Apr 26, 2016 — Daniel Boone National Forest has a bunch of nicely-laid trails that visit some of the spectacular sandstone found in this part of Kentucky. This hike is on eof my favorites in the area, not only because the views are so nice and it forms a loop, but also because it tacks on a fun scramble to Courthouse Rock. I parked at the Auxier Ridge Trailhead and headed north along Auxier Ridge. There are great views much of the time toward the surrounding sandstone cliffs, and with a look over toward Double Arch. After seeing the arch, I knew I had to add it on as a detour later. The trail is hard-packed sand most of the time, but also follows the slickrock sandstone ridge crest.
I reached the northern part of the Auxier Ridge Trail and noted Courthouse Rock just ahead. I had to at least attempt a way up, but to my surprise there was a pretty clear route up on its east side. Some Class 3 took me on some fun moves to the summit of this minor peak. I came back down from Courthouse Rock and descended along the Auxier Branch Trail, which took me off the ridge and down to the creek below. From here the trail continued southwest and met up with the Double Arch Trail. I took the Double Arch Trail north in order to check out the incredibly cool arch. Toward the end, the trail spiraled around ridge almost 360 degrees in order to get to the arch, which is situated higher up. From the arch I could see Auxier Ridge to the east, where I had come from.
I backtracked along the Double Arch Trail and followed it south. Unfortunately part of the way back was on an old gravel road, but the rest of the loop was so nice that I didn't mind much.
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