G6AdventuresWhen it comes to natural beauty and outdoor adventures, Kentucky has much to offer. Nestled in the heart of the Bluegrass State, you will find the Red River Gorge Geological Area and Natural Bridge State Park. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, this region stands out as a must-visit destination for hiking enthusiasts, rock climbers and nature lovers alike. We recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to the area and cannot wait to return.
Where to Stay
Despite it being only a two-hour drive, we have regrettably missed out on discovering this probably-not-so-hidden gem in Kentucky. While there are some campgrounds in the park, due to our size, we opted to stay at 4 Guys RV Park in Stanton. Less than a 10 minute drive to the state park, his charming campground offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Find our full review of the 4 Guys RV Park here.
If you are not a camper, there are quite a few options for cabin rentals in the area. If you want to be in the park, Natural Bridge State Park also offers accommodations at its Hemlock Lodge. Not too far down the road, Cliffview Resort provides luxury, rustic rooms and cabins. In nearby Clay City, you can also find a budget-friendly motel. Or, if you’re really adventurous, there are countless backpacking opportunities throughout the national forest.
Area Description
From kayaking to rock climbing to hiking and backpacking, the Red River Gorge Geological Area is a haven for the outdoor lover. Red River Gorge, often referred to as the “Little Grand Canyon of the South,” is a natural wonderland covering more than 29,000 acres in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Its stunning sandstone cliffs, towering rock arches and pristine woodlands have earned it a place on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. Add to that the 2,300 acres within the Natural Bridge State Park, it is an outdoor treasure trove. Hikers enjoy trails of every level of difficulty. Rock climbers flock to the area’s craggy cliffs. And kayakers and canoeists explore the Red River’s meandering waters.
Natural Bridge State Park Hikes
Original Trail
Our weekend adventure started with the Original Trail in Natural Bridge State Park, a historic .75 mile path that dates back to the 1890s. This trail is not only a hiking route but a journey back in time, offering a glimpse into the park’s rich history. Parking at the Hemlock Lodge, we quickly made our way to the trailhead. As you set foot on the Original Trail, you’ll notice the well-preserved stonework and steps build by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, adding a sense of nostalgia to your hike. The trail is considered moderately challenging and takes you directly to the park’s namesake feature, the Natural Bridge.
Natural Bridge is a massive sandstone formation that stands 65 feet high and spans 78 feet across. It’s a fantastic spot for photos and provides a glimpse into the geological wonders that define this Red River Gorge region. The bridge’s unique shape and texture are truly a sight to behold. As you continue along the trail, you’ll eventually reach the Natural Bridge Overlook. This viewpoint offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding forest and, of course, the natural bridge itself. It’s a perfect spot to take a break, soak in the scenery and appreciate the beauty of the park.
Laurel Ridge Trail/Lookout Point/Lovers Leap
From the Natural Bridge, we continued onto Laurel Ridge Trail. This .75 mile trail treats hikers to the breathtaking overlook at Lookout Point, which provides an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the dense forest, rock formations, and the Natural Bridge. Along the trail, we came across fascinating rock shelters carved by centuries of natural erosion. They provided a unique photo opportunity, that the kids particularly loved, but also give some context to the geological history of the region. The trail ends at Lovers Leap, an overlook with a stunning view of the canyon below. From this vantage point, you can also see tents speckled across the landscape behind Miguel’s Rock Climbing Shop, a popular campground for rock climbers.
Needles Eye Stairway/Battleship Rock Trail
From Lovers Leap, we doubled back a bit to the Needles Eye Stairway. The stairway, built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, leads to the Battleship Rock trail. This part of the trail offers a relatively short yet exhilarating adventure. This trail includes towering rock formations that create a dramatic and otherworldly atmosphere. It also lives up to its name with some narrow passages between massive rocks. These sections of the trail add an exciting element of adventure to this hike. Wooden and rock staircases guide you through some of the steeper portions of the trail. Following the Battleship Rock Trail, it will eventually wind down to the Original Trail and ultimately back to the Hemlock Lodge parking lot.
Per AllTrails, this loop covers 1.8 miles. We must have taken quite a few offshoots, because by the time we got back to the car, we logged closer to 2.8 miles! Take note that we hiked this loop clockwise. You could certainly hike it counterclockwise as well; however, the steps and inclines are much steeper hiking in that direction. While there is definitely an incline starting with the Original Trail, our family unanimously agreed that we preferred coming down Needles Eye. If able, we highly recommend following this route. Our kids especially loved the Needles Eye.
Natural Bridge State Park Sky Lift
Next, we drove to the park’s sky lift parking area. Honestly, I had not planned to ride the sky lift. However, you pass it along Laurel Ridge Trail. The kids went crazy for it, so we added it to our plans. A 13-minute ride each way, the sky lift transports you to a gorgeous overlook. Plus, it’s a short walk to Natural Bridge. You could take the sky lift up, see the bridge and the overlook, and then ride back down. Or you could buy a one-way ticket. You could hike up and then ride it down. Or, if you prefer the descent, you could ride it up and hike down.
We had already hiked up and down, so we planned to just stay on it. However, you are required to exit the lift at the top. We simply just hopped off and right back on again. But there is ample opportunities to wander around at the top to explore that area. The ride itself is scenic and relaxing. The open-air chairlift is a the perfect way to experience the majesty of the park. For us, it was a nice break after our morning hike. But, it also offers accessibility to the park’s spectacular views to a wide range of visitors. For prices and hours, check their out the website.
Miguel’s Pizza Restaurant
Next, we made the short pilgrimage from the park to the infamous Miguel’s Pizza Restaurant. Miguel’s is a bustling hub of activity in the heart of this region. Since it opened in 1993, this unique pizzeria has grown to become a destination in its own right. It’s not just a restaurant but a gathering place for the area’s visitors, hikers and especially rock climbers. Between the restaurant and their neighboring rock climbing shop, with campground, they offer anything a rock climber could possibly need.
Miguel’s provides indoor seating, outdoor pavilions, shower house, storage racks for gear and even a basketball goal. Add that to the top-of-the-line climbing shop and delicious made-from-scratch food, and it’s easy to see why Miguel’s is so popular! For lunch and dinner, they offer pizza, sandwiches and salads. They even offer a full breakfast menu as well. Whether you’re in the area to hike, rock climb or even kayak, Miguel’s is the perfect spot for some scrumptious carb-loading!
One last note on Miguel’s is to keep in mind that it’s a popular hotspot. Like crazy popular. Like expect to wait in line (though you can place a mobile order). We got there at 2, and it took about 45-60 minutes to order and get our pizza. But, it was worth the wait. We demolished an entire 16″ pizza plus two additional slices.
Red River Gorge General Store and Ice Cream Shop
After stuffing our faces full of pizza, we made the short drive to the Red River Gorge General Store. This adorable shop has all sorts of fun treasures. From supplies to local gifts and souvenirs to fudge and ice cream, it truly has a little bit of everything! We even found a pink cowgirl hat for a our daughter that she needed for her Halloween costume. After grabbing the hat and a few bottles of water, we walked over to the ice cream window. Hand-scooped ice cream, soft serve ice cream, toppings galore, milk shakes, slushies, sundaes, and even pup cups. It’s an ice cream lover’s paradise! We grabbed a few sweet treats (decadent by the way) and hit the road again.
Red River Gorge Scenic Byway and Nada Tunnel
Next up, we drove the Red River Gorge Scenic byway. The byway stretches 46 miles in total, but you can drive a loop that is a bit shorter, covering 33 miles. This picturesque route highlights the rugged beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The byway is dotted with scenic overlooks, each offering its own unique perspective of the area. Paved pull-offs allow you to stop, stretch your legs and take in the views. Hiking trailheads abound, catering to all skill levels. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or a challenging backcountry adventure, you’ll find a trail to suit your needs.
Perhaps the highlight of the scenic byway is the Nada Tunnel. Located along Kentucky Route 77 of the byway, the Nada Tunnel is a portal to a bygone era. The historic passageway thrusts you into the heart of the gorge’s natural splendor. Constructed in the early 1900s as a railroad tunnel, Nada Tunnel measures only 12 feet wide and 13 feet high. As you drive through its narrow confines, you almost feel transported to a time when the steam locomotives passed through the same walls. This family favorite truly encapsulates the essence of the region’s natural wonders and historical significance.
Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center & Historical Site
After passing through the tunnel, we enjoyed the winding byway through the lush forest. About 6.5 miles from the tunnel, on Highway 715, make sure to stop at the Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center & Historical Site. Upon entering the center, you’ll be immersed into the history and heritage of the area. The center’s exhibits provide insight into the lives of the region’s early inhabitants, including the Native American communities that once thrived in the area. Through artifacts, photographs and interactive displays, both kids and adults gain an appreciation for the cultural significance of this land.
The center also provides a window into the geological wonders of the Red River Gorge. You’ll learn about its formation and the diverse ecosystems that call it home. Rangers offer interpretive programs to guests. They lead guided walks, talks and workshops, sharing insights into the flora, fauna and history of the Red River Gorge. The programs are terrific for visitors of all ages. Families with children will appreciate the Junior Ranger Program. Our kids have been collecting cool badges (and learning a ton in the process) from this program for years all across the country. Gladie did not disappoint. The rangers provided the girls with their workbook. The workbook contained fun and educational activities designed to encourage kids to explore, learn and connect with nature. Upon completion, they each received a Gladie-specific badge to add to their Junior Ranger vests.
Sky Bridge Trail
I had planned on us having hiked several of the trails scattered along the byway. However, time had simply gotten away from us. So, we were only able to fit in the Sky Bridge Trail. This .6 mile, moderately challenging loop takes you to, across and below the Sky Bridge Arch. The massive sandstone arch stands 65 feet high and spans 75 feet across. This natural marvel is a must-see. It’s a fun trail that provides some jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the gorge.
Of note, there is a fairly long, steep staircase at the end. If you prefer going down stairs, I’d recommend hiking the loop counterclockwise. There will still be an incline and few stairs going this direction, but it’s more gradual. Though we didn’t experience this, the Sky Bridge apparently offers an absolutely spectacular sunrise opportunity.
Sky Bridge was a great hike to end the day on. It wasn’t terribly difficult…although my thighs were burning by the time we got to the top of that staircase! The kids absolutely fawn over the arches and bridges. And, we loved the scenic views.
Stargazing
After finishing this hike, we headed back to the campground for dinner, s’mores around the campfire and stargazing with our telescope. Our astronomical highlight was seeing Saturn’s rings through the telescope. Super cool for all of us. We tried to take a picture through the telescope. It’s not a great picture, and it almost doesn’t look real, but you can see the outline of the ring around it.
Next Time
We’ve already booked our next trip back to 4 Guys RV Park and this amazing area. Next time, we hope to hike the Angel Windows, Whistling Arch, Gray’s Arch, Princess Arch, Rock Bridge, and Chimney Top trails. I’ll continue to update this blog as we complete them to give you our perspective of each. This is definitely an area you can come back to time and time again. And, each time, you can have a completely different adventure!
Exploring the Red River Gorge region is an incredible adventure. It beautifully combines the thrill of exploration with the tranquility of nature. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or rock climbing seeking immense challenge or a nature lover looking for a leisurely stroll or drive through this magical, you’ll fall in love with this area. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera and create your own adventure! What did we miss in the Red River Gorge area? Leave us a comment and tell us what we need to catch on our next visit! If you want to follow our other adventures, click here. And follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with our “Where To Next?”.
