Courthouse Rock and Double Arch via Auxier Ridge in Daniel Boone National Forest, KY

Hike Courthouse Rock and Double Arch via Auxier Ridge Daniel Boone National Forest, KY

Class 3 6.5 miles 900 gain 2-4 hrs Loop Apr 26, 2016
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Courthouse Rock and Double Arch via Auxier Ridge GPX Track

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Daniel Boone National Forest has a bunch of nicely-laid trails that visit some of the spectacular sandstone found in this part of Kentucky. This hike is on eof my favorites in the area, not only because the views are so nice and it forms a loop, but also because it tacks on a fun scramble to Courthouse Rock. I parked at the Auxier Ridge Trailhead and headed north along Auxier Ridge. There are great views much of the time toward the surrounding sandstone cliffs, and with a look over toward Double Arch. After seeing the arch, I knew I had to add it on as a detour later. The trail is hard-packed sand most of the time, but also follows the slickrock sandstone ridge crest.

I reached the northern part of the Auxier Ridge Trail and noted Courthouse Rock just ahead. I had to at least attempt a way up, but to my surprise there was a pretty clear route up on its east side. Some Class 3 took me on some fun moves to the summit of this minor peak. I came back down from Courthouse Rock and descended along the Auxier Branch Trail, which took me off the ridge and down to the creek below. From here the trail continued southwest and met up with the Double Arch Trail. I took the Double Arch Trail north in order to check out the incredibly cool arch. Toward the end, the trail spiraled around ridge almost 360 degrees in order to get to the arch, which is situated higher up. From the arch I could see Auxier Ridge to the east, where I had come from.

I backtracked along the Double Arch Trail and followed it south. Unfortunately part of the way back was on an old gravel road, but the rest of the loop was so nice that I didn't mind much.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Courthouse Rock
1150 ft
80 rise

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Along the Auxier Ridge Trail.
Along the Auxier Ridge Trail.
Views of the surrounding sandstone cliffs.
Views of the surrounding sandstone cliffs.
Image 2 from gallery
Image 3 from gallery
A lookout toward Double Arch to the west
A lookout toward Double Arch to the west
Along Auxier Ridge, a view north where Courthouse Rock pops out in the center.
Along Auxier Ridge, a view north where Courthouse Rock pops out in the center.
A close-up toward the great surrounding sandstone cliffs.
A close-up toward the great surrounding sandstone cliffs.
Sandstone trail along Auxier Ridge.
Sandstone trail along Auxier Ridge.
Approaching Courthouse Rock.
Approaching Courthouse Rock.
Courthouse Rock. I wrapped around it to the right.
Courthouse Rock. I wrapped around it to the right.
At the base of Courthouse Rock.
At the base of Courthouse Rock.
The Class 3 route to gain the summit of Courthouse Rock.
The Class 3 route to gain the summit of Courthouse Rock.
View back at the Class 3 ascent.
View back at the Class 3 ascent.
Courthouse Rock, view south along Auxier Ridge.
Courthouse Rock, view south along Auxier Ridge.
Image 14 from gallery
Image 15 from gallery
Auxier Branch Trail, leading off Auxier Ridge.
Auxier Branch Trail, leading off Auxier Ridge.
Image 17 from gallery
Reascending to the Double Arch Trail.
Reascending to the Double Arch Trail.
Image 19 from gallery
Double Arch from below. The trail wraps around to get up to it.
Double Arch from below. The trail wraps around to get up to it.
Double arch.
Double arch.
A view of Auxier Ridge to the east through Double Arch.
A view of Auxier Ridge to the east through Double Arch.
Image 23 from gallery
Image 24 from gallery
Double Arch Trail is an old gravel road for a while, leading back to the trailhead.
Double Arch Trail is an old gravel road for a while, leading back to the trailhead.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!