The Red River Gorge is one of Kentucky's most beautiful destinations. Here, you'll find a rugged wilderness filled with a mix of sandstone bluffs, impossibly steep canyons, boulder-strewn creeks, secret waterfalls, and the largest concentration of natural arches and archaeologically significant rock shelters east of the Rockies. Beyond its rugged natural beauty, there are also plenty of things to see and do in the Red River Gorge. Come stay at one of our many member Bed and Breakfasts located in this region of Kentucky, and see this awe-inspiring beauty for yourself. Whether cozy and rustic or elegant and refined, find the perfect Bed and Breakfast for your Kentucky getaway today.
Your Guide to the Red River Gorge One of the best parts about the Red River Gorge is that it's accessible to just about everyone. The accessibility of this incredible place doesn't make it any less magnificent, though. To start your journey into the gorge itself, you'll enter through a one-lane former railroad tunnel onto the 46-mile-long National Scenic Byway. Once there, take the time to enjoy the habitat. There are over 750 different flowering plants and 170 species of moss, including many that are considered endangered or rare. More than 60 mammals inhabit the area, as well as more than 100 bird species, including hawks, owls, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds. At the heart of the Red River Gorge is the Red River itself, which is a National Wild and Scenic River that meanders among more than 100 sandstone arches. It became the state's first National Wild and Scenic River in 1993.
You can paddle the 10.8 mile stretch of the Upper Red River, which is considered to be one of the most scenic stretches of river in the country. The first part of the river is especially breathtaking Class I river, followed by sections of class II/III rapids, some that are no more than six-feet wide in some places. Hikers will also find plenty of hiking trails to explore here, as there are three connected areas that make up the larger Red River Gorge: the Red River Gorge Geological Area and the Clifty Red River Gorge in the Daniel Boone National ForestWilderness, both within the Daniel Boone National Forest, and Natural Bridge State Resort Park. In total, there are over 600 miles of hiking trails to explore.
If you're looking to get ever-so-slightly more adventurous, there are also plenty of mountain biking trails and rock-climbing routes to enjoy in the Red River Gorge. The Daniel Boone National Forest proudly features more than 300 miles of singletrack bike trails, all under the protective shade of these lush and ancient forests. The Red River Gorge has been a Mecca for climbing for decades. With more than 1,600 climbing routes, one can truly spend a lifetime climbing to their heart's content.
