to walk down them than save them for the end of the hike. Plus, this way, you’ll end your hike with views of the Red River Gorge from the top of the Sky Bridge.
Visitor Tip: For an easy walk to the top of Sky Bridge, take the paved path. It’s about 500 feet to the top of the arch, and mostly flat.
What To Expect On the Hike to Sky Bridge Arch
Take the stairs down to the bottom of Sky Bridge. You’ll see the beginning of the arch formation as soon as you reach the bottom.
Follow the trail a few hundred feet, if that, to the bottom of the arch. This was the first arch hike we did in Red River Gorge, so we were impressed by its size. Of course, we hadn’t done Grays Arch yet!
The bottom of the arch is a perfect spot to cool off in the shade (if you’re visiting in July like we did) and grab a few photos.
Once you’re done below the arch, continue to follow the trail. You’ll be tempted to go up some unmarked trails that were made by impatient hikers who wanted to get to the top of the arch.
But do yourself a favor and follow the trail to the end. There, you’ll have a beautiful overlook before you head up the stone steps to the top of the Sky Bridge.
On Top of Sky Bridge Arch
The trail continues along the top of the arch. From there, you have gorgeous vistas of the surrounding forest and can see the gorge formed by the Red River.
It’s mostly flat on top of the arch, and the trail connects to a paved path, so it’s an easy walk back to the parking lot.
Get a View of Sky Bridge
If you want to see Sky Bridge Arch from a distance, hop back in your car and follow the road a short distance. You’ll make a left onto Forest Road 245 A. There is limited parking along the loop.
From the loop, there is a short trail that leads to an overlook of Sky Bridge Arch. During the summer, it was almost impossible to see the arch, with the trees and brush in the way. But I can imagine November – March, you should be able to see it clearly.
The path to the overlook isn’t paved, but it’s not difficult. We didn’t measure the length, but it can’t be more than 500 feet.
Other Hikes Near Sky Bridge Arch
Whistling Arch
About a mile down the road from the Sky Bridge parking area, you’ll find the parking area for Whistling Arch. We did this short and easy trail after completing Sky Bridge Arch. It’s about a half-mile, out and back, and leads to one of the smallest arches in Red River Gorge. You can continue on the trail a hundred feet to a pretty overlook.
Angel Windows
The trailhead to Angel Windows is about two miles from Sky Bridge Arch on Sky Bridge Road/ KY 715. I’m not sure how I missed this trail, but somehow I did, and I’m a little bummed about that. However, like the Whistling Arch trail, it’s a short and sweet, half-mile out-and-back trail. But this easy trail leads to two arches instead of one!
A Common Question About Sky Bridge Arch in Red River Gorge
Is Sky Bridge and Natural Bridge the same?
Sky Bridge and Natural Bridge are two natural stone arches in Red River Gorge. Sky Bridge is within the Daniel Boone National Forest, and Natural Bridge is in Natural Bridge State Resort Park. They are about a 25-minute drive from each other.
Sky Bridge Trail Wrap-Up
We loved the hike to Sky Bridge Arch! It was our first stop in Red River Gorge, and it was the perfect way to introduce us to the gorgeous stone arches in the area. Although it’s short, it still is worth visiting.
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