Explore Arches with Dr. Danny Faulkner

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Explore Tickets

$39.99

Price per person (ages 12 and up). Creation Museum general admission is not required or included.

Pricing & Registration
Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might. (Isaiah 40:26)

For this Explore Day we will venture far away from the Creation Museum. In the beauty of Red River Gorge, we will discover amazing arch formations called natural bridges. With Dr. Danny Faulkner as our guide, learn how the present geology of the earth is a testament to a historical global flood described in the Bible.

The hikes to the arch formations included in this event are classified as easy to moderate. Therefore, you must be physically able and prepared for a full day of hiking (approximately eight miles). Due to the strenuous nature of the event, no children under the age of 12 are permitted.

Open to participants ages 12 and up. This is not a drop-off event for children. If a child is attending, one parent or guardian is required to accompany their child. All participants are responsible for transportation to and from the event.

Cheerwine is Dr. Faulkner’s favorite soft drink and one bottle of Cheerwine will be provided for each participant to enjoy with lunch.

Explore Arches is scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m.

Location: Red River Gorge, Stanton, KY 40387

Pricing & Registration

  • $39.99 per person (ages 12 and up)
  • Creation Museum general admission is not required and not included.

Dates

You can find answers to common questions on the Explore Days FAQ page.

Please contact us for more information or if you would like to schedule an exclusive Explore day for your group.

Things to Bring

  • Plenty of water
  • Snacks
  • Sack Lunch
  • Towel
  • Water shoes
  • Extra pair of dry socks
  • Camera
  • First aid kit
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect spray
  • Hat
  • Backpack

What to Wear

  • Depending on the season, shorts or capris (something you can roll up for water fun at Rock Bridge Arch)
  • Hiking boots preferred or sneakers. No sandals.

Transportation

You will need to provide your own transportation to the starting location at Junior Williamson Rest Area in Slade, KY. From the Junior Williamson Rest Area, a van will take you to the hiking locations.

Schedule

Please keep in mind that some of our activities are contingent upon weather.

Time  
8:00 a.m. Meet at Junior Williamson Rest Area (exit 33 on the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway)
9:00–11:00 a.m. Gray’s Arch Trail
  • Classified as a moderate hike
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Rock Bridge Trail #207 (1.5 miles)
  • Classified as an easy-to-moderate hike
  • Arch & Creation Falls
  • One of the few natural bridges with water flowing under it
  • We will eat lunch at this location. Please pack a sack lunch that will fit in your backpack.
  • Restrooms at trail head
1:00–3:00 p.m. Chimney Top Rock #235 & Princess Arch #233 (approx. 1 mile for both)
  • Classified as an easy-to-moderate hike
  • Spectacular view of Red River Gorge
3:00–4:00 p.m. Sky Bridge Loop #214 (1 mile)
  • Classified as an easy-to-moderate hike
  • Double arch with 75-step climb
  • Restrooms at the trail head

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can my child under the age of 18 attend without an adult?
A: No. All participants ages 12–17 must attend with an adult participant.

Q: Is lunch provided?
A: Lunch is not provided.

Q: If I am unable to attend, can I get a refund?
A: We are happy to refund any Explore registrations if your request is made at least 21 days before the date of the program. Due to the amount of preparation each day necessitates, we are unable to provide refunds within 21 days of the program date. For refunds, please contact Reservations at (800) 721-2298.

Q: Are there any registration discounts?
A: No, there are no discounts for lifetime members, annual members, or staff members.

Q: Can I register children under the minimum age?
A: No. Due to the rigorous content and complexity of activities, students need to be a minimum age of 12 years old by the date of the program.

Optional Activities Not Included with the Event

For those adults and families wanting to camp overnight at Red River Gorge or spend additional time in the area after the scheduled events, there are a few fun activities available for your family at the gorge, however, the following events are not included in the cost of the event.

Gladie Visitor Center

Visit Gladie Visitor Center and learn about the history of this area of the country.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park Skylift and Giftshop

Take the chair lift to the top of Natural Bridge by purchasing either a one-way or round-trip ticket.

Overnight Camping

Camping, Kayaking, and Canoeing