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.

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Auxier - Courthouse Loop

4.7 (59 Ratings)
A quintessential Red River Gorge hiking experience.
4.9
mi
Distance
1,127
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLess CrowdedViewsWildflowersWildlife

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Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.87mi
Distance
1,127ft
Elevation Gain
1,127ft
Elevation Loss
60%
Max Grade
1,306ft
High Point
864ft
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.

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Contributors
Chris Chaney