Book your KY Vacation – Natural Bridge & Red River Gorge have something for everyone
Skylift
Since 1967, the Skylift at Natural Bridge State Resort Park has provided visitors the opportunity to experience some of nature’s most awe-inspiring handiwork. Located amidst the scenic and world renown Daniel Boone Natural Forest and Red River Gorge Geological Area, the skylift takes you on a mile journey through spectacular mountain scenery. Once at the top, you are within easy walking distance of over 900 tons of sandstone molded by nature into a 30-ft wide sidewalk now known as Natural Bridge. A right turn from the top platform takes you on a 1200ft scenic footpath to Lookout Point, a magnificent viewing area and the best place to photograph Natural Bridge.
Hoe Down Island
Starting May 7th , Every Saturday evening, Hoe Down Island hosts its famous “Natural Bridge Hoedown dance” with a mixture of Line Dancing, Square dancing and Clogging. Even if you have never square danced before, you can learn in about five minutes with instruction from the dance caller. It’s an evening of family fun for all ages. Join us on Saturday evenings from May to Oct at Hoedown Island . The warm-up dance starts at 6:30 pm and the regular dance program begins at 7:30 pm. Admission is $3.00/person (ages 12 & under are free).
Rock Climbing
Over the last 10 years there has been a dramatic increase of climbers in the area. Climbing here in the Gorge is for all levels of climbers. First timers to experts can find the perfect challenge. In the Red River Gorge/Slade area there are three hot-spot climbing locations including, The Red River Gorge Geological Area, Muir Valley, and the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve. For a list of rock climbing guides visit http://www.redrivergorgeguide.com/rock-climbing.html .
Wild Things of Kentucky
Get “up close and personal” with some of Kentucky’s most interesting critters! Our snakes, including Timber Rattlesnakes and Copperheads, can be studied behind a large double payne tempered glass wall. If you are lucky…..you will visit at feeding time! Do some mining at the Natural Bridge Gem Mine. You can mine here for rubies, sapphires, arrow heads, shark teeth and much more. Also, buy a cone of goat food to feed the goats on the roof. They are waiting for you.
Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock Trail #235 is a paved, quarter-mile stroll to a developed overlook that juts out over the gorge.The panorama from Chimney Rock Overlook includes sights such as Half Moon Rock (southeast), Pinch-Em Tight Gap (west) Hanson’s Point (southwest) and the Red River.
Natural Bridge
Photo By: © Robert Zinn, Aerial View Specialists, LLC
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is home to the great natural sandstone arch that stands like a sentinel over this mountain hideaway. Located in the midst of the Daniel Boone National Forest, near the Red River Gorge Geological Area, the arch spans 78 feet in length and 65 feet in height. Visitors will find this park a kaleidoscope of spectacular natural beauty with each passing season.
Creation Falls
Rock Bridge Trail is one of the most scenic trails in Red River Gorge, including the arch (the “rock bridge”) for which the trail is named, and a beautiful waterfall (Creation Falls) on the way to the arch.
RRG Map
Red River Gorge is located in Daniel Boone National Forest which contains an estimated 500 miles of trails through rugged terrain made of sandstone cliffs and exposed limestone rock faces. This trail network is larger than any other in Kentucky.
Zipline
Life is short – Have More Fun! Red River Gorge Zipline is a breath taking attraction in the beautiful Red River Gorge Area. Professionally guided 2-3 tours take you across 5 separate ziplines 300’ above the Gorge at speeds up to 55 MPH. As part of your tour you will get to experience and walk across 4 unique canopy bridges.
Underground Kayaking
Explore the Underground is a 1 hour long guided trip through an abandoned mine. Guides work to educate the guests about the types of rock throughout the mine and the uses of the rocks. It is around 55 degrees inside so bring a light jacket. All equipment needed is provided, which includes kayaks, helmets, life jackets, paddles, and headlamps.
Gladie Visitor Center
This center is located on highway 715 in the Red River Gorge. It has heat and air condition. It’s a great place to get information on trails and learn a little more about the area. There is a very interesting exhibit there that shows the history and culture of the area.
Suspension Bridge
Sheltowee Connector Trail, located in the Red River Gorge on the Cumberland District, follows the Red River to a junction with the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail and the suspension footbridge across the Red River.
Jump Rock
Want that cool Instagram video to impress the ladies? Welp, strap on a GoPro and go jump off that big rock like an ol’ manly man. As the name suggests, Jump Rock, is primarily a location where people go to swim and jump off of a rather large rock protruding from the Red River. The easiest way to access it is by parking in the Sheltowee Trace Suspension Bridge gravel parking lot off of KY 715. With it’s easy access, this spot too can become a little crowded. We certainly wouldn’t recommend small children attempt this feat. To be honest it really isn’t that safe to jump into any murky creek/river but hey if you have to be “that guy” then by all means go ahead. Visit http://www.hikingrrg.com/top-7-swimming-holes-red-river-gorge/ to check out all the best swimming holes.
Nada Tunnel
Nada Tunnel is a historic 900-foot (270 m) long tunnel along Kentucky Route 77 in Powell County, Kentucky. Formerly a railway tunnel, the presently paved tunnel has often been described as the “Gateway to Red River Gorge” for the shortcut it provides motorists to the Red River Gorge canyons of the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Camping
You can tent camp anywhere in the gorge as long as you follow the USDA rules and have an overnight pass which we sell in our shop. If you are looking for a campground that has it all, check out www.4guysrvpark.com. They have tent camping and full hook-up sites with a pool and bath house. They have wi-fi too!
Kayaking
Red River Adventure is located directly in the Red River Gorge. Park your car at their riverside campground and let them take you up-river to begin your Red River Adventure! Your canoe or kayak adventure ends back at your parked car.
Visit John Swift’s Lost Silver Mine Historic Campground at www.SwiftCampground.com for more info.
Swimming Pool
The public pool is located at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. It is a zero entry pool with a kiddie pool as well. There is a private pool at 4 Guys RV Park which is accessible free of charge if you rent one of our two houses located a the park.
La Cabana
Mexican food close to Red River Gorge.
Check them out on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LacabanaRestaurantSlade
Miguel’s Pizza
Miguel’s Pizza has made its name all around the world as a friendly and dependable place to find tasty, fresh, and reasonably priced food with a great atmosphere in a world class location.
Red River Smokehouse
A low N’ slow Texas style BBQ restaurant, right in the heart of Red River Gorge, KY.
Visit RedRiverSmokehouse.com and browse their menu!
Sky Bridge Station
Your one-stop shop in the Red River Gorge! 12 LOCAL beers on tap, gourmet hot dogs, quesadillas, lodging, tourist info, and home of KRAG!
Check out their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/SkyBridgeStation/
Red River Rockhouse
Family owned, supporting local farmers and artisans, and creating delicious food, in a comfortable and clean environment, is what we’re about! Specializing in grass fed burgers, kale & spinach salad, traditional tacos, humongous burritos, tap beer, and wine & bourbon; you’re sure to find something to complete your day in the Gorge!
Visit www.RedRiverRockhouse.com for more info!
Hop’s Fork
150 beers, 16 taps drink in and dine out, growlers, beer garden, drive-thru
Visit their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/HopsFork!
Leave No Trace
Guided adventures in Red River Gorge
Visit their website at www.LeaveNoTraceAdventures.com for more info.