Powder Mill Arch and Wolf Pen Arch (2.25 miles – unmarked)

Powder Mill Arch

SUMMARY: A moderate hike to 2 arches.  This hike mostly follows a horse trail, and while unmarked it is one of the easier trails to follow.  This is a limestone arch and once you arrive at the arch it is possible to scramble up on top of the arch and take good photos.  Once inside Powder Mill Arch you will find the smaller and pretty average Wold Pen Arch.  This hike is technically in the Indian Creek area.

RATING: Moderate Hike (about 2.25 miles.)  This hike crosses Indian Creek twice and does NOT have a bridge, so you may want to do this hike in better weather.  This hike uses unmarked trails and many people have trouble navigating the hike.   A quality map, compass and deep woods navigating skills are essential for your safety on this hike.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO HIKE: Early spring when flowers are blooming or autumn when you can catch the fall colors.  The USDA Forest Office is located in Winchester, Kentucky about an hour from Red River Gorge. For up to date information either stop in the Ranger District Office, visit their website or telephone: (859) 745-3100

AMOUNT OF TIME NEEDED: Allow a half of a day (2-4 hours) to enjoy this hike.

Powder Mill Parking

  1. From rest area at exit #33 off of the Mountain State Parkway Turn left, on Hwy 11 (0.1 miles)
  2. Turn right on Hwy 77 (1.5 miles)
  3. Turn left on Hwy 613 (4.3 miles)
  4. Turn right on Indian Creek Road (2.5 miles)
  5. Turn left on Indian Creek Road (1.2 miles)
  6. Turn left on Powdermill Branch (9a) (0.6 miles)
  7. Park at parking area on left side.

Wolf Pen Arch

DETAILS :

  1. From parking area go down to the creek and cross.  You will find a horse trail on the opposite side of the creek heading south west (up the hill to your left.)  It is sometimes hard to find, but following it is the easiest way to get to Powder Mill Arch.  (100 feet)
  2. Follow the unmarked horse trail until you go down to an unmarked small creek in a small valley (0.9 miles)
  3. Turn right (north) and head upstream via the unmarked creek and you will find Powder Mill Arch on your left side. (0.1 miles)
  4. Return to the parking area via the unmarked creek and the unmarked horse trail. (1.0 mile)
GPS Coordinates of unmarked trail starting hike to Powder Mill Arch
37, 52′ 4.7 N
83, 40′ 32.7 W
 
 GPS Coordinates of a ridge along unmarked horse trail on route to Powder Mill Arch
37, 51′ 43.4 N
83, 40′ 46.3 W
 
GPS Coordinates of creek leading up to Powder Mill arch that intersects unmarked horse trail.
37, 51′ 54.9 N
83, 41′ 9.5 W
 
GPS Coordinates of Powder Mill Arch
37, 52′ 1.7 N
83, 41′ 7.0 W