The Rough Trail traverses the heart of the Red River Gorge from west to east. You get tons of stunning views of the Red River Gorge as well as plenty of creek/river crossings, and of course lots of climbing. This route is a staple to the area, and there is a reason its called the Rough Trail. The terrain is unforgiving, be prepared to watch your feet on every decent to avoid a costly step on a rock which could lead you to falling. This FKT route is an out and back, seeing all sites two times along the way. The trail starts at the Martins Fork entry off KY HWY 77 and runs beside Grays Arch. The trail runs up along a ridge and back down into the gorge and follows as you then climb up to Chimney Top Ridge Road. You travel over the road and then end at the next road Sky Bridge Rd. You then traverse back through the trail to end at HWY 77. This route can be traversed in either direction.
https://youtu.be/7kf5axZxmgg?si=pmC8XL_vDnb4qmTG
https://www.kentuckyhiker.com/latest/2019/8/16/rough-trail-out-and-back
