Unearthing the Secrets of Kentucky's Arch Kingdom

A Lifelong Fascination with Natural Architecture

My love affair with arches began nearly 60 years ago at Kentucky's Natural Bridge. Its majestic form sparked a curiosity that has only deepened over time. How did this natural wonder come to be? The question lingered, fueling my desire to explore these captivating formations.

The Red River Gorge: A Treasure Trove of Hidden Gems

My exploration of the Red River Gorge began in the summer of 1974. Encountering Rock Bridge solidified my fascination. Over the next decade, I explored the marked trails leading to the gorge's known arches, but whispers of hidden arches, numbering in the hundreds, ignited a new quest.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Gorge's Hidden Arches

Decades later, armed with GPS technology and Bill Patrick's invaluable "The Arches of the Red River Gorge Kentucky" DVDs, my hiking buddy Eric Glover and I embarked on a mission to uncover these hidden treasures. We meticulously documented the latitude and longitude of each arch, transforming our explorations into a systematic pursuit.

Over the past six years, we've discovered an astounding 375 arches! The actual number of arches in the gorge remains a mystery, constantly evolving as new discoveries are made. Experts believe the number may exceed a thousand, potentially surpassing even Utah's Arches National Park!

Unlike the easily visible arches of the West, the Red River Gorge's arches are often concealed by dense vegetation and rugged terrain. It's possible to walk right past one without even noticing! This, I believe, contributes to the ongoing discoveries and the thrill of the hunt.

The Art and Science of Arch Discovery

Discovering an arch involves more than just spotting an opening. It requires meticulous measurement (at least three feet across in one direction qualifies it as an arch) and careful analysis to distinguish true arches (eroded from a single rock) from false arches (formed by fallen rocks). Verification by other arch enthusiasts is crucial to confirm the discovery and its location.

Participating in arch rallies, organized by Bill Patrick, has added a new dimension to my exploration. These rallies provide a collaborative platform for confirming the existence of reported arches and contribute to the growing database of these natural wonders.

Unraveling the Geological Puzzles

While exploring, I've developed a deep appreciation for the Corbin Sandstone, the rock layer that gives birth to most Red River Gorge arches. Its variability continually surprises me, revealing fascinating features like shale lenses embedded within the sandstone.

My interest has extended beyond mere discovery to understanding the geological processes that shape these arches. My theory regarding the formation of Rock Bridge, involving a gooseneck meander and a breached wall, contrasts with the traditional waterfall retreat theory. A detailed survey, conducted with the help of Alan More, supports my hypothesis, which aligns with the formation theories of certain arches in Utah's Natural Bridges National Monument.

Beyond Arches: Petroglyphs and Stargazing

My upcoming trip to Natural Bridges National Monument offers an opportunity to explore not just arches, but also petroglyphs, including a famous one resembling a sauropod, which some creationists believe provides evidence of human-dinosaur coexistence.

The monument's high altitude and dark skies present ideal conditions for stargazing and astrophotography, adding another dimension to this exciting expedition.

Join the Arch Adventure!

Want to experience the wonder of the Red River Gorge firsthand? Join me on the Answers in Genesis Explore Arches field trip (my "Arch Encounter") on April 11th! Explore Rock Bridge, learn about its formation, and enjoy a refreshing bottle of Cheerwine with lunch. Sign up today!