Red River Gorge: Kentucky’s Best-Kept Adventure Secret
Nestled about an hour east of Lexington in the Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is a stunning wilderness area packed with unforgettable natural beauty .
📸 What Makes It Spectacular:
-
Over 100 sandstone arches—the highest concentration east of the Rockies.
-
Dramatic cliffs, canyons, and storybook rock shelters.
-
Tumbling waterfalls, including the scenic Creation Falls .
🥾 What You Can Do:
-
Arch-spotting hikes on over 600 miles of trails—don’t miss Grays Arch, Sky Bridge, and Rock Bridge .
-
Rock climbing or via ferrata experiences with guides offering beginner-friendly routes .
-
Ziplining 300 feet over lush treetops for a bird’s-eye view .
-
Paddling in an underground flooded mine—a glow-in-the-dark kayak experience that’s equal parts eerie and enchanting .
🏡 Where to Stay & Eat:
-
Sleep in unique spots like a cliff-mounted treehouse (“Cliff Dweller”) with panoramic views .
-
Grab a legendary slice at Miguel’s Pizza—a Gorge institution .
-
Savor smoked meats and bourbon cocktails at RedPoint BBQ, perched on a family farm.
🎒 Before You Go:
👉 Check out Southern Living’s full feature on Red River Gorge here:
This Underrated Kentucky Spot Is Home To The South’s Most Breathtaking Scenery