Everyone is familiar with Arizona’s majestic Grand Canyon, but other states have their own version. The renowned Red River Gorge in Kentucky, also known as the Grand Canyon of Kentucky, is a magical place 365 days a year. If you have never visited the Gorge, you will be surprised by the beauty it holds. It is definitely a spot to add to your bucket list for a weekend trip of scenic beauty and serenity

Here are 11 things that make this Grand Canyon in Kentucky so special:

11. Red River Gorge expands for hundreds of miles.
Google
One entrance to the park can be found on Robbie Ridge Road in Stanton. The area is vast and offers miles of activities and forested preserve.
10. Red River
Al
The Gorge is a part of the Red River. This beautiful and sometimes raging river nourishes the nature and wildlife of the area. It is full of life and offers a soothing sound and serene environment when relaxing anywhere along its borders.
9. The Gorge is a geological masterpiece.
Damon Green
The Gorge is named after the Red River that runs through it. It is geologically part of the Pottsville Escarpment. The area is so rich with life it became a preserved part of the forest in the 1930s.
8. Daniel Boone National Forest
3EnglishN3rd
The majority of the Red River Gorge Geological Area is around 29,000 acres located in the preserved Daniel Boone National Forest. It has been deemed a National Natural Landmark and is under a preservation act.
7. The Gorge is a series of canyons.
Helen Cassidy
This beautiful system of canyons frames the river and part of the forest. People travel for miles just to relax within this woodland and watery paradise.

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6. Camping and fishing
Chris
There are some fantastic activities to enjoy at the Gorge. The fishing is fantastic almost anywhere water exists, and the camp sites are perfect. You can rent a cabin, or enjoy primitive camp sites all across the area. There are spots in the Gorge where the only sounds are you and nature.
5. Water sports
Sarah Altendorf
There are plenty of water sports to be enjoyed in the Gorge, including boating, kayaking, canoeing and rafting. If you embark on a serene float down the river, you will not be disappointed. White water areas are available for those who like a more challenging watery adventure.
4. Sandstone bridges
Ulrich Burkhalter
There are over 100 naturally formed sandstone bridges throughout the Gorge, and even a special park inside the forest deemed the Natural Bridge Park. You can stand above the canyons and get a bird’s eye view for miles. The scenic beauty from these areas is almost hypnotic.
3. Climbing
Helen Cassidy
Rock climbing is popular here along the canyon walls for the more adventurous types. The Motherlode, Muir Valley, and Pendergrass Murray Recreational Preserve are all favored spots for the Red River Gorge Climber’s Coalition for their breathtaking views and available climbs.
2. Hiking and walking
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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.

Click here for the official website of Red River Gorge.

1. The Gorge is a favorite spot.

 

Nature enthusiasts cannot help but love Red River Gorge. The scenery changes with each season, providing an almost entirely different environment every few months. It is a consistently evolving realm of Mother Nature’s beauty with an endless array of activities.

Have you ever been to Red River Gorge in Kentucky? Share your experience in the comments! The scenic beauty of the Grand Canyon in Kentucky is breathtaking all year round. However, there is plenty of Mother Nature’s magic spread all across the state. Don’t forget to add these 10 incredible natural wonders in Kentucky to your bucket list, too.

 

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Red River Gorge in kentucky

Beth Price-Williams | March 14, 2020

Where else can I find the best views in Kentucky?

If you’re on the hunt for the best views in Kentucky, you certainly can’t go wrong at the Lookout Restaurant in Park City. Regardless of where you sit in the charming restaurant, you’ll be treated to sensational views of the landscape. While you’re admiring the view, dig into a delicious meal – homemade meatloaf, baked chicken, or pulled pork, for example.

Treat yourself to a relaxing getaway and jaw-dropping views when you check into the cabin at Clifftop Haven in Red River Gorge. With sweeping views of the gorge, the spacious cabin boasts all the amenities of home – from satellite TV to a gas fireplace.

What are the most scenic hiking trails in Kentucky?

You’ll find an abundance of hiking trails in Kentucky. If you’re on the lookout for a scenic yet easy hike, plan a visit to Raven Run Nature Sanctuary in Lexington. There, you’ll find several trails that wind through the nature reserve, providing beautiful views of colorful wildflowers, tiny waterfalls, and more than 600 species of plants.

Pair your next hike with a spectacular waterfall when you head out on the Flat Lick Falls Loop Trail.  Just follow the paved path that leads straight to an overlook of the gushing waterfall.

Are there any other natural wonders in Kentucky?

Gas up the car, turn up the tunes, and hit the highway on this road trip that will take you to some of the top natural wonders in Kentucky. The nearly 12-hour road trip spans 634 miles and will take you to such scenic spots as Rock House Natural Bridge in Albany, Big South Fork National Park in Campton, and Cumberland Falls in Corbin. If you don’t have time to complete the whole road trip, remove stops to make it doable.

 

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Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USA