Kentucky is a great place in which to embark on an adventure, whether it’s a simple hike or an off-the-grid camping trip. Our state provides opportunities, no matter what you’re looking to experience, and one of the best places to visit for an adventure is Red River Gorge. This incredible place can, of course, be dangerous as well, but there are plenty of hiking trails and views that are relatively easy, too. One of the easier trails that leads to a wonderful surprise is the Chimney Top Trail. This hike ends with a magnificent overlook that offers some of the best views of the Gorge and is definitely worthy of a little adventure.

Red River Gorge is filled with eye-catching rock formations and hiking trails that weave around them. Some of these trails lead you right along the edge of these cliffs, which means anyone who visits should exercise extreme caution.
Photo Courtesy of Freeman Kelly
But, as long as you're careful, there are many amazing places to see and views to experience in this part of Kentucky. One of the most accessible is on the popular Chimney Top Trail. This out-and-back hike is only about a half-mile long and is paved for ease of passage.
Alltrails/Max Good
When you reach the halfway mark, you are rewarded with one of the most magnificent views of the Red River Gorge. A stone and wood wall has been built to allow for an overlook that sits right on the edge of Chimney Top Rock.
Alltrails/Tim Ellis

Related Stories

The Heart-Stopping Cave Tour In Kentucky You Won't Find Anywhere Else

The Heart-Stopping Cave Tour In Kentucky You Won't Find Anywhere Else

 The Spectacular Skylift In Kentucky Where You'll Enjoy Expansive Views And Relaxation In The Clouds

The Spectacular Skylift In Kentucky Where You'll Enjoy Expansive Views And Relaxation In The Clouds

 You'll Love This Day Trip To Kentucky's Most Magnificent Cave And All You Can Eat BBQ Buffet

You'll Love This Day Trip To Kentucky's Most Magnificent Cave And All You Can Eat BBQ Buffet
The overlook offers sweeping views of the surrounding gorge, hills, and the Red River below. These photos and the video below were taken in the winter; as you can see, it is a beautiful place to visit in any season.
Freeman Kelly Dronography
While the trail is typically open year-round, it will occasionally be closed temporarily for weather-related reasons, so it is wise to check the condition of any trail before planning a visit.
Photo Courtesy of Freeman Kelly
Chimney Top Rock is one of several must-see places in Red River Gorge. It is very popular, so you can expect to see others enjoying the experience as well, but don't let that deter you from this magnificent overlook in Kentucky that requires only a little adventure.
Freeman Kelly Dronography

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Chimney Top Rock and the overlook in this incredible video by Freeman Kelly.

The Chimney Top Rock trail and the overlook that sits atop it are some of the best ways to experience the adventure and natural beauty that Kentucky offers. Have you hiked this little trail and enjoyed the view? Share your experience with us in the comments!

For more information on the trail and specific directions, visit here. And for up-to-date information on any closures, visit here.

And for more overlooks in Kentucky that are fairly easy to reach, check out our previous article here.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Kentucky