Serving You Nationally and Locally
Where Is Red River Gorge?
Tucked away in the gorgeous Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is a marvel of nature. The river carved innumerable sandstone arches across the 29,000 acres the gorge is spread over. It is the only place east of the Rocky Mountains with several stone arches, majestic waterfalls, bridges, and rocky shelters.
Red River Gorge Kentucky is also considered a national landmark, one of 599 mentioned in the national registry. The area is made up of several trails inside a biking and driving loop made up of routes 11, 715, and 77. You can access all of the trails in this loop, including the Nada Tunnel.
Hunting and trapping are allowed in the gorge, but visitors must take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their pets during these seasons.
How to Get to Red River Gorge
The closest airport to the gorge is Lexington (LX), but you also have other options. While there is no direct flight to the gorge, you can take the bus to 5th at Elm, then a bus to 4th at Sycamore, a walk to Cincinnati, another bus to Lexington, and then drive to the gorge.
If you are traveling from Cincinnati, take the I-75 south to Lexington and exit 111 for about two miles until you get to the Mountain Parkway exit. It will take 12 miles to get to the Slade exit in Stanton, where you can stop for food. Take the Slade exit, turn right when you reach the stop sign, and then another immediately after it until you get to the rest area. From there, head to your campsite or resort you booked cabins in.
Top Red River Gorge Activities You Shouldn’t Miss
Once you reach your Red River Gorge cabin getaways, you can take part in the following activities:
Hiking
The gorge has over 70 miles of expansive hiking trails, which includes the famous Sheltowee Trace trail, which can take you to Tennessee. If you aren't keen on walking 333 miles but are keen on the scenery the historical gorge is known for, hike to Auxier Ridge for jaw-dropping views of towering mountains and forests.
If you prefer a short and sweet hiking trail, the flat and quick trail to The Chimney Tops will suit you, and you can also visit Princess Arch straight from the parking lot. For paved paths, pick the Sky Bridge Recreational Area. Adventurous hikers will appreciate the rough trail and Swift Camp Creek, and to see white turtles up close, head to Sheltowee Trace.
Hikers are advised to always remain on the trail and avoid littering. The area is a national landmark and is protected by authorities.
Rock Climbing
The Red River Gorge is famous around the United States for its majestic crags that mountain climbers cannot get enough of. Steep sandstone surfaces filled with iron deposits offer the perfect grip, and rock shelters add to the experience.
The Military Walk and the Left Flank offer a real challenge for adrenaline junkies, as is Phantasia. For a historical climb, climb Tower Rock, where climbers first scrambled up the gorge in the 1950s. Head to Red River Gorge KY, in October for the annual Rocktoberfest, which celebrates the rich climbing culture of the area.
Zipline Tours
When you visit Red River Gorge, a zip line tour through the gorgeous gorge should be on your list. The tour can take between two to three hours and offers an up close and personal look at the best terrain in the country. Zip from one location to the next, taking in the incredible sites.
You can choose from five lines, each with its views and speeds. Soar above the natural formation to experience natural beauty without constraints. But make sure you book your slot as they go fast, especially during tourist season.
Camping
The gorge also offers a range of camping opportunities for families, individuals, and couples who want to experience nature firsthand. These include primitive camping sites and secret spots that some Kentuckians will happily share with you.
However, before setting up camp, remember that camping is forbidden near trails and rock shelters. Even if you find old campfires and debris near these areas, best to avoid setting up camp there. The prohibition is to protect two threatened bat species that call the gorge their home.
For the best campground, head to Koomer Ridge, but you must be quick to reserve a camping spot. The site fills up fast since it is nearest to the trails.
Other Top Red River Gorge Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss
Besides the activities mentioned above, you should add these attractions to your list when you visit the gorge:
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
The Natural Bridge State Resort Park is a tourist attraction deemed a nature reserve in 1981 by official authorities that wanted to protect rare species. The park is a natural formation that was millions of years in the making. It boasts over 20 hiking trails, from easy to highly complex, but tourists prefer Fat Man's Squeeze and Lover's Leap.
Miguel’s Pizza and Rock-Climbing Shop
Located in the corner of Slade, this is not your typical pizza shop. Miguel's Pizza and Rock Climbing Shop has been a popular pit stop for gorge tourists and mountain climbers for over three decades. Visitors from across the globe visit the spot to camp out back, commune with other mountain climbers, indulge in mouthwatering pizza, and purchase souvenirs.
The Planetarium
For an educational experience that is fun for the whole family, head to the Arnim D. Hummel Planetarium. As one of the largest in the US, the planetarium boasts technology visitors appreciate. Enjoy several public shows that will educate you about our planet and its surrounding universe.
Each show is designed to be immersive and informative. Learn stories behind different stars, how the telescope came to be, and its impact on our knowledge of the planet.
The Pinnacles of Berea
As one of the top hiking spots in Red River Gorge, the Pinnacles of Berea is a must-visit whether you love to hike, picnic, or appreciate breathtaking landscapes. Be prepared for spectacular views from the top. While the climb is challenging, you can overcome it with the proper shoes, water, and snacks. The destination is worth the climb to the Main Lookout, but also make sure you check out Eagle's Nest and Buzzard's Roost.
While the store isn’t an attraction per se, it makes it on our list because it is an essential stop for anyone who wants to fish in one of the bodies of water in the gorge. Koop’s General Store is a gas station that also offers worms for fishing. You can also get some snacks from the store, such as chips, ramen noodles, candy bars, some of the best sandwiches you can get, and other munchies.
Harland Sanders Museum and Café
If you love KFC, you will appreciate a visit to Harland Sanders Museum and Café. It was the first place that served the famous fried chicken and remains a must-visit destination for tourists from across the globe.
It is located on the highway and is a great place to grab some food and learn about Colonel Sanders's history and his famous fried chicken recipe. You can reach it off I-75.
Creation Falls Waterfall
Accessible via the Rock Bridge trail, Creation Falls is a highly popular spot for bird watching, running, and hiking, so you will encounter other tourists there. The trail is open across the year and is a must-visit. Dogs are also allowed on the trail, provided they are kept on a leash.
The trail is one of the most scenic trails in the gorge. It boasts an arch bridge, aka rock bridge, and a gorgeous waterfall that you can take pictures of along the way. The arch spans the creek at the central part of the trail, and there is also a small clearing along the way where you can have a picnic. Be careful if you are hiking during the rainy season or winter. The trail can get muddy and slippery from rainwater and snow. Plus, check with the Forest Service for road closures before heading out.
Tips for Visitors Visiting Red River Gorge Geological Area
Here are some tips that can facilitate your stay in Red River Gorge:
There Is an Overnight Permit Fee
While entrance to the gorge is free, you will need a permit for your vehicle if you wish to park overnight between 10 pm and 6 am. You can buy these easily at gas stations and marts. You can park legally along KY-77 and KY-715. Look for the large ‘P’ signs.
Best Times to Visit
While the gorge is open across the year, some service roads are blocked during winter for safety purposes. But most tourists agree that October is the best time to visit Red River Gorge. That is when the foliage is in full bloom, and you can appreciate the natural beauty of the gorge in all its glory.
Visit during the weekday if you can to avoid crowds. Summer and weekends during the fall season are the busiest - you may be stuck in traffic for hours, especially during Memorial Day, Independence Day, and other holidays. If you love bird watching, visit in May and June.
Don’t Miss Nada Tunnel
Passing through this tunnel is essential for anyone visiting the gorge for the first time. It spans 900 feet and was used for narrow gauge trains in the 1900s. Be careful when you drive through it, though. It can get pretty dark in there, and clearance is just 13 feet.
Dogs Have to Be on a Leash
Unlike other state parks, dogs are allowed in the gorge provided they are kept leashed at all times, especially on the campgrounds.
There Is an Alcohol Policy
There is a strict policy against open containers in the gorge, so make sure you imbibe responsibly.
Watch Out for Bears
Black bears are native to Red River Gorge, and populations have increased in recent years. Campers are advised to store food and discard trash responsibly, so they don't attract the animals on campsites and trails.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Red River Gorge is beloved for its natural, untouched beauty and endangered animal and plant species. This also includes historical relics that have remained untouched for decades. Don't leave traces of your visit that can otherwise destroy the fragile ecosystem. Take trash with you, so you don't add to overflowing trash cans on the site.
Make your stay in this beautiful gorge memorable by booking appropriate and comfortable accommodations.
Book Your Stay at Red River Gorge Cabin Getaways Today!
Red River Gorge Cabin Getaways are the perfect destinations for families, couples, and individuals searching for comfortable accommodation in the gorge. We are a family-owned business, so we understand that your focus is on spending time with your loved ones. We will ensure you have nothing to worry about during your stay as we work to make it stress-free for you.
Choose from a range of comfy cabins equipped with all necessary amenities reminiscent of home. This includes the Beautiful Morning cabin, designed to cater to the needs of a private couple, the Little Dipper cabin, a log-style accommodation, the centrally located Wooded Bliss cabin, and more!
Get in touch with us today to book your stay! Our staff will be happy to answer any queries you may have. Call us by dialing 502-777-7780 or email us at Tristan@redrivergorgecabingetaways.com, and we will send a detailed reply.
Welcome to
Red River Gorge Cabin Getaways! We are a family focused and guest-oriented group of cabin rental owners that enjoy providing the best experience possible! That is because we are just one big family ourselves and we understand that the focus of a vacation should be spending time with those you care about. Our goal is to make that process as simple, easy, and affordable as possible, the way it should always be! Call Tristan today @
502-777-7780 to rent a cabin!
Red River Cabin Getaways
Campton, KY 41301
Red River Gorge Cabin Getaways offer a large variety of rental accommodations from cozy two-person cabin dens to high end cabins that sleep up to 20—and everything in between, located in Red River Gorge, Kentucky.
Developed by MobileOpz