Located within the state’s Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is the Holy Grail of outdoor recreation and adventure, offering next-level hiking, kayaking, fishing, climbing, and camping. It’s also one of the most scenic places in the country, and you can experience its grandeur on the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway. This 46-mile scenic byway is one of the most beautiful drives you’ll ever take and is a perfect way to take in the resplendence of Red River Gorge — without planning a bigger trip. So whether you’re looking for a bucket-list scenic drive through KY or simply curious to explore perhaps the most famous Daniel Boone National Forest scenic drive, you’ll be so glad you hopped in the car. (Or rented an RV for the adventure!)

The Red River Gorge Scenic Byway travels from Stanton to Zachariah, straight through the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest.
ksblack99/Flickr
At 46 miles long, this drive is a perfect day trip, allowing for plenty of time to stop at the byway's many scenic overlooks and points of interest.
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
The Red River Gorge Scenic Byway starts in Stanton, Kentucky, heading west on KY-11.
A. E. Crane/Wikimedia Commons
The journey begins with the 900-foot Nada Tunnel. Known as the "Gateway to Red River Gorge," this former railroad tunnel provides a dramatic entry into the park.
Nada Tunnel, Nada Tunnel Rd, Stanton, KY 40380, USA
A. E. Crane/Wikimedia Commons
The tunnel is only 12 feet high, dark, and quite narrow! But there's nothing in the world quite like it.
ehrlif/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Once you're officially in the park, the scenic byway follows the twists and turns of Red River, the first National Wild and Scenic River in Kentucky.
Dennis Adams/Wikimedia Commons

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Along the way, you'll pass Gladie Cultural and Environmental Learning Center, a pastoral area that has a reconstructed log home dating back to the late 1800s.
Gladie Visitor Center, 3451 Sky Bridge Rd Hwy 715, Stanton, KY 40380, USA
Dennis Adams/Wikimedia Commons
The road continues on KY-715. You'll definitely want to pull over and stop at Swift Camp Creek Overlook in Red River Gorge -- the views here are iconic!
Swift Camp Creek, Kentucky 41301, USA
Anthony/Flickr
The byway continues on KY-15, right before hitting Sky Bridge.
Sky Bridge Road, Sky Bridge Rd, Kentucky, USA
Dennis Adams/Wikimedia Commons
Though not as well-known as Natural Bridge (the *other* amazing arch in Red River Gorge), Sky Bridge truly is an extraordinary natural wonder.
Anthony/Flickr
Take a look at the breathtaking beauty of Sky Bridge when you watch the brief video footage below:

Of course, this scenic byway offers perfect panoramas of Natural Bridge, too!
Dakota Clark/Google Local
Time your trip so you pass Natural Park at sunrise or sunset, and you'll be at a complete loss for words.
Ic-8023N, Kentucky, USA
Aaron Vowels/Flickr
The byway finishes back on KY-11, ending in the small town of Zachariah. Follow the entire 46-mile route, and you'll be treated to some of the most extraordinary scenery in The Bluegrass State -- all without leaving your car!
ehrlif/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Looking for even more travel inspiration? Check out this breathtaking drone footage of the Red River Gorge -- you'll be packing your bags in no time!

Have you driven the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway before? Isn’t it absolutely beautiful? You can learn more about this beautiful byway at the USDA Forest Service website.

And when you’re ready to spend some time exploring Red River Gorge, be sure to check out our previous article highlighting why the gorge is considered the Grand Canyon of Kentucky! Looking for a place to stay while you explore? Check out these amazing Red River Gorge vacation rentals.

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More to Explore

red river gorge scenic byway

Beth C. | August 15, 2023

What are some of the most scenic drives in Kentucky?

Kentucky is brimming with natural scenery, so you can imagine there are plenty of beautiful roads that will showcase this exquisite beauty. Some of the most scenic drives in Kentucky include:

  • Kentucky Route 77
  • U.S. 23 - Country Music Highway
  • Mammoth Cave Pkwy & Green River Ferry
  • U.S. 150 - Bardstown to Springfield
  • Old Frankfort Pike
  • KY 536
  • Sky Bridge Road
  • Pine Mountain Road
  • U.S. 68

 

How many of these scenic backroads in Kentucky have you experienced?

What are the most beautiful parks to visit in Kentucky?

It's hard to imagine Kentucky without its stunning parks. Below you'll find a list of the most beautiful parks to visit in Kentucky:

  • Big Bone Lick State Park
  • Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
  • Carter Caves State Resort Park
  • Dawkins Line Rail Trail
  • John James Audubon State Park
  • Kincaid Lake State Park
  • Mineral Mound State Park
  • Pennyrile Forest State Park
  • Pine Mountain State Resort Park
  • Taylorsville Lake State Park

 

In our humble opinion, each and every KY state park is worth visiting! To learn more about the ones outlined above, check out our list of under-appreciated state parks in Kentucky that belong on your outdoor bucket list.

 

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Featured Addresses
Kentucky 11, KY-11, Stanton, KY, USA