{"id":17,"date":"2018-03-30T13:13:30","date_gmt":"2018-03-30T13:13:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mountaineeringguru.com\/?p=17"},"modified":"2018-03-30T13:54:27","modified_gmt":"2018-03-30T13:54:27","slug":"red-river-gorge-backpacking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mountaineeringguru.com\/red-river-gorge-backpacking\/","title":{"rendered":"Red River Gorge Backpacking"},"content":{"rendered":"
Are you curious about what it is like to backpack in Red River Gorge in Eastern Kentucky? Many tourists are attracted to this area of America because it has several distinct features that cannot be seen elsewhere. While many websites explain what you can do, many do not give solid advice about what you should not do.<\/p>\n
However, with an insider\u2019s opinion on what to look out for at Red River Gorge, backpacking in this area will be one you never forget.<\/p>\n
From natural plant life and geographic features seen in few other places in the world, the gorge has days of adventure to offer. Regardless, anyone unfamiliar with this area of Kentucky will need a few basic tips to ensure safety.<\/p>\n
In the details below, several topics are listed to help you have a backpacking adventure that is safe and stress-free for everyone involved.<\/p>\n
These tips and warnings will help you figure out if you need to leave the dog at home, which trails are ideal for people living with disabilities or if there are trails easy enough for little kids.<\/p>\n
After finishing the article, you will know how to get started whether you are a beginner hiker or experienced backpacker.<\/p>\n
Are you curious about what makes Red River Gorge truly unique? Many people are not aware that Red River Gorge formed because most of the states under the Ohio River were underwater in prehistoric times.<\/p>\n
This means Red River Gorge has rare aquatic fossils embedded on the large rocks that make up the gorge.<\/p>\n
The other interesting aspect of backpacking in Red River Gorge is the extensive number of nearby natural wonders such as Natural Bridge.<\/p>\n
Other outdoor draws to the area include birding, canoeing, distinct geology, and wildflowers. This area of Kentucky also has breathtaking photo opportunities that can be found in few areas of the world.<\/p>\n
Red River Gorge is extremely child-friendly, but it is not ideal to take kids into parts of the park where they are in danger of falling off of large rocks or cliffs.<\/p>\n
For this reason, older children are ideal for trails, and children should never deviate from the trail. For people living with disabilities that impair walking, there is an abundance of choices for paved trails next to some of Red River Gorge\u2019s most interesting features such as Natural Arch Trail.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, Kentucky does not have a detailed page specifically for trails that are accessible. For example, some trails, like Lakeside Trail, will have wooden steps on the trail; making it difficult to navigate a wheelchair. A complete list of each trail with details is found at the\u00a0Forest Service<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0website.<\/p>\n According to the\u00a0Natural Bridge<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0website, Red River Gorge allows pets on all hiking trails, but the exception is Natural Bridge.<\/p>\n Regardless, there are a few problems that pets can experience when hiking at Red River Gorge. Namely, an unleashed dog is more likely to jump off a cliff accidentally.<\/p>\n Pets are also more likely to attack other wildlife or other hikers if they are off-leash. One idea that works in urban areas is to chip the dog or have a tracker placed on the collar charms.<\/p>\n Sadly, there are many areas of Red River Gorge that are too remote to receive phone reception, and these phone app trackers might not work.<\/p>\n One other word of caution includes the extreme temperatures found during the summer in Kentucky. In other words, if you were planning on keeping your pet in a recreational vehicle or car while you are hiking, consider renting a hotel room that has air conditioning instead.<\/p>\n In most cases, unless they are locals that are out hiking with their dogs on a leash for the day, vacationers or tourist will leave their pets at home.<\/p>\n Although Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone National Park include several warnings about cliffs, not all of the trails are difficult.<\/p>\nIs Red River Gorge pet-friendly?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Do I need to be a professional hiker or backpacker to have fun at Red River Gorge?<\/span><\/h2>\n