The Red River Gorge is a rock climber’s heaven mixed with a back-country camper’s dream all snuggled together in the mountains of east-central Kentucky.<\/p>\n
Featuring more natural sandstone arches than anywhere east of the Rockies, and certainly enough to make even the hardiest dirt-bagger drool, the Red River Gorge and its neighbors have made it onto “must see” lists everywhere from\u00a0Southern Living<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0to\u00a0Sierra.com<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0TheDyrt.com<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Administered by the\u00a0US Forest Service<\/a><\/strong>, the\u00a0Red River Gorge<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0itself sits inside the Daniel Boone National Forest. Waterfalls, lakes, campgrounds, hiking trails, and some of the most scenic terrain between the Appalachians and the Mississippi River lie within its confines.<\/p>\n Natural Bridge State Resort Park<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0sits alongside the Red River US Park and is also within the Daniel Boone National Forest. NBSRP has\u00a022 miles of hiking<\/strong><\/a> along with its own set of climbing and scenery to explore.<\/p>\n RRG and the nearby recreation areas are an easy 2-hour drive from\u00a0Cincinnati, OH<\/a><\/strong>, and\u00a0Louisburg, KY<\/strong><\/a>. The closest town is Stanton, KY, which boasts perhaps 300 souls in the height of tourist season.<\/p>\n To get to the area\u00a0from Lexington, KY, take I-64 to Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway East, then take Exit 33 and follow the signs to the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge<\/p>\n Passes and permits<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0are required for activities within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Most activities are free, but some activities such as overnight camping within the forest do cost a nominal fee ($3.00).<\/p>\n The Forest Service and Kentucky Park Service offer cabin and campground rentals, firewood collection permits and other amenities.<\/p>\n Recreational permits<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0in the DBNF cover forest cabin rentals.\u00a0Click here<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0for information about where to buy these passes.<\/p>\n Forest Product permits<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0allow visitors to collect firewood and plants. Please read the Forest Service\u00a0brochure<\/a> about gathering these materials, as well.<\/p>\n Other helpful links for passes and permits include:<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the Forest Service by mail regarding a visit to the DBNF or the Red River Gorge via the Gladie Visitor Center:<\/p>\n For a fun and safe visit to the Red River Gorge area, make sure to pack all your camping essentials. What that entails depends on the type of activities and camping you intend to do. You know your itinerary best.<\/p>\n However, make sure to include\u00a0these items<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0along with your regular\u00a0camping gear<\/strong><\/a>. Experts, including the Red River Gorge Climbing Coalition (RRGCC.org) and\u00a0toredrivergorge.com, advise that a\u00a0GPS<\/strong><\/a>, personal\u00a0water supply<\/a><\/strong>, and a good flashlight or\u00a0headlamp<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0are essential to even day hikes within the Gorge area.<\/p>\n There is so much to see and do within the Red River Gorge<\/strong><\/a> region that it would take a book to detail it all. The RRG is on the National Register of Historic Places and is both a National Natural Landmark and National Archaeological District.<\/p>\n The best places to learn about all there is to see and do within the parks themselves are at the\u00a0US Forest Service site, the\u00a0Kentucky State Park Site, and the\u00a0rrgcc.org\u00a0sites.<\/p>\n The KentuckyTourism.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>website also features new blog articles about the area and its parks. These sites allow you to explore the details of the park, find campsites in specific areas of the parks and download trail maps and park regulations directly from the websites<\/p>\n The US and Kentucky park sites have the most up-to-date fee schedules, route closure information and potential site closure information available.<\/p>\n Seasonal closures do occur in the parks due to rain, heavy snow and other conditions so plan ahead to avoid disappointments. Always be sure to review the park\u00a0safety guidelines\u00a0prior to hiking, climbing or camping in the parks.<\/p>\n A visit to the Red River Gorge area of Kentucky would not be complete without visiting some iconic places. Be sure to check these out while you are nearby.<\/p>\n With hundreds of\u00a0officially marked trails and climbing routes\u00a0throughout the area, and hundreds more “unofficial” trails, plus several privately-owned climbing areas adjacent to the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge Park, listing all the routes is impossible.<\/p>\n However, below are a few favorites mentioned by the experts at\u00a0RedRiverGorgeHiking.com.<\/p>\n At Natural Bridge State Park, popular short trails include\u00a0Lakeside Trail,\u00a0Henson” Arch Trail, and\u00a0Low Gap Trail.<\/p>\n The\u00a0Rock Garden Trail\u00a0is approximately 1.75 miles in length, and the\u00a0Hoods Branch Trail\u00a0is 3.75 miles. For a real excursion, try the\u00a0Sand Gap Trail\u00a0at 7.5 miles long.<\/p>\n Where<\/strong>:\u00a0Miguel’s Pizza<\/strong><\/p>\n Directions<\/strong>: From Mountain Parkway, take Slade exit #33, go south on Rte. 11, Miguel’s is on your left after 2 miles<\/p>\n What type<\/strong>: Tent and hammock camping in fields between the pizza restaurant and the climbing gear store.<\/p>\n Amenities<\/strong>: Miguel’s\u00a0is famous around the world, so rock climbers come here to\u00a0talk shop<\/a><\/strong>, swap tales and eat pizza. The place features coin laundry, pay showers, covered shelters for outdoor cooking, a basement hang-out, half-court basketball, and flush toilets.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong>\u00a0$2.00 per person per night for rock climbers only<\/p>\n Contact<\/strong>:\u00a0http:\/\/miguelspizza.com<\/p>\n Where<\/strong>: Land of the Arches \/Lota Rocks Campgroundaka LOTA<\/p>\n Directions<\/strong>: From Slade, KY (Mountain Parkway), drive 8.4 miles on KY 11, past Torrent Falls until you reach the junction with KY 715, which makes a sharp left. Continue down KY 715 for about a mile, passing a small church on the right. The campground is on the right. Orange cones mark the entrance to the campground<\/p>\n What type<\/strong>: Primarily tent and hammock camping in a field with a limited number of RV campsites with electric hookups, the facility has a dump station plus a few rooms, cabins and beds in the “hangar” building.<\/p>\n Amenities<\/strong>: Free hot showers, a small general store with bathrooms, ice and firewood for sale. The site offers free WiFi and an indoor recreation area with air hockey and table tennis.<\/p>\n Pros\/cons<\/strong>: Be sure to stake your tent down as it gets windy. The campground has the\u00a0reputation as a top climber’s destination<\/a><\/strong>. It\u00a0draws an internationally diverse crowd.<\/p>\n Restrictions<\/strong>: NO DOGS allowed except at the annual Rocktoberfest festival<\/p>\n Cost<\/strong>: $8 per person per night. Do it yourself check at the kiosk at the front of the main building. Put your money in an envelope after retrieving your tent tag from the envelope. Put the tag on the outside of your tent \u2013 staff will check for them. You can arrive any time day or night.<\/p>\n Contact:\u00a0<\/strong>Contact the office to inquire about group rates or RV camping.<\/p>\n Lota.Rocks (Land of the Arches)<\/strong><\/p>\n Where<\/strong>:\u00a0Koomer Ridge Campground<\/strong><\/p>\n Directions:\u00a0<\/strong>From Mountain Parkway, take Slade exit #33, turn left, then turn right past the Shell station onto Rte. 15. Stay on Rte. 15 for about 4 miles<\/p>\n What type<\/strong>: Primitive and camper trailer sites on a first-come-first-serve basis and 15 sites that can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, although there are no water or electric hookups and no dump station<\/p>\n Amenities<\/strong>: Steep forested slopes, sandstone cliffs, and narrow ravines. Hike, camp, picnic, rock climb, boat, hunt, fish, ride, target shoot and relax on-site.<\/p>\n Pros\/cons<\/strong>: This is the only developed campground within the Daniel Boone National Forest itself. It has several miles of hiking opportunities existing or originating from the campground.<\/p>\n The campground has no sewer, electric or water hookups, only showers, and drinking water. However, campers consistently rate it as a “5-star campground, and it is a popular destination.<\/p>\n Cost<\/strong>: RV sites starting at $22 per night, tenting camping starting at $18 per night from April 17 to Nov. 1, and all sites are $10 per night Nov. 2 to April 16. Dispersed camping in the general forest area of the gorge is permitted at $14\/night Contact:<\/b>\u00a0Koomer Ridge Campground<\/strong><\/p>\n Where<\/strong>\u00a0Natural Bridge State Park<\/strong>. There are two campgrounds in NBSF, the Middle Fork and Whittleton<\/p>\n What type<\/strong>: Primitive and camper options are offered at both sites<\/p>\n Amenities<\/strong>: Whittleton Campground looks up at the stone Whittleton Arch in the Red River Gorge.\u00a0Summertime is the busiest time of year to camp\u00a0Whittleton allows dogs, but the Natural Bridge Park does not.<\/p>\n Middle Fork Campground sits amid the Daniel Boone National Forest and just a short drive away from the Red River Gorge.<\/p>\n There is a creek that runs right next to camp. It is a good campground if you don’t like backpacking to the primitive sites.<\/p>\n Pros\/cons:<\/strong>\u00a0Reservations are recommended.\u00a0Campers report<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0the bathrooms are clean, campgrounds are well maintained, and there are many beautiful hiking trails nearby. Most spots are level, paved or packed gravel. Shower rooms are nice and clean.<\/p>\n Restrictions:<\/strong>\u00a0Open Mar. 15 to Nov. 15.<\/p>\n Costs: Standard electric RV sites starting at $25 per night, tent camping starting at $15 per night. Any camping in the entire forest requires an\u00a0overnight parking pass\u00a0($3\/night), available at several locations, including the Shell Station just off the Parkway exit.<\/p>\n Contact<\/strong>:\u00a0Reservations for camping<\/strong>\u00a0within the Natural Bridge State Park can be made here or by calling 888-459-7275<\/p>\n Natural Bridge State Resort Park<\/strong> Middle Fork Campground<\/strong> Where<\/strong>:\u00a0Red River Outdoors<\/strong><\/p>\n Directions<\/strong>: From Mountain Parkway, take Slade exit #33, go south on Rte. 11 for one mile, cabins are on the right. Amenities<\/strong>: Centrally located to all the area attractions. Two locations. All cabins are privately owned and maintained<\/p>\n Pros\/Cons<\/strong>:\u00a0Cabins\u00a0make for the ultimate getaway in the Red River Gorge, KY; especially if you are traveling in a group! This cabin development offers a range of high-quality cabins from which to choose.<\/p>\n Several companies provide cabin rentals within this development:\u00a0Scenic Cabin Rentals,\u00a0Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals\u00a0&\u00a0Natural Bridge Cabin Company.<\/p>\n Cost<\/strong>: Varies [Select “RRGCC” from the “How did you find us” list while booking and RRO will donate $5 to the RRGCC for a 2+ night stay.]<\/p>\n Contact<\/strong>:\u00a0Red River Outdoors<\/strong> 415 Natural Bridge Road SouthernLiving.com\u00a0recommends staying at the Red River Adventure riverside cabin if you are taking a canoe trip. Rates for the riverside cabin at\u00a0Red River Adventure\u00a0starts at $99 per night; (606) 663-1012.<\/p>\n Where<\/strong>:\u00a04 Guys RV Park<\/strong><\/p>\n Directions<\/strong>: From the North take I-75 South to I-64 East, take Exit 98 off I-64 eastbound onto the Mountain Parkway. Exit at Natural Bridge\/Red River Gorge(Exit 33). Turn Left and go under the Parkway. Turn Left at the stop sign. Go two miles and “4 Guys” is on the left.<\/p>\n What Type<\/strong>: RV, tent, camper and group camping at 45 campsites<\/p>\n Amenities<\/strong>: Showers, wi-fi, a pool, playground, and a stocked fishing pond.\u00a0Open all year round, RV sites include full hookups.\u00a0The campground\u00a0has laundry facilities, private bathrooms, a camp store, picnic tables, and a playground for children, plus Frisbee golf and a basketball court<\/p>\n Costs<\/strong>: Vary by type of campsite<\/p>\n Contact<\/strong>:\u00a04 Guys RV Park<\/strong><\/p>\n The Daniel Boone National Forest has four specially-designated\u00a0group camping sites<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0just for larger groups such as family reunions, scout troops or parties.<\/p>\n The Red River Gorge itself has multiple locations within its borders. Kentucky Outdoor Adventure\u00a0also has links to great group camping sites and adventures within the RRG area.<\/p>\n According to\u00a0SouthernLiving.com\u00a0rooms at\u00a0the Natural Bridge State Resort Park\u00a0Lodge start at only $90 in April, the start of the climbing season. Contact the Lodge at 1-800-325-1710 for more details.<\/p>\n Of course, back-country<\/a>\u00a0or “dispersed camping areas are available throughout the parks at the trail sides. Campsites may be big enough for small groups or just barely big enough to sling a hammock.<\/p>\n These\u00a0undeveloped sites\u00a0are the cheapest and most isolated at only $3.00 per car for an overnight\u00a0parking permit.<\/p>\n They are also the most dangerous, with risks from\u00a0wildlife<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0less than the\u00a0risks from the cliffs\u00a0after dark. If you plan to camp in dispersed camping, please make sure you are fit and\u00a0appropriately geared-up\u00a0to handle the\u00a0difficult conditions\u00a0in the Red River Gorge. For more information, visit the\u00a0USFS Safety Page<\/a><\/strong>.<\/u><\/p>\n Read up on safety guidelines for hiking, camping, and dealing with wildlife before venturing into the wild, and know the\u00a0park regulations\u00a0for each site you visit.<\/p>\n Some trails like those in the\u00a0Adena Arch Area\u00a0are not appropriate for young children, and a few, such as the\u00a0Indian Staircase Area\u00a0are marked as potentially fatal even for adults.<\/p>\n Regardless of your choice of camping accommodations and activities, investing beforehand in a good guidebook about the\u00a0Red River Gorge\u00a0area, its trails and climbing routes is a great way to learn about the area and prepare yourself for your trip.<\/p>\n As the Red River Gorge Climbing Coalition says, the best guide book is the most up to date and accurate one. Maps of your intended hikes and trails are essential for your safety in the RRG, too.<\/p>\n The\u00a0Forest Service\u00a0and the Park Service have their maps and trail guides online for your convenience. You can pick up brochures and maps at forest and park offices or\u00a0order them\u00a0in advance.<\/p>\n Interactive Visitor Maps\u00a0<\/strong>Go to\u00a0http:\/\/www.fs.fed.us\/ivm\/index.html<\/p>\nLogistics, or what is the skinny on the details<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Gladie Visitor Center<\/h3>\n
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Do more and see more in the Red River Gorge<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Must-not-miss Hikes and Climbs According to those who Know<\/span><\/h2>\n
Easy Hiking Trails:<\/h3>\n
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Moderate Hiking Trails:<\/h3>\n
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Hard Hiking Trails:<\/h3>\n
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Tent, Hammock, Camper, RV, Cabin or Lodge?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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\nWhittleton Campground<\/strong>
\njust past Miguel’s on left<\/p>\n
\njust past Miguel’s on right<\/p>\n
\nWhat Type<\/strong>: Cabins<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>(606) 663-7625<\/p>\n
\nSlade, Kentucky 40376
\n(606) 663-7625<\/p>\n\n
Group camping and back-country dispersed camping in the Gorge<\/span><\/h2>\n
Finding your way \u2013 get a map and a guidebook recommended by experts<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Check out other people having the time of their lives in Red River Gorge. Now, aren’t you ready to do this, too?<\/span><\/h2>\n