The Red River Gorge is a canyon system on the Red River in east-central Kentucky. It’s also one of the most beautiful locations in the South-East region of the United States!
Photo credit to Donald Memering
The gorge lies within the Daniel Boone National Forest and has been subsequently designated as the Red River Gorge Geological Area. It has been designated a National Natural Landmark and National Archaeological District, and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The entire park is around 29,000 acres, and offers an impressive array of natural attractions!
Photo Credit to Donald Memering
The Red River Gorge Geological Area, including the Clifty Wilderness Area, has a very diverse biology. The Gorge is home to a wide variety of wildlife including hawks, owls, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, deer, fox, black bears, and two venomous snakes: the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. It is also home to several endangered species including the white-haired goldenrod which is found only in Red River Gorge.
Photo Credit to Donald Memering
For outdoor enthusiasts the intricate canyon system has a little bit of everything, natural bridges, tall sandstone bluffs, magnificent rock shelters, and breathtaking waterfalls! If that wasn’t enough, there are more than 100 natural sandstone arches! There is even a special section of the park known as Natural Bridge Park.
Photo Credit to Donald Memering
The unique combination of all these natural attractions, has helped the area become one of the world’s top rock climbing destinations, and is home to the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition. The area has earned the nickname ‘the Red’ by climbers.
Photo Credit to Donald Memering
One of the most popular hiking trails in the park, is the Copperas Falls trail. This is a 3.6 mile, out and back trail located near Campton, Kentucky. This incredible trail takes you into the woods, along a creek, and even includes a stunning 40 foot waterfall!
Another popular trail is the Swift Camp Creek Trail, this is one of our favorite trails in all of Kentucky. Its not an easy checking in at over 14 miles round trip, the trail has a little bit of everything, rock shelters, severe elevation changes, breathtaking overlooks, dense forest, and a meandering stream. The creek is lined with huge boulders, and is a perfect place to take a swim on a hot summer day.
Photo courtesy of @Kathy77777
If you are looking for an adventurous hike, places to do some primitive camping, jaw-dropping scenery, and incredible views, then Red Rock Gorge is the place for you! The forest is so thick you could hit these trails over and over again and still find something new on every journey.
Photo credit to Donald Memering
Don’t Miss: No trip to Red River Gorge is complete without visiting The Rock Bridge, and Creation Falls. Both of these gorgeous trails can be accessed from the same parking lot. The trail is a mile and a half in length and takes about 2 hours to complete, and offers some of the most incredible views in the park.
Photo credit to Donald Memering
Logistics: The Red River Gorge is located Robbie Ridge Road, in Stanton Kentucky.
Photo credit to Donald Memering
Best Time: Our favorite season for hiking is in the Fall. Late October is the perfect time to visit Red River Gorge.
Photo credit to Donald Memering
Pit Stop: Miguel’s Pizza has turned into a Red River Gorge icon. It’s the perfect place to refuel after a long hike or strenuous climb. Miguel’s Pizza is located at 1890 Natural Bridge Road/KY-11 S in Slade.
Lodging: Our favorite lodging options in the area can be found at rrgcabin.com. There is a wide range of cabin options to choose from including some of the most amazing tree-houses you have ever seen! There are also numerous camping options available, with everything from primitive backpacking sites, to RV sites with all the hook ups. The area also has around 300 different cabin options as well.
Extended Play: Red River Adventures offers an 8 mile kayak trip through the gorge. This incredible float trip is one of the best in the state! For more information, click here.
Travel Smart: The Red River Gorge is not for everyone, this is a deep and dense forest. Know your limits and abilities, before setting off on a hike. Plan ahead and watch the weather. I also suggest packing bug spray, sunscreen, plenty of drinking water, and comfortable hiking shoes are a must.