Indian Staircase Loop
Trails Kentucky Indian Staircase Loop
Kentucky · Menifee County

Indian Staircase Loop

Challenging scramble-heavy route with high ridge viewpoints.

Rating
Length
3.0 mi
Difficulty
8
County
Menifee
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Creation Falls and Rock Bridge Loop

Short scenic loop combining a waterfall and natural bridge.

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Courthouse Rock Trail

Longer out-and-back to dramatic cliff and rock overlooks.

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Double Arch Trail KY

Moderate trail to one of Red River Gorges best arch formations.

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About This Trail

Featuring the infamous Indian Staircase, a steep sandstone slab requiring hands-on scrambling up carved footholds, this challenging 3-mile loop reaches high ridge viewpoints in Red River Gorge. Unmarked trails, exposed cliff edges, and the dramatic Adena Arch demand experienced navigation and a head for heights.

Location

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Coordinates: 37.8654, -83.6243
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Getting There

From Slade, take KY-715 (Sky Bridge Road) east. Park at the Bison Way Trailhead on the right, just past the bridge after the Gladie Historic Site. The Indian Staircase loop begins from this parking area.

Nearby Trails

Creation Falls and Rock Bridge Loop

Short scenic loop combining a waterfall and natural bridge.

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Courthouse Rock Trail

Longer out-and-back to dramatic cliff and rock overlooks.

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Double Arch Trail KY

Moderate trail to one of Red River Gorges best arch formations.

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Wildcat Trail Red River Gorge

Connector trail through rugged gorge terrain.

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Auxier Ridge Loop

Exposed ridge walk with major Red River Gorge viewpoints.

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