Near Auxier - Courthouse Loop
Courthouse Rock looms over the trail below.
Near Auxier - Courthouse Loop
Red River Gorge
Near Auxier - Courthouse Loop
View of Courthouse Rock from Auxier Ridge near Haystack Rock
Near Auxier - Courthouse Loop
View of courthouse rock from Auxier Ridge.
Near Auxier - Courthouse Loop
The view from Haystack Rock is pretty exceptional.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
View Map
View in 3D Create Route Download & Navigate
Driving Directions
Hike Route
Buy NowView in 3D

Auxier - Courthouse Loop

4.7 (59 Ratings)
A quintessential Red River Gorge hiking experience.
4.9
mi
Distance
932
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLess CrowdedViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Map

View Map
View in 3D Create Route Download & Navigate
Share Route Driving Directions

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.87mi
Distance
932ft
Elevation Gain
932ft
Elevation Loss
60%
Max Grade
1,289ft
High Point
870ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
This hike is quintessential Red River Gorge. The ridge is rolling and tough at speed. The views are nothing less than amazing. You pass Haystack Rock, Courthouse Rock and overlooks along the way.The lower section of the loop along Courthouse Rock Trail #202 is distinctly different from the ridgetop portion (Auxier Ridge Trail #204) and feels remote and isolated. A variation of this hike is to traverse across Auxier Branch on the Auxier Branch Trail and gain Tunnel Ridge Road to return to the trailhead. You can also detour to Double Arch on this variation.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Find more hikes near: Campton, Kentucky • Frenchburg, Kentucky • Stanton, Kentucky
Auxier Ridge Loop Trail

Hike Route

Auxier Ridge Loop Trail

Views
moderate
4.65 mi
+896 ft
Hanson's Point Loop

Hike Route

Hanson's Point Loop

Birding
strenuous
9.33 mi
+1,733 ft
Pinch-Em Tight Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Pinch-Em Tight Ridge Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
3.96 mi
+694 ft
Gray's Arch

Hike Route

Gray's Arch

Views
moderate
4.65 mi
+970 ft
Hood Branch Loop

Hike Route

Hood Branch Loop

Birding
strenuous
4.03 mi
+756 ft
Whittleton Arch via Whittleton Branch Trail

Hike Route

Whittleton Arch via Whittleton Branch Trail

Waterfall
easy
2.3 mi
+271 ft
Contributors
Chris Chaney