D. Boon Hut, Red River Gorge, KY

Hidden under a sandstone cliff at the head of a rugged ravine sits an enormous rock shelter that is surrounded in mystery and legend. Discovered in 1959 by 3 men looking for Kentuckys legendary ‘lost silver mines’, the tale of D. Boons Hut is as interesting as the hike itself. Located in the Grays Arch Recreation Area this short hike is not one to be underestimated. The 1.45 mile loop takes hikers down steep terrain and at times the trail is difficult to find. I would rate this hike as moderately difficult due to the amount of scrambling and navigation required, AllTrails users have rated it as a moderate hike.

D. Boons Hut would be our last hike before heading back to the city. We had hiked almost 15 miles over the course of two days so this short loop seemed like the perfect way to end the weekend. Earlier that day we had completed Grays Arch/Rush Ridge and Pinch Em Tight Ridge by adding D. Boons Hut we would complete the Grays Arch Recreation Area trifecta. The trail can be done from either the south side or north side of the parking area. We took the northern route following the Grays Arch Trail to the Rough Trail, this is the same trail to get to Grays Arch but instead of taking a right on the Rough Trail we turn left heading southeast.

This section of the Rough Trail lives up to its name as it quickly descends down a rugged cliff. We slowly make our way down doing our best to avoid slipping on the worn sandstone. At times the trail is difficult to find and I am surprised that our guide book has rated this as an easy hike and given it 4 stars for trail condition. At the .75 mile mark we cross Martin Fork creek, the lowest elevation point of this hike. Not too far from the creek we meet a bird watcher, the only person we see on this hike, a stark contrast from Grays Arch.

At the 1.25 mile mark we come to a sign pointing us in the direction of D. Boon Hut. We take this side trail which hugs the base of the cliffs. As we come over a little hill we are fascinated by the large rock shelter that is tucked under the head of this massive ravine. A chain link fence has been put in place to protect the archeological remains found here. The men that first stumbled upon this site found wooden troughs and other artifacts including a “hut” which contained a board with the carved inscription, “D. BooN.” The men kept their discovery a secret for several years, upon revealing their find to the public the subject of its authenticity has been highly debated. We hang out for a bit taking pictures and enjoying the sounds of nature echoing through the ravine. Upon returning to the main trail we head right climbing a steep staircase out of the ravine.