Planning a visit to Kentucky's Red River Gorge? Here are some of our favorite things to do in the area.
1. Go For a Hike
Hiking in Red River Gorge is one of our favorite things to do, and it's one of the best places to do it!
Before you go, be aware that the gorge has some official marked trails, and lots and lots of unofficial, unmarked trails.
You'll probably want to download digital trail maps before hiking, such as the ones available from AllTrails. I typically use my Garmin inReach Mini 2 for navigation help.
I also highly recommend the books Red River Gorge Trail Guide (for official trails) and Hinterlands (for unofficial trails). These books are incredibly helpful for planning out your routes.
Some of our favorite official trails in the area are Auxier Ridge, Courthouse Rock and Double Arch Loop, Grays Arch, Silvermine Arch and Rock Bridge Trail. Unofficial trails that we love include Hanson's Point and Jailhouse Rock.
2. Go Rock Climbing in Red River Gorge
The Gorge is known as one of the best areas for rock climbing in the world.
Whether you're an experienced climber wanting a challenge, looking for a relatively easy climbing route, or want to take rock climbing lessons, you can make it happen here in the gorge.
3. Visit Nearby Natural Bridge State Park
Looking for an area with more established and well-marked trails? Check out nearby Natural Bridge State Park.
This park's showcase is an impressive sandstone arch that spans 75 feet in length and is 65 feet high. You can even hike on top of it!
Natural Bridge State Park is also a great place to take non-hikers, since they can opt to ride the sky lift to the top of the arch and skip the steep trails.
4. Drive Through Nada Tunnel
Nada Tunnel, also called "The Gateway to the Red River Gorge," is a 900-foot-long, one-lane tunnel. It was originally created to help with logging operations and was part of a railway route.
It's quite an experience to drive through it! On the other hand, if the thought of driving through a narrow tunnel makes your palms sweaty, there are multiple other ways to access the area without driving through a tunnel.
5. Check Out Red River Gorge Restaurants
I've never had a bad meal in the Red River Gorge.
My personal favorites include the Daniel Boone Coffee Shop, Miguel's Pizza and the Red River Rockhouse (open seasonally).
There are also barbeque options, including Thatcher Barbecue in Slade and RedPoint BBQ about 15 minutes away in Campton.
6. Go Kayaking in an Underground Mine
Want to try something really unique? Try kayaking in an underground abandoned limestone mine.
This was one of the coolest things we've done in the area, and it's a perfect activity year-round.
7. Go Kayaking (Above Ground)
Want to try (regular, above ground) kayaking?
Red River Gorge has that too. There are kayak rentals available in the area.
8. Go Ziplining in Red River Gorge
Want to try ziplining? You can do that in the Gorge too!
Check out Red River Gorge Ziplining.
9. Visit the Reptile Zoo
The Gorge is also home to a Reptile Zoo. This never would've topped my to-do list, but a friend wanted to visit, and I admit this turned out to be a lot more interesting than I anticipated!
The Reptile Zoo in Slade, Kentucky, is home to the largest collection of venomous snakes in the world.
When we visited, we arrived just in time to view a venom extraction (pictured below). The venom is then used, not just to make anti-venom, but also for scientific research.
10. Stay in a Treehouse or Cliffside Cabin
The Red River Gorge is home to some of the most unique cabin rentals I've ever seen!
There are multiple treehouse-style cabin rentals and cliff-suspended cabins. We haven't tried these out yet, but they look SO COOL and it's on my to-do list.
11. Hike on the Sheltowee Trace Trail
The Sheltowee Trace Trail is a 290-mile (or 319-mile, depending on which source you check) long-distance through-hiking trail that begins in Morehead, Kentucky, and ends in Big South Fork in Tennessee.
And it runs right through Red River Gorge!
12. Go Camping
There are lots of established campgrounds in the area. Our favorite is the Koomer Ridge Campground, a spacious campground located conveniently near some of our favorite trails.
Almost all of the campgrounds in the area operate on a first-come, first-served basis instead of allowing reservations.
Check out our camping recipe ideas for your next trip!
13. Backpack in Red River Gorge
Looking for an adventure? Try backpacking in the Red River Gorge.
While there are a few longer trails in the area, many of the shorter trails interconnect, making for lots of backpacking route options!
Before you head into the backcountry, check out our favorite backpacking gear and favorite freeze-dried meals.
14. Go Hunting For Arches (Natural Bridges)
The Red River Gorge area is home to a large concentration of natural sandstone arches (or bridges).
If you're looking for an adventure, try exploring the area for arches!
Make sure to do a little research before heading out on a trail. Many arches in the area require rock scrambling, bushwhacking (off-trail and on-trail), as well as significant navigation skills.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of both Red River Gorge Trail Guide and Hinterlands before heading onto unofficial, unmarked area trails.
15. Visit Attractions Outside Red River Gorge
Looking for even more outdoor adventures in the area? Cumberland Falls, Carter Caves, Cave Run Lake and the Pinnacles Trails in Berea are all within about a two-hour radius.
Also, Lexington, Kentucky, is about an hour-and-a-half from the Gorge. Lexington has lots of great restaurants, plus several Bourbon Trail distilleries such as Town Branch and (from the craft trail) the James E Pepper Distillery.
Got other suggestions or questions about things to do near the Gorge? Let us know in the comments!
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