Near Courthouse Rock Trail #202
Courthouse Rock looms over the trail below.
Near Courthouse Rock Trail #202
Red River Gorge
Near Courthouse Rock Trail #202
View of courthouse rock from Auxier Ridge.
Near Courthouse Rock Trail #202
Crossing the Auxier Branch Creek is both scenic and easy.
Near Courthouse Rock Trail #202
Fall colors in the gorge.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Courthouse Rock Trail #202

4.1 (7 Ratings)
A mostly ignored gem in the Red River Gorge trail system.
2
mi
Distance
494
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.97mi
Distance
494ft
Elevation Gain
403ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
1,212ft
High Point
864ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
From the Auxier Ridge Trail #204, Courthouse Rock Trail #202 drops steeply down some badly eroded sandstone and through deadfalls. Once onto the relatively flat section of trail the real fun begins. Courthouse Rock parallels Auxier Ridge below the towering cliff line rolling and winding in and out of hollows under the dense tree canopy. In the winter, you can see the cliffs much better and even get to take in the full view of Haystack Rock from below which most people never get to see. At the north end, there is a short steep climb to gain the narrow ridge and intersect with the Auxier Ridge Trail #204 near Courthouse Rock proper.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Nearby Hike Routes

Auxier - Courthouse Loop

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Auxier - Courthouse Loop

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strenuous
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+932 ft
Auxier Ridge Loop Trail

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Auxier Ridge Loop Trail

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moderate
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+896 ft
Hanson's Point Loop

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Hanson's Point Loop

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Gray's Arch

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Gray's Arch

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moderate
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Pinch-Em Tight Ridge Loop

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Pinch-Em Tight Ridge Loop

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moderate
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+694 ft
Chimney Top Trail #235

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Chimney Top Trail #235

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easy
0.66 mi
+199 ft
Contributors
Chris Chaney