It might not be noticeable at first which is why I made sure to watch the videos attentively beforehand and even take a screenshot of the scene on my phone for future reference. Within another few moments we reached a clear fork in the trail with one path heading downhill and another continuing straight along the base of the cliff through a stand of rhododendron. All of this matches up to the videos I researched leading up to the hike.
Making our way through the thick brush, we quickly approached a small cave and walked past it to a wide alcove. This is the trailhead for all three Chimney Top Falls. Turning to look directly at the steps, you should be able to discern a well worn path or trail directly to the RIGHT of the staircase. From Hidden Arch, go down the last set of stairs and stop at the bottom landing. This entire cliff line is littered with pocket shelters and caves worth checking out as well. Working our way down the wooden steps, we took a few moments to appreciate the subtle beauty of Hidden Arch. Trailhead to Lower, Middle, & Upper Chimney Top Falls The trailhead for all three Chimney Top Falls below Hidden Arch. Pretty soon we’ll be all the way at the bottom of the deepest ravine visible. Just as you reach the cliff overlooking Hidden Arch, make sure to check out the expansive overlook of the valley below. During mid to late summer, this trail is known to be engulfed with the sweet scent of blooming mountain laurels as well as teeming with juicy huckleberries and wild blueberries. This is probably the easiest part of the whole trek. From here we’ll be taking the short stroll down to Hidden Arch, which is where the trailhead to the three Chimney Top Falls is located. Once parked, its just a short walk away to the Hidden Arch Trailhead. Parking near campsites is reserved for campers only and if your car does not contain a pre-paid permit, it is at high risk for getting a ticket or being towed. Keeping an eye out for a week of scattered showers to really drench the area, I chose the first clear and sunny day in early Spring to make this outing.Įxploring Hidden Arch on our way to Chimney Top Falls.Įntering the Red River Gorge, I made my way to the Koomer Ridge Campground and made sure to park in the Backpackers Lot.
Timing is essential to see these beauties in their prime.
With these waypoints pre-set into my map I can more easily navigate the backcountry and avoid getting lost or missing my objective altogether. After watching several of these videos, I visited the database to gather GPS coordinates for all three waterfalls. YouTube contains several videos showing an approximate route with key landmarks to help guide us most of the way. Though you won’t find any maps showing a physical marked trail to Upper, Middle, & Lower Chimney Top Falls, a well defined path does exist, but you need a few extra clues to help get you there. The hike out to visit the jaw dropping and uber photogenic waterfalls of the Right Fork of Chimney Top Creek had been on my radar for a long time. Our approximate route down to see all three Chimney Top Falls. Do your own research before going out and attempting any hike! The Red River Gorge is home to several species of venomous snakes as well as black bears. This is NOT meant to be an instructional article, but a recollection of my own journey. Use common sense and do not attempt anything that would put yourself or others at risk or harms way. This hike includes scrambling over exposed cliffs and rock ledges that have resulted in deaths and injuries. To Lower Falls and Middle\Upper Falls |-37.78837,-83.64028īefore beginning, a word of CAUTION: Parts of this hike include UNMARKED TRAILS, not registered on any official map of Red River Gorge Geological Area.
This 3.50 mile off-trail excursion includes two separate paths one descending deep into the valley of Koomer Ridge below Hidden Arch to see the Lower Falls and a technical ascent over the Middle Falls to reach the secluded Upper Falls basin. With sparkling pools of turquoise blue water surrounded by towering cliffs and expansive rock shelters it leaves little to wonder why the Red River Gorge is considered Kentuckys hidden paradise. Over the span of a half mile, this stunning watercourse crashes over two very distinct 30 ft drops with one smaller 5 ft drop in the center. The Upper, Middle, & Lower Falls of The Right Fork of Chimney Top Creek are three of the best known and heavily photographed in the park. While Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is known for its breadth of magnificent arches, it is also secretly known for its abundance of waterfalls.
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