We took a hike around the Auxier Ridge and Courthouse Rock trail at Red River Gorge April 6, 2019. I posted a video of Auxier Ridge and it’s surrounding features on YouTube. Auxier Ridge Trail to Courthouse Rock is a 4.4 mile moderate, well-known out and back trail. It features an awesome forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also welcomed to use the trail, just keep them leashed if they are exuberant explorers.
It’s easy to see several nearby features such as Haystack Rock, Raven’s Rock, Courthouse Rock, Bolt Rock and Double Arch. There’s tons of breathtaking views. I think Auxier Ridge is one of the more scenic trails at the gorge.
Climbing Courthouse Rock is totally possible and allowed. The casual hiker may not be ready for it. I’d recommend ropes and basic safety gear. If you are looking to get vertical, it’s a great trail but safety should be paramount. You can kill yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing.
As always, and most important to me… be sure to “leave no trace!” Take your garbage out with you and pay attention to the roped off reclamation areas. These are roped off for a purpose… to allow nature to recover from humans. Keep the gorge beautiful, obey the rules, be safe and treat other hikers on the trail courteously.
Enjoy these pics and aerial video of my experience. Here’s a link to the trail map.
Double Arch 
Great group campspot 
Steps decending to base of Courthouse rock 
Bottom of Courthouse Rock 
Base of Courthouse Rock 
Courthouse Rock
Starting Auxier Ridge 
Loonging down Auxier Ridge to
Courthouse Rock
Steps on the trail 
Entering Nada Tunnel 
Auxier Ridge view 
Auxier Ridge Trailhead 
Steps near
Courthouse Rock
Auxier Ridge 
Looking off Auxier Ridge 
Cool rock near
Courthouse Rock
Auxier Ridge ending at
Courthouse Rock
Interesting flora 
Majestic
Courthouse Rock
Haystack Rock 
Haystack Rock 
About Auxier Ridge 
More flora at Red River Gorge
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