Recently, I got a chance to visit one of my favorite places in the world. While I was on an annual trip to my hometown settled within the Appalachian Mountain range of eastern Kentucky, I couldn't resist carving some time to play in the Red River Gorge. Lying within the Daniel Boone National Forest, the “Red” as most hikers and climbers refer to it, or as I like to call it just the “Gorge,” is truly one of the most remarkable outdoor areas east of the Mississippi. If you’ve ever spent any length of time in this part of the world, you know what I’m talking about. With over 60 miles of trails, a plethora of limestone cliffs, and being designated as a historic geological area, the Gorge is a hiking paradise and a rock climbing mecca. Enough said. So, I figured since I just got back, I would do a review of what to expect if whoever reads this decides to venture into the Kentucky wilderness and explore just what the mighty Red River Gorge has to offer. Let’s get into it!
You will fall in love
For the past several years since I first started getting into hiking, the Gorge has held a special place in my heart. As a baby outdoor enthusiast, the trails within this area were what entranced me the most and what initially triggered the itch to keep trekking through the most beautiful places. And with it being under two hours from where I grew up, the Gorge was an easy outlet to fulfill my hiking fix. Every year since I discovered it, no matter how far away I live now in Missouri, I always somehow find myself following those enchanting, sand-dusted paths with white pine trees leading the way at some point in the year.
What makes this place so incredible is how stunning the natural environment is, especially after a fresh rain. The woods glisten and teem with life, and convince me that magic exists. Not only that, but over millions of years, the Red River has cut and shaped the cliffs and rock formations so immaculately that there are currently an estimated 150 arches present within the geological area. Every trail in the Gorge has something special and breathtaking to offer. On a typical hike, you would likely encounter massive rock shelters, natural bridges, impressive waterfalls, sandstone ridges, remarkable views of the Appalachian Mountain range, and a diverse array of wildlife. If I haven’t convinced you to drop everything and run to these hills yet, you are dead to me.
Dozens and dozens of trails
The Red River Gorge trail system is quite impressive as most of them connect to other trails which creates the opportunity to choose your own adventure. Some of my favorite trails and trail combinations include the following:
Koomer Ridge Trail to Rough Trail to Pinch-em Tight Trail to Buck Trail Loop
Total mileage: 10 miles
Grays Arch Trail to Rough Trail to Rush Ridge Trail to Pinch-em Tight Loop
Total mileage: 3.5 miles
Hidden Arch Trail to Koomer Ridge Trail Loop
Total mileage: 2 miles
Bison Way Trail to Indian Staircase Trail to Cloudsplitter Loop
Total mileage: 4 miles
Rock Bridge Trail and Lower Swift Camp Creek Trail
Total mileage: 4 miles
Note: I have only ever day hiked in the Gorge, but this area is also great for backpacking as well. There are plenty of backcountry campsites to choose from distributed throughout the Gorge; permits are required.
While you’re there…
Another interesting fact about the Red River Gorge is the fact that Kentucky’s long-distance trail, the Sheltowee Trace, cuts through this area as well. If you happen to visit the Gorge and hike on some of its trails, chances are you will encounter the Trace along the way. The Trace spans the length of the Danial Boone National Forest at over 300 miles long and even dips into northern Tennessee as well. The trail's history begins with its unique name. When Danial Boone was captured by the Shawnee Indians, their Chief renamed him “Sheltowee” meaning “Big Turtle.” Many, many years later when the trail was under construction in the seventies, they named the trail after Boone, and to this day, the trail is blazed with a cute white turtle stenciled on the trees. I hope to thru-hike the Trace at some point, but for now, I have only set foot on its path while in the Gorge.
Adjacent to the Red River Gorge sits Natural Bridge State Park and this area attracts visitors from all over who plan to hike to the top of the infamous rock bridge the park is named after. Currently, if you want to skip hiking to the top, there is a sky lift that will carry you up the mountainside, but who wants to do that? The Original Trail is the most popular way to access Natural Bridge at only half a mile and is extremely well maintained with a variety of benches and small shelters along the steep climb. Once at the top, the view is one of the most incredible sights in all of Kentucky providing a 360 panorama of the Appalachian Mountains surrounding you. Across the landscape, Lookout Point can be seen in the distance and is easy to access after following the trail that leads from the bridge. This spot is particularly stunning as you have an impressive view of the Natural Bridge from afar. I HIGHLY recommend adding Natural Bridge to your plans if you go to Red River Gorge. You will not be disappointed.
Where’s the pizza?
Not only is the Gorge an outdoor lover's Utopia, but this relic of Kentucky is also home to a few food establishments that just make the vibe a lot better. With the Red River Gorge being a tourist destination with gift shops, cabin rentals, canoe outfitters, and zip-lining guides, there are two places I always make a point to visit while I’m in that area. One of which is the Danial Boone Coffee Shop. This tiny café on the side of the road leading to Natural Bridge State Park has a nice, chill atmosphere. They offer the typical coffees and drinks, but they also serve breakfast and lunch foods as well as baked goods for both omnivores and vegans. The shop also doubles as a small gear/gift store too so if you’re camping in the area and forgot to pack your precious baby wipes or want to contribute to your sticker obsession, they definitely got you covered.
Another awesome place to swing by while in the Gorge and probably one of the most popular pizza joints in all of Eastern Kentucky is Miguel’s. Picture this. You’ve been hiking or climbing all day. Your body aches, your feet hate you, and the thought of stomaching another Clifbar makes you want to throw up. You crave anything, preferably something hot and instantly gratifying. That’s where Miguel’s comes in! With the build-your-own-pizza style at their core, they are unlike any other pizzeria I’ve ever eaten at. Being able to choose from an eclectic range of sauces and toppings makes Miguel’s the perfect place to stop after a long day in the backcountry. As if that wasn’t cool enough, they also are a hot spot for climbers with their own campground and gear shop in the back of the restaurant.
Closing thoughts
Red River Gorge is easily one of the best places to explore in Kentucky. No matter how many times I’ve been there and hiked its trails, I always see something new and leave with a deep sense of pride for my home state. If you’ve read some of my posts, you know how infatuated I am with Appalachia. The culture, the mountains, the beauty of this area, and the people within it are truly what make this region stand out among the rest. I hope to settle back to where I am from eventually, but for now, visiting the Gorge will have to suffice. If you plan on heading in this direction, I promise this place will fill your cup up and give you something to daydream about for years.
Hope you enjoyed this review and if you want to show some love or provide suggestions, don’t be afraid to like, comment, or subscribe to receive more of my posts in your inbox.
As always, see you out on the trail!