Natural Arches of Copperas Creek

The hiking team headed out for another epic day exploring Red River Gorge in Daniel Boone National Forest, Eastern Kentucky. The forest service allows hikers to go off trail and explore. We walked unofficial trails along Copperas Creek before veering off in thick patches of Rhododendron and cliff walls. First we stopped at Hopewell Arch, an arch nearly invisible through the trees, until you stand inside rock cave home. With a little climbing and hard work, we also located Snow Arch and Double Deer Arch.

Snow Arch

Double Deer Arch

Hopewell Arch

Hopewell Arch

Sometimes we found faint trails as we followed the GPS. Other times we were walking through rough forest and searching for a place with enough rocks to cross Copperas Creek without getting our feet wet. Temperatures were in the forties and we had a lot of mileage to cover, so there was no time for hypothermia. We took a break at Sand Arch and enjoyed the feeling of the sun on our faces after marching through the cold, shady valley. Every turn was a new treasure of rock formations and natural beauty.

Sandy Arch, which also has a waterfall not visible here

Window at Sandy Arch

Beautiful pattern left behind as the sand stone erodes

View from a rock cave along a cliff line

Copperas Arch

Our team leader took us to eight natural arches/windows and several waterfalls, most very isolated. Some unnamed. We were also lucky enough to spot a young coyote and, later, two deer. Neither of which I had ever seen at RRG, although I've often seen their tracks. Great day in the field! Perhaps the best discovery day I've spent in the Gorge.

On our way out, we spent a few minutes taking in Eagle's Nest overlook and passed Moonshiner's Arch, near Osborne Bend trail along the Red River.

Eagle Point Buttress

Moonshiner's Arch