Looking for a fun and unique adventure for your family that includes kayaking, hiking, or climbing? The Red River Gorge in Kentucky is the place to go.
Ever the adventurer, the Red River Gorge had been on my list of places to visit within driving distance of Greenville, SC for awhile. Some of my hiking friends had been and they loved it so I knew I had to go explore what was so special about this place. And wow, the Red River Gorge is incredible with its sandstone arches, caves, and unique experiences.
I took my daughters (ages 10 and 14) for a few days full of adventure where we hiked, kayaked, and explored so many neat things in the area. We all agreed it was an awesome trip and already can’t wait to return.
About the Red River Gorge
The Red River Gorge was formed in a similar way to the Grand Canyon – by a river. And it took a very long time. But the results are incredible. There are about 150 sandstone arches as a result of rivers running through the gorge over millions of years. There are only more arches anywhere in the United States at Arches National Park in Utah.
Much of the Red River Gorge is located within or adjacent to the Daniel Boone National Forest and designated at the Red River Gorge Geological Area. There are sandstone arches, caves, cliffs, and waterfalls. Hiking through this area is so unique due to its geological features. It’s absolutely breath-taking in such a different way than the mountains are to us in the Upstate.
Another cool thing about the Red River Gorge is that it is a designated national archeological area due to the artifacts found within the cliff dwellings, thought to house indigenous peoples.
What to do at the Red River Gorge
There are so many amazing things to do at the Red River Gorge. We went for the kayaking tour at Gorge Underground and for the unique hiking trails. But many people come for rock climbing, kayaking the Kentucky River, exploring the arches, and even zip lining.
Hiking
We tried to fit it as many trails as possible during our three-day trip. Thankfully, there are miles and miles of marked trails within the Red River Gorge and many are very short. I had a list of places I wanted to go before we left and stopped at the Visitors Center for a helpful map to plan them out a little better. Highly recommend this option.
Natural Bridge Trial (Original Trail)
This is a short, two-mile out and back trail that leads to one of the most popular arches in the Gorge. It’s a leg-burner on the way up but totally worth it. There are plenty of spots to stop and take a break so definitely go for it. It’s situated within the Natural Bridge State Park. No dogs are allowed. You can hike this trail or take the SkyLift.
Double Arch – Courthouse Rock – Auxier Ridge Trail
I thought this was about four miles total but it was closer to seven miles. Whoops. Double Arch is super cool and beautiful and we hung out there for awhile. Then it was onto Courthouse Rock, which had gorgeous views. We followed the Auxier Ridge Trail back to our car but if you don’t want to be a paranoid mess since that trail has significant drops, you could go back down Double Arch Trail to the parking lot. We really liked this trail.
Princess Arch
Princess Arch is a beautiful arch that kind of looks like a house for the Flintstones. It’s a short half-mile round trip hike that you can add onto the Copperas Falls hike as it’s in the same area.
Copperas Falls
While I have seen my share of beautiful waterfalls, this waterfall is pretty close to the top of my list of the most amazing waterfalls I’ve seen. You can walk behind this waterfall as it pours over the ledge of a huge cave. When the water is higher, you can definitely swim but the water is quite chilly. It’s a must-do on your trip to the Red River Gorge and only a 3.1 mile hike that follows the creek to the waterfall.
Rock Bridge & Creation Falls
Honestly, after seeing Copperas Falls and all the other waterfalls I’ve seen in my life, I thought this one was going to be lame. I was totally wrong. It was so cool and I wish it were summer when we went because there’s a huge beach and small cave at the waterfall. Perfect for a summer day. And the Rock Bridge is the actual only “bridge” because it goes over water. It is just gorgeous!
Rock Climbing
I don’t go rock climbing but one of our editors here at Kidding Around is an awesome climber and really wants to get out to the Gorge to test her skills. There are more than 4,000 routes on the sandstone cliffs in the Gorge. Here’s an overview of them.
The Gorge Underground
This is an experience that is worth the trip out to the Gorge alone. You can go kayaking or take a boat tour in the miles of waterways in an underground mine. It is one of the coolest things I’ve done and my kids loved it. Read our Gorge Underground review.
Zip Lining & Off Roading
If you’re in the mood for some more extreme adventures in the Red River Gorge, you can choose zip lining at Red River Gorge Ziplining.
There are also off-roading companies that will take you all over the place bumping around till your heart’s content. Find them here.
Nada Tunnel
The Nada Tunnel looks like a smaller version of the Stumphouse Tunnel in Walhalla – except you can drive through it. If you’re like me and have a GPS that loves to give you incorrect directions, you’ll drive through this tunnel no less than four times. It was cool every single time though.
The tunnel is only 12 feet wide, 13 feet high and 900 feet long. You have to wait for any other cars to go through before driving through it. It’s very tight but oh-so-cool. The tunnel dates back to the early 1900s when it was constructed for the Dana Lumber Company.
It only took a year to create through blasting limestone and using tools. This was no easy task but these people were the epitome of hard workers full of grit and determination. The Nada Tunnel is often called the Gateway to the Red River Gorge and is a must-see when you visit.
Where to Eat
There aren’t a lot of options for restaurants but we did try Miguel’s Pizza, which lived up to all the hype I heard about it before we went to the Gorge.
I found it to be tasty and affordable with generous portions. We got a salad and pizza and both were great. We had pizza for at least one more meal.
We also had delicious ice cream at the Ice Cream Shop at the Red River Gorge near the Natural Bridge State Park. It was so good and pretty inexpensive. The trading post next door has great fudge.
Where to Stay
There are a lot of options for lodging: campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and resorts. We rented a bare bones cabin at a campground. It was fine but I think there are better options, especially for the price we paid. Google campgrounds or look at other lodging options at the Red River Gorge website.
A good place to stay that is central to trails and activities is the Natural Bridge State Park Resort. They have campsites and a lodge. There are tons of trails there as well.
Need to Know Before You Go
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip to the Red River Gorge.
Plan ahead: Do some research beforehand on trails and attractions to make the most of your visit.
Book the Gorge Underground: This is a popular attraction so you need to book ahead of time.
Go to the Visitors Center: The Red River Gorge Visitors Center has a great map to help you navigate trails.
Get groceries on your way in: There are no big stores in the Red River Gorge so be sure to hit up a grocery or supply store before you get to the Gorge.
Join a RRR Facebook group: I learned a lot from Red River Gorge hiking and visiting groups on Facebook.
Watch kids and pets: Some of the trails have steep drops so be aware of where your kids and pets are at all times. And don’t jump fences to get the perfect photo. It’s not worth your life (the local news has stories of people dying doing this).
Spend a few days: We were there for three days and it wasn’t enough. I could have stayed a week at least! I have a list of hikes I want to go back and do and places to camp and enjoy the area. It’s such a hidden gem. Stay as long as you can.
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