Stanton – Red River Gorge
Something wild is happening at Red River Gorge.
Tiny wildflowers are poking out of the ground all of a sudden. Green is making its way back into the trees. And the hikers! Hikers by the hundreds, padding dirt or scrambling over rocks or standing atop the stone arches that put this area of the Daniel Boone National Forest on the map.
Some of these trekkers are Kentuckians, some are from other places. But when they are here – inside this National Natural Landmark many just call “the Gorge” – it is the only place they want to be.
Everyone who comes to the Gorge relates to it differently. And with more than 60 miles of trails rated easy to very difficult, there’s something in this nearly 300-million-year-old forest for just about everyone.
My husband Miles and I drove here with our dog this past week to spend a relatively lazy afternoon poking through the forest. Neither of us is a very experienced hiker, but we love to dodge a few rocks and roots on a maintained trail. We got what we came for, and had a great time.
How We Spent Our Afternoon At The Gorge
We started our latest trip just outside the Gorge in Slade, where we stopped at Hemlock Lodge inside Natural Bridge State Resort Park for a couple of trail maps. State roads leading to the trailheads are clearly marked on the park maps, making it easy to plan travel routes.
In no time we were driving up a winding KY 715 to the Sky Bridge and Angel Windows trailheads for our first hikes of the day.
First up was Sky Bridge Trail – which is either 0.25 miles long or 0.85 miles long, depending on whether you take the short paved walk from the parking lot or the loop trail (with steep stairs near the end) under, then over, the sandstone bridge that gives this trail its name. Spectacular views of the Gorge from the top of the bridge make this hike worth the effort.
Even super-serious hikers who come to the Gorge to hit difficult trails like Rough Trail, Koomer Ridge, and the 7-mile Swift Camp Creek Trail have probably been to Sky Bridge at one time or another. Everyone should go.
After all, Sky Bridge is super easy to access. It’s also a picture-perfect example of the more than 100 natural arches carved out of rock here over thousands of millennia.
Next on our agenda was Angel Windows Trail. At 0.6 miles out and back, this trail is a skosh longer and steeper than the shortest path to Sky Bridge, and it’s not paved. But it is beyond lovely. The rock face along the trail to the “windows” – two stone arches weathered into rock – meets a smattering of magnolia sure to give trekkers a sensory treat in the summer. Grotto-esque features in the rock face only add to the experience.
Safety First!
All this is great. But the most important thing to keep in mind when hiking the Gorge or anywhere really, is safety. All hikers should watch their footing and avoid camping near cliffs at the Gorge. Injuries, and even death from falling off a cliff, happens here more often than you might think.
A good rule is to stick to trails that match your fitness level and hiking experience. That could mean meandering a paved trail, taking a two-mile hike, or immersing yourself in the Gorge’s 12,600-acre “Clifty Wilderness” (bona fide federally-designated wilderness) to climb rocks, camp, then do it all over again the next morning.
To each their own. My style is a one- to two-hour hike followed by some sustenance at Miguel’s Pizza — an iconic watering hole and outfitter in Slade that’s been a haven for Gorge hikers since 1984.
(Did I tell you Miguel’s has cold beer and margaritas?)
Hiking, Climbing, And …
Hiking and climbing are clearly the main attractions in the Gorge. But they aren’t the only attractions in the region. Wild and wonderful adventures are plentiful throughout.
Ever thought about underground kayaking in an abandoned rock quarry? You can give it a try on your way to the Gorge. You can also zipline, spend a night in a treehouse, visit a reptile house, canoe with your pals, or a dozen other things.
And don’t forget the Skylift! Since 1967, the mile-long cable ride has shuttled visitors young and old over the mountains to Natural Bridge – a 65-foot high sandstone bridge that is the focal point of Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Chances are you’ll think this ride is something to write home about, no matter where you call home.
The Gorge is a fragile, tough, beautiful, harsh, and perfectly primitive place with a lot to teach mankind about nature. Common sense, and a healthy respect for rules, go a long way in this place, so play it safe.
Then come back and play again.
Still Curious?
Official information about the trails and geological features of Red River Gorge can be found on the US Forest Service website for the Daniel Boone National Forest. For detailed information about Natural Bridge State Resort Park lodging and amenities, please visit the official state website here. Regional tourism information is available via the Kentucky Wildlands website.
