Hidden Trails of Red River Gorge: Red Byrd Arch

A strenuous and challenging hike (~3.2 miles) along unmarked trails in an isolated area in the eastern section of the park. Hiking to the river and exploring as depicted will add 1 miles to this total.
This trail, which was already hard to navigate, has been damaged by heavy storms in 2016 and 2017, and you may spend hours climbing over downed trees. Finding the arch would pose a serious challenge for someone unfamiliar with the area. We strongly urge those who attempt the hike to bring a GPS and coordinates, compass, and be prepared to hobble over lots of deadfall.
Below are directions to the trailhead as well as GPS coordinates throughout the area. Thanks as always to ToRedRiverGorge.com for their extensive knowledge. Because we often hike using help from their site, we are providing this data as is available on their web page:
To reach the trailhead:
From rest area at exit #33 off of the Mountain State Parkway Turn left, and return to the Mountain State Park - West (10.0 miles)
Take Exit 43 for KY-15 toward Campton. (0.8miles)
Turn left onto KY-191 East- at Shell Station. (1.5 miles)
Turn left onto KY-746 (1.9 miles)
Turn left onto Calaboose Ridge Road. (3.4 miles) After 2.0 miles you will pass a church on your right and about 0.75 miles later the road becomes a dirt road. At 3.4 miles you can park at a traffic circle. The road continues off to your right. The trail is 0.1 miles to your left up the unmarked road. Depending on the type of vehicle you are using, you may drive another 0.1 miles or leave your car here and start here.
Turn left onto the unmarked road and go to the gate on your right side that says foot travel welcome. (0.1 miles)
GPS Coordinates of start of hike to Red Byrd Arch
37, 47′ 45.0 N
83, 33′ 30.3 W
GPS Coordinates of approximate point where logging road meets forest service road.
37, 48′ 3.3 N
83, 33′ 31.0 W
GPS Coordinates of waypoint campsite in route.
37, 48′ 47.2 N
83, 33′ 10.2 W
GPS Coordinates of point on ridge above Red Byrd Arch.
37, 48′ 55.4 N
83, 33′ 3.2 W
GPS Coordinates of Red Byrd Arch
37, 48′ 54.4 N
83, 33′ 1.6 W
Note: This video depicts only a tiny fraction of the vast wilderness around the Red River. Plan ahead to avoid dehydration, exhaustion, inclement weather, and dangerous falls. Getting lost will obviously exacerbate all the above risks.
Special thanks to Kai Rosenkranz for his musical inspiration:
Video Filmed on 06/03/17 at Red River Gorge.