Hike to Blackburn Rock

Frenchburg, Kentucky

Save

View all 4 photos

All 4 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

4 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Lee Sharp

Relatively short hike (4 miles) with a rewarding viewGreat place to look at fall foliageUnofficial trail, so not over-crowded

Blackburn Rock is probably one of the least known, but best views in the Red River Gorge. It offers fantastic views from nearly every angle, and is easy to get to, despite being on an unofficial trail.

To get to the start of the hike, from 713, turn right onto County Road 1206, after about .3 miles, turn left onto Hatton Ridge Road. Follow that for around 2 miles and park at the cemetery.

After parking, continue down the gravel for about 1.5 miles. You'll come on a clearing on the right. Go in the clearing and head towards the back right corner, and follow that trail. After about a half mile, you'll dead end on Blackburn Rock.

The hike is short and easy, with a great reward at the end.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Hiking

Forest

Scenic

Hike to Blackburn Rock Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Courthouse Rock and Double Arch

Start at the trailhead located just past the Gray's Arch picnic area. Follow Auxier Ridge Trail #204 (white diamonds). You will pass a trail junction at 0.9 miles, but continue on Auxier Ridge. At the following fork in the trail keep right.Along the trail, you will catch views from the ridge of Raven's Rock, Double Arch, Courthouse Rock, and the surrounding valley. Be careful of the steep cliff...

Hike the Auxier Ridge Trail, KY

This can be done as a quick hike, or as an overnighter so you can catch both sunset and sunrise. Park at the Auxier Ridge Trailhead and take the Auxier Ridge Trail (#204). Do NOT take the branch on the left for the Courthouse Rock Trail (#202), which you will see after about 1 mile. In about 2 miles you will be on a wooded ridge dotted with campsites on each side of the trail. To your left ...

Hike to Gray's Arch

Hike the Indian Staircase Loop and Cloudsplitter

Starting at the Bison Way Trailhead #210. You'll take this until you come to the intersection of the Sheltowee Trace Trail #100. Go left. You're going to turn right on the unmarked trail just past the sign that says stay on trail. This is quite the incline. Keeping going until you get to the base of Indian Staircase. Make sure to use extreme caution in climbing this! You'll be able to see the e...

Camp at Miguel's Pizza

The Red River Gorge is known for the best rock climbing in the east. A man named Miguel opened a pizzeria in the gorge, and soon began letting climbers camp behind the restaurant for a mere $2/night. Today, the tradition has continued, and dozens of climbers call Miguel's Pizza their climbing home.Campers have the choice between sleeping in their car, a tent, or a hammock behind the restaurant....

Hike Sky Bridge Loop

The trailhead parking lot is located just off of KY 715. If coming from the North you will cross the Red River at Osborne Bend and continue up the steep hill until the very top. The parking lot access road is in a hairpin curve at the top of the hill. It is marked very well with signs so it is very easy to find! This trail makes for an excellent rainy day hike due to the fact that it is higher ...