Hiking the Auxier Ridge Trail With Kids, or Without?
Introduction to Auxier Ridge in the Red River Gorge
If your kids are old enough to be hiking on their own two legs, but cannot be trusted to follow directions carefully, do not hike this trail. There are steep drops on each side of certain portions of the trail and the ridge is approximately 20 feet wide at its narrowest point. Even if you can trust your kids to not fall off a cliff, you might still want to hold their hand as you cross this part. But if you like sweeping views and your kids are either old enough to be trusted or still confined to a carrier, this is a great trail!
Auxier ridge trail is one of my favorite trails in the RRG. It provides relatively easy access to great views of the Gorge and Double Arch on the other side of Auxier Branch. Haystack, Raven, and Courthouse Rocks are recognizable formations along the trail and I find the exposed nature of the trail itself exhilarating. My favorite time to do this hike is at sunset. This is a very popular trail, so I recommend going early or late in the day.
Trail options involving Auxier Ridge:
Out and Back along Auxier Ridge to the top of the steps that lead to Courthouse Rock: This option has the biggest payout for the least work. There is very little elevation change and great views the whole way. This is my top choice.
Lollipop trail connecting Auxier ridge to Courthouse Rock: This trail will take you down to the base of courthouse rock and you will hike back up the valley. Taking this option adds about a mile and extra elevation change to your hike. If you want more exercise, you can take this 5.2 mile option. While there are beautiful wildflowers and abundant mountain laurel at the lower elevation, this portion of the trail doesn’t add much else in the way of payout.
Combine Auxier Ridge with the Double arch trail via Auxier Branch: This loop trail is about 8.1 miles and will give you overlooks, an arch, and some nice creekside hiking all in one. If you are looking for a longer hike, this is a good one.
Length:
4.2 miles out and back if you hike the ridge to courthouse rock.
Difficulty:
Moderate
Elevation change:
Very little net change with approximately 380 feet of ups and downs along the ridge
Payout:
10/10. This trail has some of the best views in the RRG.
Dangers:
High. There are very steep drops along the edge of this trail which is narrow and exposed at times. Keep your kids close and your dogs on leash.
Best time to hike the trail:
This trail is great during fall, winter, or spring. Since the trail is exposed, it can be very hot in the summer, but could be nice at sunrise or sunset on a hotter day.
Dogs:
Allowed on leash but be very careful of the steep drops along the trail.
Trailhead:
Located along the northern end of the parking lot located at the end of tunnel ridge road.
Following the Auxier Ridge trail:
Follow Auxier Ridge trail as it initially descends into the forest. The trail then follows the natural undulations of the ridge line and is well marked. After approximately 0.8 miles, you will come to the intersection with Courthouse Rock trail. To follow the ridge trail, stay to the right (Trail number 204).
You will come to several nice vantage points along the way. The trail opens up and becomes more exposed around 1.5 miles into the hike. You will pass Haystack rock on the left of the trail. After Haystack rock, you will come to the first big overlook and can clearly see Double Arch to the west.
Raven Rock can be seen to the east. Once you come to the classic view of Courthouse Rock the trail begins to descend via a set of stairs. You can either turn around and hike back the way you came, or continue down the stairs to the base of Courthouse Rock, join courthouse rock trail and complete the lollipop.
Final thoughts on Auxier Ridge:
If you aren’t afraid of heights or hiking with small children, this is a beautiful trail with gorgeous views. Since it is out and back you can hike as far as you like and turn around if the trail gets too narrow for your taste. I love to hike to the first big overlook and watch the sun setting behind Double Arch. If you want a longer and harder hike, combine this with Courthouse Rock, Auxier Branch, or Double Arch trails.