The best hike for kids in the Red River Gorge: Rock Bridge and Creation Falls

Wendi and Gus on top of Rock Bridge in March 2020. Red River Gorge, KY

Rockbridge and Creation Falls

If you are hiking with small children, the Rock Bridge/Creation Falls loop trail is the ideal introductory hike in the Gorge.  It has a unique arch (the only arch in the gorge that spans a body of water) and is long enough to feel like you are really in nature, but is still nice and easy.  It follows Swift Camp Creek for most of the trail, providing ample opportunities for young ones to play in the water, look for crawdads, and skip some rocks.  It is a great trail for all four seasons and is one of the only enjoyable hikes in the gorge when it is hot outside.  We like to hike this one in our bathing suits and take a dip in the pool below Creation falls on hot summer days.  The creek is always nice and refreshing.  It also has a complete absence of scary heights and dangerous cliffs that might increase your anxiety when hiking with little ones who aren’t in a backpack.

The map for Rock Bridge and Creation Falls. Red River Gorge, KY

Length:

1.25 mile loop

Difficulty:

Easy (the USFS website rates it as moderate, but I don’t agree. It isn’t handicap accessible, but it is a very easy trail) 

Steps cut into the Rock Bridge trail to help with the descent..

Elevation change:

308 ft

Payout:

7/10.  There are no amazing views on this trail that the RRG is known for, but the bridge and peaceful creek earn it some points.

Dangers:

Very few.  Of course, kids should always be supervised around water, but there are no steep drops or dangerous stream crossings on this trail.

Best time to hike the trail:

Anytime!  It can get crowded on weekends as it is a popular trail for beginners, but is good for all seasons.

Dogs:

Dogs allowed on leash.

Trailhead:

The trail begins at the Rock Bridge picnic area in the Rock Bridge Recreation area accessed by Rock bridge Road.  Since the trail is a loop, you can start on either side and both ends of the loop lead to the parking lot.  I generally prefer to start on the south side of the parking lot and take our time along the first part of the trail along the creek.  

Following the trail:

People get lost and need to be rescued on this trail all the time.  According to the Wolfe County Rescue team, one of the most common calls they get in the gorge is someone lost on this trail.  While the trail is clearly marked, some people accidentally miss the left hand turn to follow the loop back to the parking lot and accidentally continue down the more difficult and longer Swift Camp Creek Trail instead.  Don’t do that. If you are not sure which way to go, turn around after seeing the arch and head back the way you came.  You will not miss much on the northern side of the loop.  

From the parking lot, follow the partially paved path toward Rock Bridge Arch on the south side of the parking lot.  There are no major trail intersections until you pass the Rock Bridge and intersect the Swift Camp Creek Trail.  Several smaller common use trails branch of the main trial towards camping spots or points of interest.  Just stick to the well worn main trail and follow the creek all the way to Rock Bridge Arch. 

Creation Falls overlook on the the Rock Bridge Trail. March 2020

Along the way, you will pass Creation Falls to your right just before the Rock Bridge Fork meets up with Swift Camp Creek.  To see it well, you can take the small trail off to the right.  There is an overlook first and then a second trail just past this to get to the swimming hole and base of the falls.  

Creation Falls is a great place to cool off during the hot summers. August 2023

After Creation Falls, continue along the main trail to Rock Bridge Arch just a few minutes further down the stream.  The arch is a nice place to stop for a snack and to play.  After you have had your fill of the arch, continue on the path that passes the arch and follows the creek.  Several common use trails intersection the main trail just past the arch.  Follow the well worn path that curves to the right and follows the creek.  

Gus and Isaac fishing for creek chubs under Rock Bridge. August 2023

About 0.1 miles past the arch, you will come to the intersection with the Swift Camp Creek Trail.  Here you are going to take a hard left up the hill and away from the creek, following signs towards the “picnic area”.  It is only about 0.5 miles back to the picnic area from here.  Do not follow the sign that says “Swift Camp Creek Trail no 219”!

Final thoughts:

I love doing this trail anytime of year.  It can take as little as 30 minutes or as long as a whole day.  The evergreen rhododendrons make it seem lush even in the dead of winter and it is cool and refreshing in the summer.  The saprophytic plants on the trees near the arch always amaze me and, if you are feeling adventurous, you can climb on top and across the arch as well.  We have even had some success catching small creek chubs in the creek and always love swimming at Creation Falls.  You won’t regret hiking this pleasant path in the woods.  Share your experiences with the Rock Bridge Trail in the comments below.

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