Indian Staircase to Cloudsplitter is a 4.6 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Campton, Kentucky that features a great forest setting and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, rock climbing, and camping and is best used from April until September.
camping
hiking
rock climbing
trail running
forest
views
scramble
Note: This hike involves walking along Red River Road to get back to the parking lot. The trail and rock scrambling up may be strenuous, but it is definitely achievable and well worth reaching the top. There are tons of camping spots on top of Indian staircase and several through the entire trail.
Best and favorite hike and backpacking place, although there isnt a bad hike in the area.
Amazing trail. Name may be misleading for those who actually want to climb Cloudsplitter and see the slot canyon. The regular map is great...and I forgot to record...but basically, where the map has you go left down to 715 to walk back to the trailhead—don’t do that unless you DONT want to try and see the slot canyon! Instead continue on the white dotted trail past the giant triangular rock on your left. Watch for an unmarked trail on your right, not too far after. It’s a slight open area that has what looks like two washed out creeks.
Climbing the staircase was a challenge but well worth it! The views at the top are amazing!
finally made it to the cloudsplitter, and dang! it was brilliant. Don't let other reviews fool you, the trail and rock scrambling up may be strenuous, but it is definitely achievable and well worth reaching the top. there was a lot of traffic coming out of the cave right below the peak, so we bypassed seeing what was in and on the other side, but our next trip we will be going through it.
Really great overnight trip! Their are tons of camping spots on top of Indian staircase and several through the entire trail. The different arches, the staircase, and cloudsplitter were absolutely beautiful. Trail conditions were great. I would recommend this weekend trip to anyone just looking for a small getaway!