The One-Of-A-Kind Red River Gorge In Kentucky Is Absolutely Heaven On Earth
By Sarah McCosham|Published July 19, 2022
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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.
“Heaven must be a Kentucky kind of place.” Daniel Boone, the Bluegrass State’s favorite founding father, said this, and we wholeheartedly agree. While the state is home to more wonders than we could possibly list, today we’re celebrating one of Kentucky’s crown jewels: Red River Gorge. Located within Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is the Holy Grail of outdoor recreation and adventure; the ultimate Kentucky day trip and bucket-list-worthy adventure. Allow us to wax poetic on this one-of-a-kind place, a Kentucky kind of place that’s pure heaven on earth.
Kentucky might be best-known as the home of the world's largest underground cavern system, but natural wonders abound aboveground, too. For proof of this, look no further than Red River Gorge. Dubbed The Grand Canyon of Kentucky, Red River Gorge is a canyon system along the Red River in the eastern part of the state.
Red River Gorge is renowned for its outdoor recreation, offering next-level hiking, kayaking, fishing, climbing, and camping. It's perhaps best-known for hiking; there are some 60 miles of mapped hiking trails in various spots throughout the Gorge!
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.
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.
However, if you prefer to leave your hiking boots at home, the Skylift is a pretty memorable way to experience the scenic splendor of Natural Bridge. This popular attraction takes visitors on a mile-long journey through spectacular mountain scenery!
Along the banks of the Red River in Kentucky, lies a natural wonder 400 million years in the making. Red River Gorge is a place that will make you feel like you are quite literally on top of the world; it's as close to heaven on earth as it gets...
