Trail Run Project Logo

A quintessential Red River Gorge running experience.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

4.8

Miles

7.7

KM

90%

Runnable

1,293' 394 m

High

895' 273 m

Low

669' 204 m

Up

669' 204 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

46%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

The Auxier - Courthouse Loop has been a natural attractor for runners for years. The ridge has magnificent views and challenging terrain and it naturally makes sense to return via the different and interesting Courthouse Rock Trail.

There is a lot of foot traffic along the ridge. The lower trail is starkly different and gets far less. It is a bit more remote and if you get into trouble it's unlikely someone will come across you quickly on Courthouse Rock Trail #202.

Need to Know

There are a series of manmade steps at the end of the ridge. If you do this loop clockwise you'll have a grunt climb. Clockwise there is a quasi-scramble to gain the ridge.

Runner Notes

Lots of roots and eroded sections of trail. This is also an exposed ridge for much of the run and can be dangerous in storms. The Courthouse Rock Trail is below cliff line and gets a fraction of the traffic that the upper section gets and can feel remote.

Description

This run is quintessential Red River Gorge. The ridge is rolling and tough at speed. The views are nothing less than amazing. You pass Haystack Rock, Courthouse Rock and overlooks along the way.

The lower section of the loop along Courthouse Rock Trail #202 is distinctly different from the ridgetop portion (Auxier Ridge Trail #204) and feels remote and isolated.

A variation of this run is to traverse across Auxier Branch on the Auxier Branch Trail and gain Tunnel Ridge Road to return to the trailhead. You can also detour to Double Arch on this variation.

Flora & Fauna

You will likely see birds, maybe snakes, and possibly squirrels. Deer and bear live in the area as well as bobcats, but they are rare and you have to be darn lucky to see them. This is the Red River Gorge so flora is diverse and amazing.

Contacts

Shared By:

Chris Chaney

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 56 votes

#165

Overall
  4.7 from 56 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Kentucky

#165

Overall
14 Views Last Month
8,345 Since Jul 5, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
27%
13%
60%
0%

Photos

View of Courthouse Rock from Auxier Ridge near Haystack Rock
Jul 9, 2015 near Stanton, KY
Red River Gorge
Jul 9, 2015 near Stanton, KY
Courthouse Rock looms over the trail below.
Dec 31, 2016 near Stanton, KY
The view from Haystack Rock is pretty exceptional.
Dec 31, 2016 near Stanton, KY
View of courthouse rock from Auxier Ridge.
Jan 5, 2022 near Stanton, KY
Fall colors in the gorge.
Jul 9, 2015 near Stanton, KY

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 7 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.