Courthouse Rock Loop
4.7 mi
Distance
2 hrs 23 min
Time
terrain
351 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a easy loop trail to Courthouse Rock in Daniel Boone National Forest.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Took us 4 hours, playing with the dog, taking pictures, plus two leisurely rest stops. MY GPS registered exactly 5.0 miles for the loop with minimal side hikes to the many views (we've done the Auxier Ridge hike many times). We've done the loop twice. The trail is in good shape for a marked trail in Red River Gorge (moderate to moderately high traffic). Where Trail 202 (Courthouse Rock Trail) departs the Auxier Ridge Trail, it is steep and eroded, but only for about 10 minutes. The trail is easy to follow and I would rate it moderate in difficulty. The views after the leaves drop are great. The hike through the valley is one of the nicer walks through the woods, with a few small creek crossings, and nice views upwards at monoliths and cliffs to add interest. The fall colors are very nice. The wildflowers in spring are not very abundant but the greenery and woods are second growth mature. Overall, we really enjoy doing this hike every couple of years.
★
★
★
★
Public Tracks
Auxier Ridge Trail to Courthouse Rock Trail
I ran out of phone battery toward the end of the hike, so just assume I followed the trail on out instead of jump off the ridgeline and land at the parking lot like that straight line at the end seems to suggest. :D
Auxier Ridge Trail is a moderate trail, but with little room for error in certain spots, unless you want to fall over a cliff. Courthouse Rock Trail is also a fairly moderate trail and takes you through some lovely canopy, but at the very end where it connects back up to the ridgeline it's little more than tree roots and erosion. Don't say I didn't warn you.
As always, my time takes longer than the average hiker because I stop to take so many pictures! YMMV.
Courthouse Rock Loop(11/9/20, 12:30:46PM)
5 mile loop w/beautiful views above the gorge. Maps show the access road off tunnel ridge road but its actually over top the tunnel so you have to drive around via 77 I think
