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Hike the Auxier Ridge Trail, KY

Stanton, Kentucky

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

4 miles

Elevation Gain

1300 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Colin Stouffer

A short hike to a ridge with both eastern and western views provides a front-row seat for stunning sunrises and sunsets.

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 is west, to your right is east.  All of these are great campsites and will provide spectacular views.  If you are not camping, continue a few hundred yards past these campsites until you come to a narrow exposed part of the ridge with sparse trees (just before you come to the staircase leading down towards Courthouse Rock).  There are few obstructions here to block the view and it is the is a perfect place to capture a golden sunset or sunrise.  There are great views of Double Arch to the west and all around you are the other sandstone formations for which the Red River Gorge is famous.  Get your camera ready, and enjoy the show.   

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Features

Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Scenic

Hike the Auxier Ridge Trail, KY Reviews

Auxier ridge is the best spot in the gorge for views. Moderate hike leads you to beautiful sunrise and sunset views of the red river gorge. We do an overnight backpacking trip every year to auxier ridge.

Leave No Trace

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

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