Whippoorwill Arch and Whippersnapper Arch Out and Back

Map of Whippoorwill and Whippersnapper Arches Hike, Whitley County, KY

Elevation Profile of Whippoorwill and Whippersnapper Arches Hike, Whitley County, KY

Overview. This little hike off the southwestern reaches of Laurel River Lake will take you to a pair of arches separated by only a few hundred yards. Whippoorwill is a big beauty while Whippersnapper has its own playful charm.

Also, I’m sharing this hike and hope many of you will visit to not only enjoy these natural treasures, but also assist in cleaning up this area that is littered with trash and illegal dumping. Bring a trash bag and pack out what you can. Even better, share your good deeds with the Project on Instagram.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 1 mile
Overall Difficulty | Easy
this trail is unmarked, but easily navigated

GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 36.928194, -84.242772
Turn to the Arches | 36.931303, -84.240256
Whippoorwill Arch | 36.930881, -84.239181
Whippersnapper Arch | 36.931431, -84.238144

Trailhead. Limited parking for up to 4 or 5 vehicles is available at the trailhead across from a cell tower at the end of Whippoorwill Road. Be sure to avoid parking on private property nearby. [map]

Trail navigation. From the parking lot, follow the gravel road around the gate for 0.25 miles before reaching an intersection with a less developed/maintained road on the right. Turn here and follow it to reach single-track trail with short switchbacks to below the developing cliffline. Hug the cliffline before reaching Whippoorwill Arch and continue along the same cliffline to the next rise to reach Whippersnapper Arch. Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

Bring a trash bag and pick-up after others. On all of my visits to this region, trash was plentiful at the trailhead, on trail, and at major points of interest. Bring a trash bag and pack out what others have left behind. If it’s more than you can manage, pack out what you can.

CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. Timber rattlesnakes and copperheads can be found in the region. Stay alert on the trail, as snakes are commonly found taking in the warmth of the trail. Give them a wide berth or wait for them to move off the trail.

CAUTION - Bears. Black bears are growing in number throughout Daniel Boone National Forest. Be sure to follow bear safety precautions. [Be Bear Aware by US Forest Service]

Trailhead for Whippoorwill and Whippersnapper Arches, Whitley County, KY

Whippoorwill Arch, Whitley County, KY

Whippersnapper Arch, Whitley County, KY