Rough Trail and Gray’s Arch – Backpacking The Red River Gorge

The Red River Gorge Geological Area in the Daniel Boone National Forest is a breathtaking destination filled with arches, rock walls, and other stunning geological features. Known as one of the premier rock climbing areas east of the Mississippi, you’ll likely encounter climbers as you hike along its trails.

For us, this trip was about backpacking. At the time, we were living in the western suburbs of Chicago, an area with limited backpacking opportunities. To explore more exciting terrain, we often traveled, and the Red River Gorge—a 6.5-hour drive from downtown Chicago—became our destination.

Trail Overview

We used the Rough Trail and Gray’s Arch Loop as the foundation of our route. The standard loop is 7.4 miles long, but we extended our hike. After reaching the junction of Trail #221 (Rough Trail) and Trail #100 (Sheltowee Trace Trail), we continued east until we reached the Rough Trail Access Parking area off Forest Service Road 10A. From there, we turned around and returned to the junction to complete the loop.

Hiking in late October, we caught cooler temperatures, which made the hike more enjoyable. While we missed the peak fall colors, the changing leaves added beauty to the landscape. Unfortunately, the first day of our trip brought significant rain. Despite the weather, we camped on an exposed ridgeline to enjoy panoramic views once the storm passed. That decision paid off with a stunning sunset.

On the second day, the skies cleared, and we enjoyed perfect weather. Having covered 9.3 miles on Day 1, we had a shorter hike of 3.7 miles back to the car. The highlights of this trail include reaching high points with stunning views and taking in the impressive geological features. A key attraction on our day 2 route was Gray’s Arch, a large natural arch that’s a must-see. We also passed numerous rock walls, often occupied by climbers.

What You Need to Know

• Camping: Dispersed camping is permitted in the Red River Gorge. To minimize your impact, follow Leave No Trace principles and camp in established areas that have been used before.
• Permits: While no permits are required for entry or camping, you must purchase a parking pass. These passes are available at any National Forest office.
• Food Storage: Black bears are present in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Although encounters are rare, they are becoming more common. Always practice proper food storage techniques when camping in bear country.

Final Thoughts

The Rough Trail and Gray’s Arch loop offers a rewarding backpacking experience with stunning views, fascinating geological features, and opportunities to connect with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or looking for a weekend adventure, the Red River Gorge is a destination worth exploring.