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The epitome of wilderness running in Kentucky through the Swift Camp Creek Gorge.


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Map Key

6.7

Miles

10.8

KM

92%

Runnable

1,226' 374 m

High

873' 266 m

Low

952' 290 m

Up

758' 231 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

15%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Swimming · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a wilderness area so wilderness regulations apply.

Runner Notes

Once you get into the gorge area there are no easy ways out besides the trail you're on. Be self-sufficient, make sure someone knows where you're going, and be careful!

Some sections are rooty and rocky. There are some sections of trail on the top edge of cliffs over the stream.

Description

Beginning on the south end at Rock Bridge Trailhead the trail takes off with a descent on a roughly paved tourist trail. At the bottom of the descent, Swift Camp Creek Trail cuts hard left and enters into a long and winding gorge over Swift Camp Creek.

Miles later the trail climbs out of the gorge to gain Sky Bridge Ridge and KY 715. There is only one other trail access along the way at Wildcat Trail.

Stunning scenery and true remoteness make for a memorable experience.

You can do this an out-and-back, a shuttled run, or a loop by incorporating the paved KY 715 and gravel Rock Bridge Road. It can also be combined with Rough Trail for an east-west traverse of the Red River Gorge.

Flora & Fauna

Heavy undergrowth, rhododendron, snakes, and wildflowers galore!

Contacts

Shared By:

Chris Chaney

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 13 votes

#891

Overall
  4.5 from 13 votes
5 Star
62%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#9

in Kentucky

#891

Overall
19 Views Last Month
7,015 Since Jul 5, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
25%
8%
42%
25%

Photos

An unnamed waterfall below the trail on Swift Camp Creek
Jul 9, 2015 near Campton, KY
Crossing Bearpen Branch on the Swift Camp Creek Trail
Jul 14, 2015 near Campton, KY
Autumn along Swift Camp Creek Trail
Jul 14, 2015 near Campton, KY
View of Swift Camp Creek from the trail.
Mar 13, 2016 near Campton, KY
Sons Branch Creek crossing.
Mar 13, 2016 near Campton, KY

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