As the name implies, the Auxier Ridge Trail winds atop one of the numerous ridges in the area. Since it's on a ridge, it's a completely different environment from some of the other trails like Swift Creek. While the mud on some trails is as gooey as axle grease, this trail is mainly sandy. And where the lower trails can be stiffling with no breeze on a hot day, the ridge itself is usually breezy and mild(er).
This is a fairly short trail. Kirsten and I have hiked from the trailhead to the ridge in 30 minutes though that's because we've hiked this trail numerous times. It's also fairly flat with only a few brief slopes so it makes a great starter trail. It's a popular trail and for good reason: it offers an unmatched view of the surrounding eastern Kentucky landscape. From the ridge itself, it's possible to see such formations as Haystack Rock, Courthouse Rock, Double Arch, Raven's Rock and, in the distance, Star Gap Arch.
Though the Auxier Ridge trail is not a loop trail, it's possible to build a loop by hiking Auxier Ridge (#204) to Courthouse Rock, jumping on Trail #203: Auxier Branch which will take you across the valley to Double Arch Trail and following it back to Tunnel Ridge Road. A short hike down the road takes you back to the Auxier Ridge trailhead. Be careful when you're trying to find the junction from Trail #204 to Trail #203: this part of the trail isn't marked very well.
When you're descending from Courthouse Rock, you want to keep moving down the slope, away from the ridge itself, towards the large stones (you should be able to see them from the base of Courthouse Rock). Don't take the path that goes along the base of the ridge. Eventually the trail with bend to the left and you'll see the trail fork into Trail #202 and Trail #203.
Note: while Trail #203 does junction with the Double Arch trail, it does so near the begining of that trail. If your goal is to see both Auxier Ridge and Double Arch, you'll have to proceed north on the Double Arch trail to see the arch then backtrack to the road.
A brief word of warning about the ridge itself. There are no guard rails and as the pictures indicate, the ridge forms a sheer cliff. Don't let children or pets wander too close to the edge.
Trailhead markers for Auxier Ridge trail |
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Courthouse rock |
Raven rock |
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Haystack rock |
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Double Arch from Auxier Ridge |
Auxier Ridge |
On the same day, my friend took some panoramic pictures. Be warned that the following pictures are very wide. They're best viewed using a high-resolution display.
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Questions or comments? Drop me a line.