Red River Gorge: The 'Grand Canyon Of Kentucky' Is A True Hidden Gem
By Sarah McCosham|Published March 19, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
The Bluegrass State will certainly surprise you. While Kentucky is known for bourbon, horses, and houseboats, few people realize that it is also home to one of the most beautiful National Parks in the country. Located within the state’s Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is the Holy Grail of outdoor recreation and adventure. For the ultimate Kentucky day trip, look no further than Red River Gorge.
Known as the "Grand Canyon of Kentucky," Red River Gorge is a canyon system along the Red River in the eastern part of the state.
Located in Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is a magical place any time of the year, offering some of the very best outdoor recreation in the country.
And the adventures begin before arriving at the park itself. The 900-foot Nada Tunnel, known as the "Gateway to Red River Gorge," is former a railroad tunnel that offers a shortcut to the park.
Driving through the one-lane Nada Tunnel is a harrowing experience, but part of the excitement of a trip to Red River Gorge. And in the interest of full disclosure, locals also claim it's haunted!
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For a more relaxed drive, the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway offers 46 miles of Kentucky grandeur.
Attractions on the scenic byway include the Gladie Visitor Center, Nada Tunnel, and views of some of the park's iconic stone arches and unique rock formations. There are also several scenic overlooks that are worth stopping for.
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Red River Gorge is renowned for its outdoor recreation, offering next-level hiking, kayaking, fishing, climbing, and camping.
The park draws upwards of 750,000 visitors each year, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to neophyte nature lovers. There's truly something for everyone at Red River Gorge.
The Gorge is perhaps best-known for its incredible hiking trails, offering drop-dead gorgeous views of waterfalls, canyons, caverns, and other splendid natural features.
There are well over 60 miles of mapped hiking trails in various spots throughout the Gorge. You can enjoy the scenic views from highs above the canyon or low points as you stroll along the rivers. And you don't have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy Red River Gorge; there are a variety of trails for all skill levels.
For beginners, the Angel Window Trail is positively perfect.
This 0.6-mile trail winds beneath some absolutely spectacular sandstone arch frames. In fact, there are over 150 naturally-formed sandstone bridges throughout the Gorge.
For more advanced hikers, Sheltowee Connector Trail is 12.3 miles of pure Bluegrass State beauty.
The Connector Trail is peak Red River Gorge; you'll traverse over a charming hanging bridge, through babbling waters, and deep into the wilderness of Daniel Boone National Park. There are points on the trail at which you'll truly feel like you’re in an enchanted forest.
If you're looking for a hike that the whole family can enjoy, Natural Bridge is one of Red River Gorge's most spectacular spots and offers 10 hiking trails ranging from a half-mile to 7.5 miles in length.
With stunning geological features and sweeping panoramas, Natural Bridge is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the region -- and there are many ways to take it all in.
The Skylift is a pretty memorable way to experience the scenic splendor of Natural Bridge.
These zip line tours are as exciting as they are scenic, offering a bird's eye view of one of Kentucky's most breathtaking natural wonders, all at an incredible 55 mph. It's an epic adventure you won't forget.
Of course, the "Grand Canyon of Kentucky" is also known for its stellar climbing.
Red River Gorge attracts climbers from all over the country who come to scale the park's iconic sandstone cliffs. Climbing is one of the best ways to experience the Gorge's unique geological features; these rocky precipices are over 400 million years in the making.
While Red River Gorge is an ideal day-trip destination, it's also the perfect place to pitch a tent and camp for a night or two.
There are numerous campsites within Daniel Boone National Forest and Red River Gorge, and Natural Bridge has incredibly charming RV parks, campsites, and cabins.
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But for a truly spectacular stay in Red River Gorge, there are some accommodations that will take your breath away.
Cedarpalace Cabin is one of the largest in the Gorge and offers a luxurious vacation experience with million-dollar views. After a day exploring this wondrous place, a night of rest and relaxation is the perfect way to savor the splendor that is Red River Gorge.
Along the banks of the Red River, lies a natural wonder 400 million years in the making.
Red River Gorge is sandstone cliffs, rock arches, lush forests, and deep valleys. It's a place for outdoor recreation, wandering, and exploring.
But Red River Gorge is more than simply the sum of its parts; it's a place for discovery and reflecting, of connecting with Mother Nature in a deep and profound new way.
Red River Gorge truly is Kentucky’s crown jewel and should be on any adventure seeker’s bucket list. Can’t wait to explore? Check out this amazing aerial video featuring some of Red River Gorge’s most iconic landmarks by Robert Zinn via YouTube:
General Information:
Accessibility: With over 600 miles of trails, Red River Gorge offers something for everyone. On the north end of the forest in the Red River Gorge Geological Area, Skybridge provides an accessible overlook of the arch. Natural Arch and Barren Fork Trails are two of the park’s more accessible trails, though they are unpaved. For a complete listing of trails at Red River Gorge, visit the USDA Forest Service website.
Pet Friendly: Red River Gorge is pet-friendly and dogs are welcome on the trails, as long as they’re kept on a leash. Exercise caution if you plan on bringing a pet with you; the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources regulations do allow hunting and trapping in the area and visitors should take appropriate safety precautions to protect themselves and pets during hunting and trapping seasons.
Parking: At each park within Red River Gorge, there are myriad free places to park your vehicle. Please note, however, that parking on Tunnel Ridge Road is limited to designated sites only. Please do not park on the shoulder of any road, and do not block gates.
Seasonal Access: Red River Gorge is open all year long.
Cost: Admission to Red River Gorge is free; however, if you plan on camping, you’ll want to note that vehicles on KY-15 or in the Red River Gorge and Indian Creek area north of KY-15 must display a recreation permit for backcountry camping between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Permits are $3/day or $30/year and can be purchased at the Cumberland District Office, located at 2375 KY 801, South Morehead, KY, 40351.
If you’re looking for another swoon-worthy place to stay while in Red River Gorge, The Canopy Crew has some of the most magical accommodations in the park. Their one-of-a-kind destinations include the cliff-mounted Cliff Dweller treehouse, a truly spectacular place that you’ll never forget.
