Hiking to Gray’s Arch with kids: the out and back and loop trail options.
Gray's Arch has the longest span of any arch in the Gorge at 79 feet.
Why this is one of my favorite hikes in the RRG:
With a span of 79 feet, Gray’s Arch is the largest arch in the RRG Geologic Area. It is actually 1 foot longer than the Natural Bridge arch but doesn’t get as much credit. I love this hike for several reasons. First of all, I love how Gray’s arch is tucked into the forest and hidden until you are right beside it. Secondly, the rock amphitheater that you pass as you approach the arch is just as cool as the arch itself. Finally, the trail is long enough to feel like you got some exercise, but not as hard as the trails to the Natural Bridge. If you want to do the shortest possible hike, you can hike to Gray’s Arch as an out and back trail. I prefer to combine the Gray’s Arch trail with the Rough trail and Rush Ridge trail to make a loop. The loop trail offers a glimpse of multiple different ecosystems in the gorge, with a great arch, unique rock formations, a lovely creek bed, and ridge line views.
Sweeping views of the Gorge from the Rush Ridge Trail.
Length:
Grays arch-rough trail-rush ridge loop=3.3 miles
Grays Arch out and back=2.2 miles
Difficulty:
Easy.
Elevation change:
400 feet down and then up for the loop trail.
300 feet down and then up for the out and back to Gray’s Arch.
Payout: 9/10.
With the biggest arch, impressive rock formations, a beautiful creek, and ridge line views, this loop trail offers a lot. The only thing this trail is lacking is spectacular sweeping views. Some of the views from Rush Ridge are decent, but not Auxier Ridge/Natural Bridge/Chimney rock spectacular.
Best time to hike to Grays Arch:
The out and back to Gray’s Arch is good for all four seasons. It’s nice and shady for the summer and not too prone to getting muddy. The loop trail, however, is not ideal for summer hiking as the Rush ridge section can get a bit hot on steamy days. On the flip side, the ridge is relatively warm in the winter. There are three creek crossings on the loop trail which could pose a problem after heavy rains. Otherwise, both trails are great for spring, fall, and winter.
In the winter Gray'‘s Arch is visible through the tree. Notice how much green there is even during winter months.
Dangers:
There are a few steep drops alongside the trail on Rush Ridge, however, you would have to go off trail to encounter them. The trail itself is safe and wooded. At least one person has died falling from the top of Gray’s arch and I do not recommend climbing to the top. The trail to the top is blocked off and you would have to go out of your way to find it.
The trail to the top of Grays Arch is closed as there have been fatal falls in the the past.
Trailhead:
Park at the Gray’s Arch parking lot on Tunnel Ridge Road. The parking loft fills up quickly. There is additional parking up the road at the Pinch ‘em tight trailhead. There are pit toilets and picnic tables at the trailhead. If you don’t have a map, you can snap a picture at the trailhead.
Trailhead map showing the out and back and loop options for visiting Gray's Arch.
Following the trail:
The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Just follow signs to Gray’s Arch. You will see a sign at the trailhead near the parking lot. At the first intersection with Rough Trail, you will take the right towards Gray’s Arch. Avoid small unmarked trails that wander from the main trail.
The stairs leading down toward the base of Gray's Arch
You will eventually reach two sets of stairs. At the bottom of the second set of stairs, turn right towards Gray’s Arch (the Rough trail takes a sharp left here). Follow the trail past the large rock ampitheater and you will arrive at Gray’s Arch. There is a short scramble to get directly below the arch.
For the out and back trail, go back the way you came, turning left to go up the stairs, and then taking a left when you get back to the Gray’s Arch Trail/Rough trail intersection.
To complete the loop, turn right at the stairs instead and follow the Rough Trail down to King’s Branch. You will cross King’s Branch three times before you start ascending up out of the valley to the Rush Ridge Trail. You will climb two sets of stairs on your way out. At the top of the climb, you will reach Rush Ridge Trail. Turn right onto Rush Ridge trail. After 1 mile on Rush Ridge, you will intersect with Pinch ‘em Tight trail for a short segment. Once again, take a right on Pinch ‘em Tight to get back to Tunnel Ridge Road. You will then take a right on Tunnel Ridge Road to walk 0.1 miles back to the Gray’s Arch trail head.
Tips for hiking Gray’s Arch:
This is a very popular hike. Do it early in the morning, in the late afternoon, on a weekday, or in the winter to avoid crowds. As always, I love a late afternoon hike and hitting the ridge section at sunset.
Add the loop if you can. The Rough trail and Rush Ridge Sections are much less crowded and offer different features than the out and back trail.
Plan to hang out under the arch or at King’s Branch for a nice break.
Don’t let your kids go off trail on the Rush Ridge Section due to steep cliffs.
Wear water proof footwear for the creek crossings. Don’t do what I did and bring your kids last-season shoes on accident. The first time we did this hike, we realized half way through that Bailey’s shoes were too small. She legitimately hiked the last 2 miles in socks.
Avoid doing the loop on hot days because the ridge section gets steamy.
Look for wintergreen berries on the Rush Ridge Trail. This is the biggest concentration we have seen in the Gorge.
Wintergreen berries stand out all winter long, and are easy to be sure of due to the strong smell of wintergreen when you tear the leaves. Rush Ridge Trail. Red River Gorge, KY
Final Thoughts:
Gray’s Arch is the perfect trail to hike with kids. It is an impressive arch and the trail isn’t too hard. If you add the loop, you will get to see the cool, clear King’s Branch and a nice ridge line trail. It is also a relatively safe trail as long as you stay on trail. Share your experience on the Gray’s Arch trail in the comments below.
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