Rock Bridge Trail (Red River Gorge) Hiking Guide
Rock Bridge is the one arch in the Red River Gorge that actually spans water, crossing Swift Camp Creek a short walk from a waterfall called Creation Falls. The loop starts at the end of a gravel Forest Service road and follows the creek for much of the way. It is short, but there is real up and down.
Distance and Terrain
AllTrails maps Rock Bridge Trail #207 as a 1.4-mile loop with 308 feet of climbing, rated moderate. The agency's trail table rounds it to 1.5 miles. AllTrails also lists a 1.5-mile out-and-back variant to Creation Falls with 262 feet of gain for anyone who wants to skip part of the loop. Expect damp rock where the path runs beside the creek.
Creation Falls and the Arch
The Forest Service describes the loop as passing Creation Falls and Rock Bridge Arch, and notes that Rock Bridge is the only arch in the gorge that extends over water, bridging Swift Camp Creek. How much water is going over Creation Falls depends on recent rain. Stay off slick rock near the water and don't try to climb on the arch.
The Drive In
The Forest Service directions: 7 miles east of Slade on KY 15, left onto KY 715 for just 0.3 mile, then right onto Rock Bridge Road (Forest Road 24) and follow it 3 miles to its end. AllTrails describes that road as gravel. The recreation area has designated parking, a vault toilet, a picnic table and visitor information but no drinking water, and the Forest Service lists it as open year-round, 24 hours a day. Rock Bridge Road has been among the routes gated during winter to save the gravel surface (one past season's closure covered December and January), so for a cold-month trip check alerts or phone the Cumberland Ranger District at 606-784-6428.
Going Farther into Clifty Wilderness
Past the arch, Swift Camp Creek Trail #219 continues deep into Clifty Wilderness, a 12,371-acre area set aside by Congress in 1985; the Forest Service lists that trail at 7 miles. Inside the wilderness there are few, if any, signs, mechanized equipment is prohibited, and groups of more than ten people are not allowed. Carry a map and plan to be self-sufficient if you go beyond the loop.
Dogs and Safety
Dogs are allowed. Leash them in the parking and picnic area, where federal rules for developed sites require six feet or less, and keep them out of the creek near the falls when water is high. The Forest Service reminds visitors that cell phone service may not be available in parts of the gorge; call 911 in an emergency if you can get a signal.
Hiking tips for Rock Bridge Trail (Red River Gorge)
- Bring water; the trailhead has none.
- Check road status in winter before driving the gravel road.
- Flow at Creation Falls depends on recent rain, so time a visit after a wet spell.
- Watch your footing on wet rock beside Swift Camp Creek.
- Carry a map if you continue onto Swift Camp Creek Trail.
Nearby trails to explore
- Sky Bridge Trail (Red River Gorge)
- Chimney Top Rock Trail (Red River Gorge)
- Whittleton Arch Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Rock Bridge and Creation Falls make a relaxed half-day, and the gravel road is easier to share in one car. Use TrailMates to find Red River Gorge hikers, sort out a carpool in the event group chat, and head out together. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.