Hiking Project Logo

Auxier - Courthouse Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (56) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. KY
  3. …Southeastern Kentucky
  4. …Daniel Boone National Forest
  5. Cumberland Ranger District
Previous Next

“A quintessential Red River Gorge hiking experience. ”

Chris Chaney
Your Rating:      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add to Favorites · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

4.8

Miles

7.7

KM

Lollipop

1,293' 394 m

High

895' 273 m

Low

669' 204 m

Up

669' 204 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

46%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

The Auxier - Courthouse Loop has been a natural attractor for hikers for years. The ridge has magnificent views and challenging terrain and it naturally makes sense to return via the different and interesting Courthouse Rock Trail.

There is a lot of foot traffic along the ridge. The lower trail is starkly different and gets far less. It is a bit more remote and if you get into trouble it's unlikely someone will come across you quickly on Courthouse Rock Trail #202.

Need to Know

There are a series of manmade steps at the end of the ridge. If you do this loop clockwise you'll have a grunt climb. Clockwise there is a quasi-scramble to gain the ridge.

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.

Flora & Fauna

You will likely see birds, maybe snakes, and possibly squirrels. Deer and bear live in the area as well as bobcats, but they are rare and you have to be darn lucky to see them. This is the Red River Gorge so flora is diverse and amazing.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Daniel Boone National Forest Office

Shared By:

Chris Chaney
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 56 votes

#1

in Cumberland Ranger District

#145

Overall
  4.7 from 56 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Cumberland Ranger Dist…

#1

in Kentucky

#145

Overall
33 Views Last Month
8,196 Since Jul 5, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
27%
13%
60%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

View of Courthouse Rock from Auxier Ridge near Haystack Rock
Jul 9, 2015 near Stanton, KY
Red River Gorge
Jul 9, 2015 near Stanton, KY
Courthouse Rock looms over the trail below.
Dec 31, 2016 near Stanton, KY
The view from Haystack Rock is pretty exceptional.
Dec 31, 2016 near Stanton, KY
View of courthouse rock from Auxier Ridge.
Jan 5, 2022 near Stanton, KY
Fall colors in the gorge.
Jul 9, 2015 near Stanton, KY

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Update Conditions
Minor Issues 36 days ago See History
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 20, 2022
Yujin Maeng
Apr 23, 2022
Randy warwick
Oct 6, 2021
Trenton Wells
Jun 27, 2021
Chuck Hagen
May 27, 2021
William Plucknett
W Caroline
May 19, 2021
Allison K
5mi
May 1, 2021
Michael Kontos
Oct 26, 2020
Steven Yankay

Nearby Recommended Routes