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Things to Do in the Red River Gorge
The Red River Gorge is a sandstone canyon system in eastern Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest, known for more than 100 natural arches, ridge-top hikes, internationally known rock climbing, paddling and an underground kayak tour. This is our local guide, with drive times from Red River Château on the southern side of the Gorge.
Hikes and arches
Chimney Top Rock
A short, easy walk (about half a mile round trip) to an overlook. It's the classic sunset spot, and busy on fall weekends.
Auxier Ridge
A ridge-top hike of roughly 4.4 miles out and back to views of Courthouse Rock; it connects to Double Arch for a longer day.
Gray's Arch
One of the Gorge's best-known arches, reached by the Gray's Arch Trail off Tunnel Ridge Road.
Sky Bridge
about 45 minutes from the château
A short loop that walks you over and under a sandstone arch on the Scenic Byway (KY 715).
Rock Bridge & Creation Falls
A loop to the only arch in the Gorge that spans water, plus a small waterfall. It's a good choice in spring.
Outings and adventures
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
about 25–30 minutes from the château
A 78-foot sandstone arch, the seasonal Skylift chairlift, 20+ miles of trails and Hemlock Lodge.
Gorge Underground
about 25 minutes from the château
Guided kayak tours in a flooded limestone mine where the air stays around 52°F year-round and the water is colder. It's good in any weather, ages 5 and up.
Red River Gorge Zipline
Five lines, including one about 1,900 feet long high above the Gorge. Weight limits apply.
Kentucky Reptile Zoo
about 30 minutes from the château
A nonprofit in Slade that extracts venom for research and antivenom, with live demonstrations. Check seasonal hours.
Paddling
Rent kayaks or paddleboards at Mill Creek Lake in summer, or book a guided float on the Red River.
Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
A roughly 46-mile scenic drive through the one-lane Nada Tunnel, past the Gladie Visitor Center and Sky Bridge. It ends near Zachariah, close to the château.
Climbing
The Red is one of the country's best-known sport-climbing destinations, and the château is about 15 minutes from the Motherlode. Read our Red River Gorge climbing guide for areas, seasons, waivers and etiquette.
Where to eat and shop
Miguel's Pizza (Slade)
about 25–30 minutes from the château
The climbers' institution: pizza with a long list of toppings, a gear shop and a campground.
Red River Rockhouse (Campton area)
about 20 minutes from the château
A farm-to-table café with local beer. It keeps limited days, so check hours before you go.
Sky Bridge Station (Pine Ridge)
Burgers, hot dogs and local taps off Mountain Parkway exit 40.
Groceries
Stock up before you arrive. There's a Kroger in Stanton, and Beattyville (about 20 minutes) has a grocery store.
A sample weekend
Friday
Arrive at the château from 4 PM, pick up groceries on the way, and have dinner on the deck.
Saturday
Drive north for an early hike on Auxier Ridge or to Gray's Arch before the crowds. Stop at Miguel's for pizza, then catch sunset at Chimney Top Rock, or skip the drive and watch it from the hot tub.
Sunday
Ride the Skylift at Natural Bridge (in season) or take the underground kayak tour, then head home after lunch.
Good to know
- Seasons: October is peak fall color and peak crowds; weekdays are much quieter. Spring brings wildflowers and waterfalls.
- Winter road closures: the Forest Service closes some gravel roads in the Gorge, such as Chimney Top Road and Rock Bridge Road, for part of the winter. Check current alerts.
- Overnight parking pass required 10 PM to 6 AM in parts of the Gorge.
- Cell service is unreliable in much of the Gorge. Download maps before you go.
- Nada Tunnel is one lane and unlit. Vehicles over about 12 feet tall or wide should take another route.
FAQ
What is the Red River Gorge known for?
Sandstone cliffs, more than 100 natural arches, hiking, rock climbing, and the Red River's Wild and Scenic section. It's a Geological Area within the Daniel Boone National Forest in eastern Kentucky.
Do I need a pass to park in the Red River Gorge?
Only overnight. The Forest Service requires an overnight parking pass from 10 PM to 6 AM in parts of the Gorge. Day parking doesn't need one. Passes can be bought through Recreation.gov.
What can we do in the Red River Gorge when it rains?
Take the Gorge Underground kayak tour, visit the Kentucky Reptile Zoo, have a long lunch at Miguel's or Red River Rockhouse, or stay in with the hot tub and a board game.
When is the best time to visit?
Mid-to-late October for fall color, and April to May for wildflowers and waterfalls. Summer is hot and humid; winter is quiet, with some Forest Service roads closed.
Are dogs allowed on trails?
It depends where. Dogs aren't allowed on most trails in Natural Bridge State Resort Park or at Muir Valley. Check Forest Service rules for other trails before you go.
Make the château your base
A three-level cabin for up to 15, on the quiet southern side of the Gorge.