Red River Gorge

RED RIVER GORGE

How is it possible that in the 10 years that I’ve lived in Louisville, Kentucky I havent been to the beautiful Red River Gorge?  Last week I finally got to experience this outdoor paradise practically in my backyard!  The Red River Gorge is within the boundaries of the Daniel Boone National forest in Wolfe County, Kentucky.  The gorge was sculped by wind and water over 70 million years.  The gorge itself is home to the largest number of naturally occurring bridges and arches east of the Rocky Mountains.  Which is exactly why my family (all outdoor adventure seekers) decided to get together last week for a week exploring the geographical area and all the outdoor activities it offers.  Me, Rick, my mom, aunt and uncle, sister and brother in law spent the week (no kids) hiking the many trails and exploring the rock bridges and arches.  We ziplined, rock climbed and kayaked an underwater cavern too!  If you are in the area or looking for a place for some outdoor adventure I highly recommend visiting the area.  I shared our trip below to help you plan your own outdoor adventure to the Gorge!        

Hiking

All of the hikes we traversed this week had terrain that varied and included steep slopes, narrow ravines and cliffs.  The actual hikes ranged from easy to moderate in difficulty.  Although there are numerous trails and hikes to explore in the area, here are the ones that we explored this week:

Red river gorge hiking crew
I spent the week in the gorge with my adventure driven family (from left to right) uncle Chris Shineldecker, husband Rick Kraus, sister Tina Gray, brother in law Greg Gray, mom Nancy McDowell, aunt Janice Shineldecker and me (squatting)

GRAYS ARCH LOOP

2 mile loop hike.  Took us 2 hours 15 minutes to hike the loop.  Grays Arch was our first hike of the week and the arch gave us a taste of what was to come for the rest of the week.  There were several people on the hike from the parking lot to the arch.  Most people were doing this hike as an out and back.  We hiked the entire loop and saw no people after the arch.     

red river gorge arch
Grays Arch
red river gorge arch
View on hike to Grays Arch
red river gorge
View on loop trail after Grays Arch

CREATION FALLS LOOP & ROCK BRIDGE TRAIL

Nice little waterfall feature less than a mile into hike that is about 1.5 miles long (took us 50 min to hike this section).   Follow trail signs to pick up the Rock Bridge Arch trail (.9 miles) to see two small arches.  Trail will take you back to picnic area parking (that section took 30 min to hike).    

TIP: Start trail at the steps and go down the steps first.  This way you will gradually walk back up at the end of hike instead of ending walking up the steep stairs.

Sky Bridge Trail top of bridge
Waterfall on Creation Falls Trail
Hiking Trail
Mom on Rock Bridge Trail

SKY BRIDGE  

Less than 1 mile hike loop (some stairs at end).  Took us 33 minutes to hike loop.  Start by crossing on top of the arch (bridge) with great views.  Continue loop trail to under arch (great spot for pictures there) and trail continues along cliffside through woods and ends with going up several stairs.  Short hike with stairs at end.  A good short hike with a great view.      

Rock Bridge Trail under bridge
Sky Bridge Trail under bridge view (start this hike by walking across the sky bridge above)
Sky Bridge Trail top of bridge
Sky Bridge Trail top of bridge view
Rock Bridge Trail
Sky Bridge Trail after the bridge

AUXIER TRAIL*

This is a loop trail but we did it as an out and back (read on for WHY).  This hike takes you to many terrific views of the gorge and Courthouse Rock.  Highly suggest you ONLY do this trail by staying ON TOP of the ridge.  DO NOT DO THE STAIRS unless you want a lot of work and no reward!   The view and hike is 100% the best by staying on top of the ridge.  Therefore, do NOT start this trail heading toward Auxier Branch Trail or Double Arch.  Instead stay on top of the ridge and hike 2 miles until you reach the top of the stairs (turn around here and hike back the way you came on top of ridge).  Out and back is four miles total hike and took us 2 hours 30 minutes including a stop for lunch.  Lots of cliffs and straight down drop-offs .  I would not want a dog or children on this hike.  Total elevation gain is 700 feet.  Trail map says trail is flat.  It is NOT.  Bring poles.!  *Tami trail favorite  

Auxier Trail Red River Gorge
Auxier Trail has several steep cliffs along the trail and great views along the way (Courthouse Rock in far distance)
Auxier Trail Red River Gorge
This is not a flat trail as the trail guide says!
Auxier Trail Red River Gorge
View of Courthouse Rock from Auxier Trail
Auxier Trail Red River Gorge
Stay on the ridge for the Auxier trail hike. Many great views along the way
Auxier Trail Red River Gorge
Hike 2 miles to stairs (seen in pic here). Turn around and hike an out and back instead of a loop. Don't do the stairs (not worth it). View is all on the ridge!
Auxier Trail Red River Gorge
Auxier Trail lunch break!

NATURAL BRIDGE via ROCK GARDEN TRAIL (down only)

We parked at Natural Bridge State Park and took the chair lift to the top (fee).   Chair lift is a slow, breezy relaxing short ride to the top of gorge.  Once dismounted from lift you have two (very) short walks in opposite direction for separate lookouts (overlooking each other).   Take the .3 mile trail to Battleship Rock first (you will see Natural Bridge across gorge).  Head back to chair lift and continue past it in other direction for .1 mile to the view from the top of Natural Bridge.  Cross bridge and take right down the stairs immediately after the bridge.  This will take you to under the bridge for another nice view (most crowded place we were at all week).  We hiked the Rock Garden Trail back down to the parking lot.  This was a crowd favorite trail for our group.  Total hike is 1.25 miles from bridge to car and took us 40 minutes.  Although the trail is all downhill, it has some inclement areas with tricky stairs, steep declines and tight space walk-throughs.    

Battleship Rock
Standing on top of Battleship Rock looking over gorge to Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge Red River Gorge
Standing on Natural Bridge looking over gorge to Battleship Rock
Natural Bridge Lift to top
We rode the lift to the top of the rock and hiked down
Natural Bridge below the bridge
Underside of Natural Bridge. Rock Garden Trail begins here below Natural Bridge
Rock Garden Trail
Rock Garden Trail hike to the bottom has some tight crevices to navigate
Rock Garden Trail
Rock Garden Trail is tricky in spots but a very fun hike back down to the car from Natural Bridge

RAVEN ROCK TRAIL  (Private property and best view)

If you want the absolute best view of the gorge that is private and near panoramic then you need to hike this trail.  The hike itself isn’t very interesting and you must climb an elevation of 600 feet in a mile (it is a tough climb and we took several breather breaks cuz it feels straight up and it is) but the view at the top makes the hike to get there totally worth it.   The trail is an out and back that is 3.5 miles long total.  Took us 2 hours 10 minutes total to hike (start to finish).    You park on private property and pay $5 to do so.  The $5 probably deters many hikers from hitting this trail but that is a mistake.  It is a well spent $5 for that view!  The trail starts by following a wide, grassy path along the red river for about a mile before you begin the steep elevation.  Check out the history of this rock and trail HERE.  It is very interesting and due to it’s history, the trail is mostly paved (although much of it is broken up).   The top of this bluff was the only place I experienced bugs.  They were little and pesty..  If you plan to stay up there for any amount of time then you will want to bring bug spray!  

Raven Rock Red River Gorge
The hike up Raven Rock Trail is a tough climb but much of the path is on the remains of an old road
Raven Rock Trail
Raven Rock hike is an up and back
Raven Rock View
A pic can't do this view justice. It was near panoramic and went for miles!
Raven Rock
Raven Rock hike was tough but the view made it worth it

Rock Climbing

This was a favorite excursion and I highly recommend.  We arrived 30 minutes early to pay, sign waivers and get instruction from a certified climbing professional (instruction on gear, climbing and a practice session before beginning the course).   The Via Ferrata, which stands for “Iron Road”,  is an Italian style of climbing that allows you to safely scale otherwise dangerous paths by securing yourself to a cable and utilizing rebar steps and hand grips in the rock’s face.  The Via Ferrata course is a horseshoe shaped canyon divided into six sections categorized into four levels of difficulty (beginner to expert).  The difficulty levels are clearly marked on the rock face and there are exit points at the end of each section.  The course has two suspension bridges (section 4 and 5) and a 40 foot tight rope walk.  The recommended dress is long pants and closed toe shoes (or hiking boots).  Gloves are available for purchase for $5 and I highly recommend.        

Plan to spend 2-4 hours on this activity.  There is a nice picnic area and outdoor seating to watch other climbers on the course.  You are allowed to exit and enter the course as many times as you want.  This is convenient in regards to hydrating, taking a rest in between sections or adjusting layers of clothing.  Minimum age to climb is 10 years old.   I will be back for the hiking and climbing again for sure!  A highlight of my week was the Via Ferrata.  SO SO FUN!

Rock Climbing
One of the routes on the Via Ferreta (BTW this is the easy section)!
Rock Climbing
Chris on the Via Ferretta
Via Ferretta
My mom (73 years young) on the Via Ferretta
Via Ferretta cliff climb
Climbing Via Ferretta was my favorite part of the week
Via Ferrata View
Views from my the Via Ferrata climb
via ferrata view
Another Via Ferrata View (notice top of trees for height perspective!)
Via Ferretta Expert
Aunt Janice on the expert level (double diamond) section of Via Ferretta (look for orange spec (helmet) just right of center of rock

Zip Lining

Soar 350 feet above the gorge at speeds up to 55 miles per hour on this 2 hour zip line excursion consisting of five consecutive ziplines.  The start and finish location are different (you get shuttled back to the starting location).  Enjoy breathtaking views of some of the scenic cliffs while zipping through the trees.  There are four canopy bridges throughout the course.  At least that is what I am told as I opted out of this excursion and didn’t go.  The group that zipped were in a group of 12 plus three guides.  Closed toe shoes required and weight limit is between 70-250 lbs. 

The last zipline ends at Cliffview Resort where I was able to park at, explore the grounds and sit on the porch overlooking a lake and the gorge until my family arrived and I was able to photograph and video their last zip.  

Red River Gorge Zip Line
The fifth and final zipline. Was able to watch the group finish from the lodge balcony

Underground Kayaking

This is a one hour flat bottom kayak excursion through an abandoned underground limestone gorge.  Kayaks are single or double person and there is also a pontoon option if you are not comfortable in a kayak.  It is a guided tour where you paddle yourself in a small group of 10-12 kayaks and two guides (in their own kayaks) one in front of group and one in back of group.  The water is clear and still and the cave is untouched by sunlight so you are provided a head lamp to illuminate your way.  Instructor provides commentary about the geographical area under the mountain and points out wildlife (fish and bat is what we saw) as well as abandoned mining equipment left behind after the mine was closed for good in the 1980’s.  I found it hard to hear what the guide was saying at most times.  The temperature in the cave is a consistent 55 degrees year round so make sure to dress accordingly.  I did not get wet other than sitting in a wet seat from the kayaker before me and some dribble on my lap from the paddle.  Closed toe shoes are required but I wore flip flops and was not told to change.  Lifejacket, paddle, helmet and headlamp was all provided. 

This was my least favorite excursion of the week (and I think my family would agree).  It was low key and low adrenaline (not a good combination for my family who are full throttle adventure and adrenaline junkies).   I’m glad we did it one time but not something I would do again.  

kayaking in cave
Left camera behind for this excursion! Pic credit: redrivergorge.com

Accomodations

There are many options for camping, inns, cabins and lodges in the area.  Through VRBO we found an 8 person 4 bedroom country home in Beattyville which was a 20-45 minute drive from our hikes and excursions.  The house sat on the end of a long private drive (closest neighbor 1/2 mile away which also happens to be a rental property by the same owner).  The husband and wife owners live nearby and are responsive.  The home was very clean upon our arrival and had a great game room in the basement that we enjoyed nightly after dinner along with the front and back porches that overlooked acres of forest.  For more information on our 5 out of 5 star rental click HERE.     

Blue house in country
Quiet country house on the end of an even quieter country road
Beattyville house for rent
Tip Top Cottage is available to rent on VRBO
Blue house in country
After a long day of fun outdoor activities we enjoyed sitting on the porch sipping cocktails every night
log cabin rental
Bill's place is a cute log cabin also available to rent and our closest neighbor
Rocking chair on farmhouse porch
Spend every night on the farmhouse porch
View from country porch
This is the view from the porch. Also where we watched the Space Station fly over and countless stars

Food

Not an area I can give much info on as we did not eat out.  We rented the house with a well equipped kitchen and pre-shopped at Gordons, Costco and Kroger.  We brought a week’s worth of groceries for all our meals for 7 adults.  We did find an IGA grocery store in Beattyville for one trip to the grocery during the week.  Otherwise we made breakfast and dinner at the house and packed lunches and snacks in our backpacks if needed on long hike days.  However, here are some food places that we heard about in the area (I cannot say if they are good or not as we did not eat out during our week at the gorge).  

Pics from the week

Red River Gorge Grays Arch
The fam at Grays Arch
Hikers
Rick and Tami on Grays Arch hike
Hikers
My sister Tina and brother in law Greg
hikers
Ella, Matt and Hank joined us one day for a hike to Grays Arch
hiker wet pants
What happens when you are not careful crossing a stream and the rocks are slippery
Hikers on rock
Aunt Janice and Uncle Chris at Grays Arch
red river gorge
On the ridge of Auxier Trail
auxier trail
The views are spectacular on the ridge of the gorge
climber on ridge
Aunt Janice proved to be our climber of the week
hiker leaning on tree
Uncle Chris was our guide and chef!
lookout from auxier trail
Auxier Trail has many places to camp if planning an overnight on the ridge
People overlooking a ridge
Auxier Trail has great views (just don't do stairs!)
Hikers on ridge
Last group pic before Tina and Greg had to leave early to tend to their home being hit by Hurricane Delta (a mere 6 weeks after they took a direct hit from Laura)
hikers on ridge
Auxier Trail has many photo worthy spots to stop for pics!
Hiker in red river gorge
Be careful Rick! That is where I fell! Creation Falls hike
fuzzy on palm of hand
The elusive black fuzzy tick of Red River Gorge....oh wait....that's just a black fuzzy....crisis averted.
hikers in eno
Scouting out an overnight camping spot for our next visit
hikers in waterfall
Everyone laughing at my wipeout at Creation Falls Trail
crevice in auxier trail
Auxier Trail crevice
hikers posing
Picture on Auxier Trail Ridge
Via Ferrata climber
Why in the HE&!LL do I have my phone out for pics right now? That does not look like a good toe hold!
Via Ferrata view
Highly recommend climbing Via Ferrata. I'll be back for this climb again
canine print in mud
Canine or bear paw?
View of Raven Rock from road
View of Raven Rock from bridge on road
Climber on via ferrata
Chirs making this climb look like a Sunday walk in the park
Mom and Janice on last zip line
hikers in crevice
Rock Garden Trail hike down through a small crevice on the trail
climbers on via ferrata
Janice and Chris (foreground) and me and mom by arrow on via ferrata

If you are still here and scrolling down you must be family…if you hung in there this far and are not fam…Thank you!  For any questions about our week in the Red River Gorge this fall please shoot me a comment or DM me on instagram!  Happy Fall Y’all!!  

2 thoughts on “RED RIVER GORGE”

  1. Enjoyed the blog and all the pictures. I had a great time. Can’t wait to do it again. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Fabulous pictures and commentary. Kentucky does have some wonderful well kept secrets. Thanks for sharing. Loved reading about it.

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