This scenic overlook towers 400 feet above the Red River. As you look out over the ridges and valleys of the gorge, it’s easy to mistake them for mountains. These cliffs were created not by uplift, but by the slow and steady carving of the Red River. The Red River Gorge is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains on an area called the Cumberland Plateau. A plateau is a flat, elevated landform that rises sharply above the surrounding area. The Cumberland Plateau was formed when, over millions of years, vast amounts of sand and sediment were deposited here by ancient rivers flowing from the Appalachian Mountains. Over time, this sand and sediment were formed into stone. As the Red River and its tributaries carved into the thick layer of sandstone, valleys deepened and soaring cliffs were formed .

From the Chimney Rock Trailhead follow Trail #233 Princess Arch Trail to Princess Arch- you will be on top of Princess arch (0.3 miles.) This hike has a small loop at the end that if you follow the white diamonds will take you over the arch, then under the arch, and en route past a beautiful vista. Return to Parking are on Trail #233 Princess Arch Trail (0.3 miles) .

This is an unmarked trail, not registered on any official map of Red River Gorge Geological Area. This hike includes scrambling over exposed cliffs and rock ledges that have resulted in deaths and injuries. Do not venture out alone. Use common sense and do not attempt anything that would put yourself or others at risk. This is NOT meant to be an instructional article, but a recollection of my own journey. Do your own research before going out and attempting this hike! .

This hike begins from the Copperas Creek parking area just west of the Osborne Bend lot. Take either of the pathways and begin moving uphill until reaching a false top with a truly gigantic boulder to the left of the trail. Just beyond this is a drainage that you’ll descend to reach the creek bed. Across the creek, find a small boulder with a well trod trail to the right that moves uphill behind it. Continue on this path until reaching an old roadbed and turn left (south). The trail ahead will appear to be blocked, but there is a path beyond the vegetation. Cross the small drainage and travel a short distance to find some branches that have been placed to obstruct the trail. This is your marker to make a sharp right to continue your climb. The trail here is well traveled and firm underfoot. If it feels soft, you’re off the trail and should turnaround to regain the firm trail. Move uphill to find a cracked rock. Move left around the rock and follow the trail around it before seeing a log leaning against the cliff face. Make your way to the cliff face and follow it around until you reach some rocks that you’ll need to climb to reach the arch. There is an option just before reaching the plateau underneath the arch to go around, but be careful here to not hit your head and lose your balance. Alternatively, you can lift yourself up on some rocks to reach the plateau .

Auxier Ridge Trail #204 is part of the Auxier Ridge Trail system which includes Courthouse Rock Trail #202, Auxier Branch Trail #203, and Double Arch Trail #201. After completing Auxier Ridge Trail #204, you can backtrack or take the moderately difficult 2.25-mile Courthouse Rock Trail #202 to return to the parking lot. ​This loop will take you down below the ridgeline along an old logging road to a large rock formation resembling a courthouse.The area is scenic and rich with diverse native flora. Alternatively, you can follow the popular 5-mile (8 km) loop that combines Auxier Ridge Trail #204 with Auxier Branch Trail #203 back to the parking lot. This loop has ridgetop views combined with a descent to Auxier Branch where wildflowers and ferns line the trail among tall poplars and beech trees. Add some breathtaking views by following the 0.5-mile spur Double Arch Trail #201 out to Double Arch. .

Double Arch Trail is a dead end, but despite that many people do the out-and-back hike to the beautiful arch in combination with an Auxier Ridge Trail #204 to Tunnel Ridge Road hike. You drop fast to the base of the massive cliff line and then hike along beneath tower sandstone walls for most of the trail, passing under Double Arch before circling around the north end of the ridge and climbing up to come out right at the unique rock formation that this trail is named for. The views of Auxier Ridge from the arch are amazing, and worth the trip out to Double Arch. Just make sure you save something for the climb out. Climbing up the stairs at the beginning is very difficult if you are tired or out of shape .