We’re kicking off our summer road trip series — Hit the Road — with an outdoor adventure-themed trip to Red River Gorge. With guided rock climbing and famous pies from Miguel’s Pizza , this lush area in the Daniel Boone National Forest (yep, the historical frontiersman first set foot here in the 1700s) is a great destination for experienced adventurers + novice nature seekers alike.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the geological area + our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~1.53 hours
Est. population: 2,701 people (2020)
Avg. high in June: 83 degrees
🥾Things to do
Hiking
The Gorge is known for its 60+ hiking trails + we recommend starting simple by hiking Gray’s Arch — an easy, 4-mile trip. Kick it up a notch to the moderate Auxier Ridge & Courthouse Rock loop, and if you’re an expert, tempt the 3.5-mile Indian Staircase and Indian Arch .
Zip lining
Get a canopy tour of the Daniel Boone National Forest from 300 feet above the ground as you zoom along five different lines — the longest of which spanning 1,900 feet.
Nada tunnel
Pronounced “nay-dah,” this passageway is known as “The Gateway to The Red River Gorge,” and was built by Dana Lumber Company in the early 1900s. The tunnel is only 12-ft wide + 13-ft tall, which means only one car at a time can go through, so put on your headlights and drive with caution, sharing is caring.
🍽️ Fuel up after hiking
Daniel Boone Coffee Shop , 769 Natural Bridge Rd., Slade, KY
Pair your coffee with a selection of breakfast and lunch items, or skip the caffeine and get a milkshake or smoothie + this destination also doubles as a gift shop
Hop’s , 2613 KY-11, Campton, KY
Focusing on regional food and drinks, this beer garden + outdoor dining destination offers housemade beer cheese and pesto, treats like bourbon Rice Krispy squares, and filling entrees like the jumbo shells stuffed with local beef.
Red River Rockhouse , 4000 KY-11, Campton, KY
This farm-to-table restaurant is recognized as a Bon Appetite Appalachia destination and utilizes ingredients from 10+ local artisans and farmers. The menu offers burgers, tacos, salads, a kid’s meal + desserts. We recommend getting the burrito.
🏕️ Cozy campsites + cabins
Lago Linda Hideaway , 950 Blacks Ridge Rd., Beattyville, KY
Owned by the Fredrickson family, this 410-acre property offers cabins + traditional and RV camping. The campground also includes amenities like The Shake-Out Lounge — with free Wi-Fi — an outdoor pavilion for social gatherings, trails for hiking, and a pond.
Scenic Cabin Rentals , 769 Natural Bridge Rd., Slade, KY
Located in the heart of Natural Bridge State Park, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the multitude of lodging options here — from pet-friendly digs to cabins that can sleep up to 16 people.
Natural Bridge State Resort , 2135 Natural Bridge Rd., Slade, KY
Adjacent to Red River Gorge, this resort is anchored by the 35-room Hemlock Lodge, where each room has its own private balcony. The resort is also home to 11 cottages + 86 campsites.
Looking for more recommendations? Head to the link below. Plus, stay tuned for the July installment of our Hit the Road series. We’ll be highlighting a 30-mile road trip.