Auxier Ridge Trailhead — Attraction in Stanton

As many people confirmed online, the Auxier Ridge Trail provided the best views we saw on our trip, so I highly recommend this trail but we have not hiked any others on the Red River Gorge side of the parkway.

Directions: Take the Slade exit off the Bert Combs Mountain Parkway to start. Take the road that goes by the Shell station which is Campton Road. Go south on Campton Rd. It winds south along the Bert Combs Mountain Parkway. Watch carefully for it, then take a left onto Tunnel Ridge Rd. You almost immediately cross a one lane bridge. After that the road is gravel but well-maintained (a few larger potholes) and leads up to the Auxier Ridge trailhead.

Parking: We went on Labor Day weekend and it was crowded but luckily we did find a spot to park on the very last parking lot on the Gravel Road. There are many parking places along the road but to hike the Auxier Ridge Trail you want to go to the very last spot indicated on the map by the small traffic circle. Don't forget your 1 or 3 Day parking pass that must be displayed in your car overnight. Available at retailers near you or at the Shell station there in Slade.

The trail: My 12 year old son and I hiked the 5.9 mile Double Arch - Courthouse Rock - Auxier Ridge Trail Loop in a clockwise direction. We were both carrying heavy backpacks with plans for doing a two-night overnight but we only ended up staying for one night due to his getting sick and our lack of preparation for the heat which was pretty stifling in both tent and hammock until well after dark. Check the weather carefully and bring a battery operated fan if you go during hot weather season. This Trail loop is listed as moderate and has some pretty steep inclines and declines along the way where you have to scramble up some carved stone steps and navigate some slightly iffy places.

Camping: As someone suggested we met on the trail, we camped down by the stream at the bottom of the valley AFTER Double Arch trail and BEFORE Courthouse Rock. It's a little hard to tell where or where not to camp since some of the signs are placed ambiguously on trees. We estimated 300 feet from the trail as required by the park service and camped about that far up a hill from the creek and trail on a small semi level area. Not ideal but within Park regulations. If we would have gone a bit further there was a better space that was large and flat near the creek but also the appropriate distance from the trail. We saw one Ranger on the trail talking to someone else about camping too close to the trail, and it looked like he was writing them a ticket or a warning, so they do check.

Bear cannisters: Just be forewarned that signs throughout the park said a bear canister was required. We hung ours 10 foot high and 4 ft away from a tree trunk so we were in compliance. From everything I read it appeared to be only optional. A Google search seemed to confirm that the last bear spotted in the park was in 2016, and that was a rare sighting so we were not worried at all.

Snakes: The only snake I saw was a very tiny baby yellow banded black snake slithering quickly across the trail in front of me that was 3 to four inches long. We have seen a rather large rattlesnake in Daniel Boone Natural Bridge Park but that was years ago and very rare apparently. So if you're worried, it's not too common as far as I know to see snakes but I'm sure they are there.

The trail was great just wish my son had not got sick but don't let that prevent you from going and having a great day or two hiking...

The furthest trailhead on the Red River Gorge, with Access to the best ridge trail, with a 6 mile loop with views of Double Arch, Haystack Rock, Courthouse Rock, and Raven Rock. Cliffs are on both sides of the ridge, so careful in rain. Auxier Ridge Trail #204 is part of the Auxier Ridge Trail loop, a combination of three loops which include Courthouse Rock Trail #202, Auxier Branch Trail #203, and Double Arch Trail #201. After the Auxier Ridge Trail #204 - with a great flat rock spot for lunch - you will need to backtrack, or do the fairly difficult 2.25-mile Courthouse Rock Trail #202 to return to the parking lot. ​This loop will take you down below the ridgeline on a logging road to a large rock formation resembling a courthouse. Alternatively, you can follow the popular 5-mile (8 km) loop that combines Auxier Ridge Trail #204 with Auxier Branch Trail #203 back to the parking lot. This loop has ridgetop views combined with a descent to Auxier Branch. Recommend to add the 0.5-mile spur Double Arch Trail #201 out to Double Arch, adding one more mile to the...

I'm not exactly the pinnacle of health. I'm kinda out of shape and the whole global pandemic really slowed down my working out and such, but a great alternative to the gym is hiking. And this hike is definitely a beauty and a beast (at least, it is if you're also not in the best shape). I went on the 5 mile loop along the ridge, through the valley, and back up to the parking lot. The trails were very well maintained and the views were miraculous.

RRG very seldom disappoints, and this trail will surprise you with the number of beautiful overlooks it has hidden away. Just be ready to sweat and have plenty of water so that you can keep on moving. There are some steep stairs a few miles in that take you up or down the ridge from the parking lot, so keep that in mind if you're planning on bringing anyone that has issues with mobility, or if you have a pet that's scared of stairs.

Overall, this is an excellent moderate hike with a fair change in elevation and plenty of places to stop and enjoy the natural beauty...