Grays Arch is a popular trail in Daniel Boone National Forest. And we can see why!
This mostly even and flat trail leads to a gorgeous canyon and an enormous natural stone arch you must see in person to believe its size!
Even though the first part of the trail is unremarkable, we really enjoyed the hike to Grays Arch. It was fun to scramble up to the base and enjoy the beauty that nature created over millions of years.
If you’re visiting Red River Gorge and researching hikes, add this to your list! It’s worth seeing, and you can add on some other hikes to lengthen the hike if you want.
The guide below shares everything you need to know about hiking to Grays Arch in Red River Gorge. So, let’s start planning your trip!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Grays Arch: A Popular Hiking Trail in Red River Gorge
We packed a lot of hiking into our trip to Red River Gorge in Kentucky! It’s one of the best places to hike in the eastern United States. Although the gorge is home to over 100 natural stone arches, Grays Arch was one that stood out the most!
Its impressive size of 80 feet across and 50 feet high, it has one of the largest spans in the region. But it’s hard to get a good perspective of how big it is from a photo. You have to see it in person!
The trail is about 1 mile to the arch and is mostly flat until the last 2/10 of the trail, where you encounter two sets of stairs. Once at the bottom of the steps, it’s a short walk through the canyon until you reach the steep and rocky ascent to the bottom of the arch.
Things to Know Before You Hike to Grays Arch in Red River Gorge
Dangerous Cliffs
A large portion of the trail to Grays Arch is flat and through the woods. However, as you approach the arch and at the arch itself, there are sections with steep drop-offs.
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 Grays Arch. However, remember there are several stairs and some steep sections along the route. Keep your dog hydrated with this portable water bowl.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember as you hike to Grays Arch 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 Grays Arch
You’ll find the parking lot for the Grays Arch trailhead on Tunnel Ridge Road, about one mile from the Campton Road turn-off. The road is unpaved and very bumpy, so keep that in mind when choosing which car to drive!
The parking lot is large but can fill up quickly on weekends. It’s always a good idea to arrive early, or even later in the day, to avoid crowds.
We visited on a weekday during the summer, arriving just after 9:00 AM, and there were only a few other cars in the lot.
Amenities at Grays Arch
At the trailhead for Grays Arch, there is a large picnic area with two vault toilets and several picnic tables.
Hike to Grays Arch in Red River Gorge
| Trail Location: | Grays Arch Picnic Area via Tunnel Ridge Road in Daniel Boone National Forest (Trail #205) |
| Trail Length: | 2.3 miles total |
| Trail Difficulty: | Mostly easy, then moderate due to stairs and steep incline closer to the arch |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 300 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Extend your hike: The Grays Arch trail is about 2 miles, out and back. However, you can also combine it with the Rough Trail and Rush Ridge Trail to make a longer, 4-mile loop.
Trailhead for Grays Arch
The trailhead for Grays Arch is at the Grays Arch Picnic Area, not far from the parking lot. You’ll also find picnic tables and vault toilets nearby.
What to Expect on the Trail to Grays Arch
The trail to Grays Arch is flat and easy for most of the trail. Some hikers might consider it boring, as there are no views or anything of note along the trail. You’re walking through the forest.
At about 1/4 mile into the hike, you’ll come across a signed fork in the trail. Here, you’ll head right on what is considered the Rough Trail.
As you get closer to the arch, the trail starts to descend moderately at first. Then, you’ll encounter two sets of staircases leading down to the bottom of the canyon. This is where it starts to get interesting!
At Grays Arch
Once you’ve reached the bottom of the stairs, you’ll want to head towards your right.
As you walk down the trail, you might see a waterfall on your right (depending on previous rainfall and time of year). However, you’ll definitely see Grays Arch up towards your left.
It’s unbelievable how small you’ll feel with the rock walls surrounding you. This area makes the Grays Arch hike one of the best trails in the Red River Gorge.
Follow the trail around towards the left. At that point, you can scramble up the rocky, sandy path to the arch’s base. Be careful when walking around below the arch, as there are some steep drop-offs.
Returning to the Parking Lot
After exploring the arch, you’ll backtrack on the trail to the parking lot. This will feel much harder than the hike-in due to the stairs and the slight ascent. But, eventually, the trail levels out, and the last half will feel manageable again.
Other Hikes Near Grays Arch
Rough Trail/Rush Ridge Trail Loop
You can turn your hike to Grays Arch into an almost 4-mile loop by continuing on the Rough Trail and Rush Ridge Trail. At the bottom of the staircases, head towards your right to join the Rough Trail, which eventually turns into the Rush Ridge Trail.
Rough Trail starts with a slight descent but then leads to a 400-foot steep ascent that some might find difficult. Rush Ridge trail is relatively flat and easy to hike.
D. Boon Hut Trail/Rough Trail Loop
Another option to lengthen your hike to Grays Arch is the Rough Trail to the D. Boon Hut Trail (or vice versa if you want to start your hike this way).
The D. Boon Hut trailhead is on the opposite side of the parking area from the Grays Arch trailhead. If you choose to start with this Trail, you’ll follow the D. Boon Hut trail for about a mile and then connect to the Rough Trail. There, you’ll head right until the next intersection, where you’ll make a left to take you to Gray’s Arch.
The D. Boon Hut/Rough trail loop has a lot of ascents and descents, some rock scrambles, and a set of stairs. But you’ll also enjoy some fantastic rock formations, including a large rock shelter.
FAQs About Hiking the Grays Arch Trail
What Is the Best Time of Year to Hike Grays Arch?
The Grays Arch trail is beautiful any time of year! However, you may want to avoid the trail right after a snowstorm due to the stairs. They could have ice or be slippery.
Are Dogs Allowed on the Grays Arch Trail?
Yes! Dogs are allowed on all the trails in Daniel Boone National Forest, including the Grays Arch Trail. Although, smaller dogs may have difficulty navigating the stairs on the trail.
Other Things to Do Near the Grays Arch Trail
There are so many things to do in the Red River Gorge!
As one of the best hiking in the eastern United States for families, you have so many incredible trails to choose from. In addition to Grays Arch, we loved the hike to Rock Bridge and Creation Falls.
And, of course, there are so many wonderful trails in Natural Bridge State Resort Park, which is a short drive from Grays Arch.
If you’re not in the mood for hiking, consider kayaking through an abandoned mine at Gorge Underground. Or take the Sky Lift to the top of Natural Bridge.
Related Content
Pin It For Later
