Powell County Tourism - Hiking & Trails

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HIking & Trails

Hiking & Trails

Home to an extensive network of trails, Natural Bridge, Red River Gorge, Stanton & Clay City offers hikers unparalleled beautiful scenery and rock formations that result in the area receiving the official federal designation as a “National Natural Landmark”.

Hiking enthusiasts of all levels will marvel at this natural wonderland in the Kentucky Rockies of Powell County.

Hatchers Creek Ranch

Hatchers Creek Ranch is nestled in the foothills of eastern Kentucky. The ranch provides guided trail rides and cabinrentals. Our trail horses include Quarter Horses, Kentucky Mountain Horses, Tennessee Walking Horses, Rocky Mountain Horses and a Clydesdale. Enjoy a morning or afternoon mountain ride among the beautiful scenery of Hatcher's Creek. Your trail ride will include crossing through creeks and climbing the mountainous terrain on horseback. There is also abundant wildlife on the ranch. Deer and wild turkey are often seen on the trails.

1 hour rides - $35.00

2 hour rides - $55.00

Pony Rides - $8.00

All levels of riders welcome. However, ** Children must be 12 years or older to trail ride.** Private rides available on request.

Rides leave daily at 9:00 AM, Noon and 3:00 PM. Call today to book your trail ride adventure, or check us out on the web here.

Pony rides are available for all ages.

606.359.1317

Last Updated (Thursday, 17 June 2010 21:36)

Sky Lift at Natural Bridge

Ride the Sky Lift for a relaxing climb to Natural Bridge. The ascent begins one-half mile from the park entrance and ends within 600 feet of Natural Bridge. Open Easter weekend thru the last Sunday of October.

606 .663.2922

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Last Updated (Sunday, 20 December 2009 12:15)

Red River Gorge Geological Area

A National Natural Landmark, the Gorge is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest. It is a magnificent natural wonderland wonder-land with more than 80 natural sandstone arches, sculpted by wind and water for over 70 million years. The gorge has the largest concentration of rock shelters and arches east of the Rockies.

606. 663.8100

Photo by Rack Photo

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Last Updated (Sunday, 20 December 2009 12:15)

Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve

Near Clay City, visit the renowned Pilot Knob, the promontory from which Daniel Boone is believed to have first viewed the “level of Kentucky” in 1769. One of the tallest knobs in the Cumberland Plateau, Pilot Knob rises 730 feet above the surrounding. The preserve is under the management and supervision of the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission.

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Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Home to the great natural sandstone arch which stands 65 feet high and 78 feet long, this 2,200 park sits in the Daniel Boone National Forest, and offers lodging, dining, a gift shop, meeting rooms, a nature center, swimming pool, fishing, camping and hiking.

Ten hiking trails are available, ranging from one-half mile to seven-and-one-half miles. Trail maps are available at the Hemlock Lodge. The Nature Center, located on the ground floor of the Activities Center, houses exhibits about the park. Full-time naturalists program events and activities year-round focusing on native plants animals, geology, and local history. Daily summer activities are directed by recreation staff. Pets are not allowed on trails at Natural Bridge State Park.

800.325.1710

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High Rock

Approximately 15 miles from Natural Bridge, High Rock is one of the highest elevations in the knobs region of Powell County. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, High Rock is believed to have provided prehistoric man and Indian shelter for untold years. High Rock is located on KY 3354 (Cat Creek Road).

606.663.1161

Last Updated (Sunday, 20 December 2009 12:14)

Clifty Wilderness

Within the Red River Gorge, Clifty Wilderness, is a rugged and undeveloped area designated as wilderness by Congress in 1985. This 12,646 acre area features arches, rock shelters and towering cliffs encircling steep, forested slopes and narrow stream valleys.

606.663.8100

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Last Updated (Sunday, 20 December 2009 12:13)