natural arch scenic area

This place is two miles off 27 and is something you will never forget. One mile hike is jaw-dropping.

Just went to this site. It was beautiful! We did the one mile hike which is rated as "Moderate" due to the large amount of stairs. Easy going down but going back up the stairs can be a challenge.Also bring water with you as it was hot and humid when we went.Great view and really beautiful there!

We decided to dedicate a morning to a hike at the natural arch. We were not disappointed! We chose to do the 5.5 mile loop trail #508. It took us about 2 1/2 hours mostly because the trail at times was very narrow and there were downed trees we had to negotiate around. We loved the challenge and were prepared with plenty of water but it was a bit more difficult than we thought. The trail was marked just okay could have been better. The restroom facilities at the trail head were good for a park and we didn't mind the envelope payment system although on a Wednesday morning we were the ONLY car in the parking lot. The trail ends up at the natural arch which is truly magnificent to see up close and personal. Definitely worth the time to find and make a part of your time in south central KY.

This was a huge surprise how big this arch was. Also how nice the park was they really have a hidden jewel there. The fee to use the park was 3.00 and was very easy system they had envelopes as you come in by the bulliten board fill it out with tag # and info put 3.00 bucks in it drop in collection box. The arch is easily viewed from a observation area by the parking lot but is much more impressive in person. It appeared to me to be much farther away from the observation area then the advertised 1/2 mile and I wondered if it was doable was with my 68 year old Mother but we set off. It was a easy hike some stairs but it was as advertised 1/2 mile just looked much farther so dont let the looks fool you. Trail starts out paved and is in good shape all the way to the arch about were the blacktop ends is another observation area and from there you can see you are very close. Well worth a stop and hike if you are in the area.

This is a bit of a challenge to find, but if Google Maps will come up, it will take you to the right place. You are supposed to pay $3/vehicle on the honor system. There are restrooms (pits only, if I recall correctly) and nice picnic areas. The hike down to the arch overlook is paved and pretty short. It’s a really pretty overlook. There were people down at the arches, but I have no idea if they got there by hiking from where we were or if there is another way in. It's too bad, because we really wanted to hike out to it! According to other reviewers there is a trail, but we couldn't find it. If you only go to the overlook, it’s a fast 15 minute stop once you’re there.

This is a trip worth taking. It is off Hwy 27. The road is a little curvy. Beautifully keep area. It is a paid park. They have a paved paths down to several overloads. The trail is well maintained to the natural rock arch. I would go again. In fact I think it is better than The natural arch state park on the other side of Kentucky.

Since this natural rock arch is only a few miles off US Hwy 27 north of Whitley City, there's no reason not to drive out there if you're in the area. There is also a campground, and there are picnic tables. This is a fee area.It's an easy couple of hundred yards walk on a paved path down to the overlook.Fifteen minutes, a picture or two, and you can be on your way. No need for more hiking. Not exactly memorable.

The arch is HUGE and awe-inspiring. You can see and photograph it from a couple of viewing sites very close to the parking lot, but I recommend taking the approximately 1/2 mile hike to it to experience just how huge and awesome it is. Once you arrive, take the boardwalk trail off to the left that takes you under the arch and around to the hollowed-out back side of it. This is where you'll really appreciate the vastness of this natural beauty. It's probably 10 times larger than the arch you see from the other side. Indescribable, really. If you like being outdoors, you'll love this. The hike is mostly easy, but you'll encounter several sets of steps that don't accommodate the handicapped, so their best bet is the viewing area. Lots of shade all along the route, but could still get warm in the heat of summer. The $3/carload fee is cheap for this wonderful site. Highly recommend.

A stunning view of a natural landmark (arch). You have to go down about 150 to 200 steps to get to the bottom of the arch. Its well worth the trip down the steps. The view of the arch from the top and bottom is awe some.

When I first bought a cabin in this area, I was blown away by the scenery- rock gorges that reminded me so much of Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge. Taking a trip down 927 is like driving thru the west- rock formations, gorges and arches that look like they came from somewhere else.I've been here many times- there is an easy walk (handicap accessible) to view the arch without going on a trail. There is also a fairly easy hike to get to the base of the arch- lots of steps, but do-able for most. If you want to get more adventurous, there is a nice trail around the formation of the bridge. There are many interesting rock formations and nice views. The view of the arch is better in fall or winter, or early spring before the leaves come out, altho the green trees certainly add to the beauty of the area.For the more adventurous, there is the Buffalo Canyon trail, about 5 miles. It's beautiful for the first half...thru awesome formations, creeks, forest and even the area down under the viewing area where the bears like to live. (Don't worry, just make lots of noise while you are hiking, they will avoid you.) We did the whole 5 mile trail, but admit the 2nd half wasn't as pretty as the first half. Well, it's still pretty, but you end up on a gravel road for a lot of it. The second time we did it, we hiked about 2 miles and turned around. it's a lot easier to go back this way, going the other way involves some serious hill climbing.I would advise anyone who wants to experience the beauty of this area to hike to the arch and a little bit beyond, and also do at least part of the Buffalo Canyon trail (to your left as you come down the stairs.) The locals around here call this "God's country" and it truly is...scenery is awesome, crowds are few, and you won't regret the hike. Hints- avoid hiking in the heat of the summer, it can get VERY hot and humid here. Take some water and your camera. If on a longer hike, take a snack or sandwich, some water and sit and take in the beauty around you.

didnt like the way the fees are charged without an attendant, it is beautiful and unusual to be in Kentucky. Looks like the arches in the west

Been to the Natural Arch several times. There is a small fee, currently $3, to park, but the view is worth it. The hike is mostly a paved trail, and there are longer trails for the experienced hiker, a word of caution about the many steps, however, most people of regular fitness can hike the trail with no problem, my husband and father who both use a cane on occasion were able to complete the hike. Don't want to hike, but still want to see it? A shorter hike is available with a beautiful view and great camera shot! Everyone can enjoy this. After your finished hiking, drive on down to the road to see more scenic areas to pull off and enjoy, at the end of the road is a Lake which is part of Lake Cumberland, you can bring your boat or just a fishing pole.

Love Natural Arch. I don't like the way the pay for parking system has been set up, but the place is a wonderful escape.

My wife and I stumbled upon the Natural Arch Scenic Area recently while driving south to the Big South Fork area. Take US 27 south from Somerset for 21 miles, turn right (west) on KY 927 and follow the signs for 2 miles. Take US 27 north from Whitley City for 5 miles, turn left (west) on KY 927 and follow for 2 miles. We did not know at the time, but a day use pass is required and can be purchased in local stores or at Forest Service offices. The entire picnic and parking area looked new. The parking area is very nice with picnic shelters, a small ampitheater, swing sets, and a horseshoe pit. There is a wheelchair accessible sidewalk on the left side of the parking area that leads a few hundred feet to a beautifil overlook of the arch in the distance. If you want to hike to the arch take the sidewalk on the north end of the picnic area. The sidewalk leads into the dirt Natural Arch Trail #510, which is a 1 one mile round trip. It is just a 1/4 mile or so to the base of the arch while passing two viewpoints along the way. The wide trail has quite a few man made steps with rails, but is very well maintained and flat much of the way. Maybe the most impressive part of the arch was going under it to the side of the exposed mountain. The porous mountain side looks like the surface of the moon and makes for great photos. You can follow the #510 trail, hugging the side of the mountain, all the way around and back to the front of the arch. The trail is much more narrow when going around the mountain, but is well maintained.