The is the second in my series of posts about short hikes on the Kentucky side of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, this one featuring Split Bow Arch.
Split Bow Arch
The Split Bow Arch trail is an easy 0.7 mile loop with a great reward when you arrive at the arch. Where the loop begins, going right will take you to the top of a wooden staircase that leads you down and through the arch. Going left will take you to the base of the arch.
From the bottom of the stairs 
Under the arch 
From the top of the stairs
The rhododendron, huge trees, and large moss-covered rocks make the rest of the trail enjoyable as well.
Rhododendron along the trail 
Going between the large rocks on the trail.
How to get there: From Stearns, Kentucky, take Highway 1651 to the south, turn right onto Highway 742, and follow the signs toward Bear Creek. It will be a gravel road for the last few miles, but it was well-maintained. The trail is accessed from the Bear Creek parking area, which has a vault toilet.
This is a lightly-trafficked section of the park, so it’s a good option to avoid crowds.
Before reaching the main parking area, you’ll come to a small parking lot next to Split Bow Arch Overlook. The view from the overlook is a good option for anyone with accessibility issues who cannot hike the trail.
View from Split Bow Arch Overlook
Bear Creek Overlook is also a short hike from the parking area, and it offers a nice panorama of the area.
Bear Creek Overlook