Hiking in Campton: Red-Byrd Arch

Beautiful arch. A storm several years ago made this a tough trail for a few years. A lot of blowdowns in the middle third of this hike had you climbing over, under and through hundreds of downed trees. I've done quite a bit of off trail hiking (bushwhacking) in the Red River Gorge. This trail was as hard as any. However, time has seen all those trees sink into the ground and start to rot. The trail is a lot easier now. Not easy, easier. The trail continues to get better and wider each time I visit. There are reroutes around the worst blowdown areas. We can help the "cleanup" process by stepping on and sliding over the fallen trees versus walking around them if feasible. When the trail starts to go downhill, you're getting close. There is a small climb that at first looks more treacherous than it is. It's really pretty simple. The final right turn down the hill to the arch should be taken with care. Mud and rain can make it worse. Please don't camp out within 300 feet of the arch. It's not only illegal and destructive but it's how we help protect these incredible places for future generations. Red Byrd Arch sits less than a quarter mile from the Red River. You can make your way down there and find pools to fish or swim. There's a large flat place to camp nearby if you're interested.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Its a nice hike, but difficult to follow the trail. A lot of down trees, various paths, over grown, and is not marked at all.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

The trail is not marked, and poorly maintained. Without an AllTrails app we would have been completely lost. The hike is 4.2 miles (2.1 miles out, and back). Mostly flat hiking for 2 miles through wooded area, a lot of climbing over the fallen trees that are blocking the trail, and then a sharp drop for the last 0.1 miles to see the arch. Not much to see for most of the trail, just one overlook near the end. The arch is pretty, but the “trail” down to the arch is very steep and would be dangerous in wet conditions.