Powdermill Branch Trail #238
Powdermill Branch Trail #238 is the only one in the Red River Gorge open to mountain bikes and horses, along with hikers. The trail occurs outside of the Red River Gorge Geological Area but passes through a scenic portion of the Cumberland District on the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Mountain bikers often share the trail with hikers, so be sure the Share the Trail.
Note that there is no roadside parking or vehicle access to trailhead from Hatten Ridge Road. Park at the trailhead off of Forest Road 9A. Ride left along the creek until you can ford the creek and find a steep old logging road going up the hill. Hike-a-bike up this lower section until you can ride (a few dozen yards).
Once the trail gains a natural bench after the initial climb up from Indian Creek, it contours for a long time over a deep, narrow holler (Powdermill Branch) and crosses a couple of smaller drainages coming in from the right (north).
Continue the steady climb up Powdermill Branch through a beautiful boulder garden, and then a little valley before confronting the upper wall exit of the trail. There is a short hike-a-bike and then you can ride on out.
At the top end, you are on Hatton Ridge Road (Forest Road 165). You can ride along the road to the gate at Hatton Cemetery, where it becomes Menifee Co. Road #1228, which joins Spaas Creek Road.
DIFFICULTY NOTE: This trail is very steep on both ends with grades above 20%, narrow eroding section with lots of rock and creek crossing with no bridge or ford.
Powdermill Branch Trail #238 Guide and Map (pdf)
Trailhead: Pull-off on Indian Creek Road
Latitude 37.868 Longitude -83.6756
At a Glance
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General Information
Directions:Traveling east on the Mountain Parkway, take exit 33 at Slade. Turn left and then left again onto KY 11/15. After 1.4 miles, turn right onto KY 77. Follow 77 through Nada Tunnel and across the Red River, turning left onto a gravel road after crossing the river. Follow this gravel road, which will turn back to pavement, for approximately 3 miles before turning right onto gravel Indian Creek Road. Follow this road across the bridge to where the road splits. Take the left fork of the road until you reach a pull-off where the Powdermill Trail begins.
Parking:
Parking is available at the pull-off where the Powder Mill Trail begins.