⛰️🐾 Hiking Double Arch + Auxier Ridge Loop with Simba the Adventure Pup! Red River Gorge, KY 🌄🥾

Hey trail fam! Ash here — and this week’s hike was a true Kentucky classic! Simba the Adventure Pup and I tackled one of the most iconic loops in Red River Gorge: the Double Arch, Courthouse Rock, and Auxier Ridge Loop! 🐶🌿

This trail is an absolute showstopper. With sandstone arches, dramatic cliffside views, and ridgeline paths that make you feel on top of the world, it’s everything we love about hiking in Daniel Boone National Forest — and yes, it’s totally dog-friendly too. 🐕💪

📍 Trail Overview

Location: Red River Gorge – Stanton, KY
Trail Route: Double Arch + Courthouse Rock + Auxier Ridge Loop
Distance: ~5.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (rocky terrain, elevation, ridge exposure)
Dog-Friendly: Yes! Simba crushed it 🐾
Trail Type: Loop with spur trails
Highlights: Natural sandstone arches, Courthouse Rock, sweeping ridge views, forest paths

🥾 Trail Breakdown

We started the hike from the Auxier Ridge Trailhead, where the parking is limited but close to the trail entry. Early arrival = key for this popular route! ⏰

🌲 Part 1: Auxier Ridge

The ridge walk is an instant favorite. It’s one of the most scenic trails in Kentucky, with panoramic views in every direction, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and breezes that made Simba’s ears fly. 😍🌬️

You’ll feel like you're walking the edge of the world — but it’s a wide trail with just enough challenge to make it interesting without being sketchy.

🪨 Part 2: Courthouse Rock

We took the spur trail to Courthouse Rock, one of the most photographed formations in the gorge. You can view it from a nearby overlook or scramble around for closer views (we stuck to the safer photo op side — Simba prefers paws on solid ground!).

It’s an amazing spot to take a water break, snap some ridge photos, and just breathe in the raw beauty of the gorge.

🌉 Part 3: Double Arch

The trail eventually loops toward Double Arch, a natural sandstone formation that almost looks unreal. You’ll pass through forest, rocky paths, and some elevation changes on the way there, but the view from underneath the arch is totally worth the extra steps.

You can also climb up to stand above the arch — but we stayed below to soak in the scenery (and let Simba cool off in the shade 🐶).

🐶 Simba's Trail Highlights

✔️ Loved: The forest trails, ridge breeze, and every stick on the path
✔️ Handled like a pro: Rocky steps and ridgeline sections
✔️ Trail rating: 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 — 5 wagging tails for adventure, variety, and wide-open spaces!

🚐 RV + Travel Tips

• No RV parking at trailhead — leave your rig at a local campground (we stayed at Koomer Ridge Campground)
• Bring plenty of water and snacks — no services once you’re out there
• Best hiked clockwise for gentler climbs and better photo flow 📸
• Watch the weather! These exposed ridgelines can get slippery if wet

🎥 Watch the Full Trail Adventure


This week’s video features:

🎬 Simba’s big energy on the ridge
🪨 Up-close views of Courthouse Rock & Double Arch
🐾 Trail tips for hiking with dogs in Red River Gorge
🌲 Golden retriever joy, start to finish

👉 Subscribe for weekly hikes, nature spots, RV travels, and trail-loving pup content
📲 Follow our adventures: @lifeonpawsandwheels

✨ Why We Loved It

✔️ Some of the best views in all of Kentucky
✔️ Great balance of forest, rock, and open sky
✔️ Dog-approved and totally photogenic
✔️ A Red River Gorge bucket list hike 🪣⛰️

If you’re visiting Red River Gorge and want a hike that delivers big scenery, exciting terrain, and trail variety, this is the one. Grab your leash, lace up your boots, and get ready to explore the wild sandstone wonderland that is Double Arch + Auxier Ridge.

Until next time — happy hikes, wide-open views, and paws on the trail!
– Ash & Simba 🐾🌄

Location: Stanton, KY 40380, USA

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