Chimney Top Rock Trail

Red River Gorge Geological Area, Kentucky

Chimney Top Rock, a scenic overlook perched on a promontory 400 feet above the Red River, provides the hiker with unsurpassed views of the ridges and valleys of Red River Gorge - reaching the overlook takes minimal effort, simply follow Chimney Top Rock Trail #235, a well-marked, paved path 0.3-mile to the viewpoint that is protected by stone walls and wood railings.

The panorama awaiting you offers spectacular views of the river and massive ridges, such as Half Moon Rock, and Cloud-Splitter Rock jutting out of the dense pine-hardwood forest – easily mistaken for mountains, these ridges were the result of, not uplift, but the slow and steady carving of sandstone by the Red River.

From the overlook, take in the gorgeous landscape of Pinch-Em-Tight Gap and the Chimney Top Creek Drainage – a stunning example of the pristine beauty of the Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachian foothills, then simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead for a roundtrip hike that is just under 0.7-miles.