Red River Gorge Kentucky is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest
Red River Gorge Kentucky
I just returned from a long Mother’s Day weekend in the Red River Gorge Kentucky, which is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest in southeastern Kentucky. I had heard great things about the place, and it sure did not disappoint. Anyone who loves outdoor adventure travel will love this prime spot less than an hour away from Lexington, Kentucky.
Red River Gorge Kentucky cascade
The first post will be this photo essay, which gives a slight taste of what the national forest and gorge is about, but I am excited to bring much more of this tremendous spot. Future posts will highlight specific adventure activities like zip lining, hiking, scenic drives, and tips on where to stay, what to do, and where to go. I packed a lot into a couple of days, but I would love to return and do some more hiking and perhaps some kayaking or canoeing on the Red River.
A cascading creek through a rhododendron bush is a common sight in Red River Gorge Kentucky
I was also overwhelmed by the friendliness of the people that I met during my weekend. Store owners, managers proprietors, zip line guides, people I passed on the hiking trails and at the overlooks on the scenic drives were all incredibly nice and welcomed me with smiles and waves. Special shout out to the people at Red River Gorge Cabins and zip lines who were especially hospitable during my stay and were extremely helpful in planning my explorations.
Last week’s rainstorms turned the national forest into a verdant wonderland
If you love ferns – and who doesn’t – Red River Gorge Kentucky is the place for you
Last weekends storms created many temporary waterfalls like this one
Overhanging cliffs are a common site in Red River Gorge
Natural arches like Angel Windows are quite common here
Fording a creek means it is Lost in Translation Red River Gorge style
Hiking in Red River Gorge is rugged, but worth it
Another pretty cascade in the Daniel Boone National Forest
Gorgeous green rock covered in moss and fern
Red River Gorge beautiful view and one ugly tree
Red River Gorge Overlook from the Chimney Rock
Get ready for some upcoming posts on Red River Gorge!
Adventure on!
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Glad you got to go on the trip. Everything is very green this time of year. Ironically, part of this reminds me of Mt Tamalpais near San Francisco.
Jeremy Branham recently posted..A walk through Pittsburgh (photo essay)
I could not believe how lush the scenery was. It was a green as the rainforests in Guyana.
I’ve never set foot in Kentucky but this place sounds like it would be a great introduction.
Leigh recently posted..8 Great Canadian Train Trips
While Kentucky is not the Mecca of outdoor adventure travel, it has a few spots that are definitely worth exploration. Red River Gorge and Big South Fork are two places that are great for hiking and relatively nearby to Chicago.
Love the photos…looks perfect for all those outdoor adventures that I love! Looking forward to a summer full of hiking, kayaking and a little camping! Have been looking at Kentucky as a destination – have to say, your photos are convincing!
Anita Mac recently posted..Running the Rochester Color Run
The Red River Gorge has all the above plus zip lining, rock climbing, and mountain biking. I would recommend you check it out.
Kentucky gets a bad rap. Parts of it are really beautiful. Red River Gorge looks like one of those parts, and like a place that’s right up my alley! How long of a drive is it from Chicago? I bet it’s gorgeous in the fall, too.
Francesca (@WorkMomTravels) recently posted..National Park Service Units of the Midwest: The Great Plains States
It is not bad. About 6+ hours from Chicago depending on traffic.
Beautiful place 🙂 Love the pics
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..The Luxury Travel Blog Network – May 2013 Edition
Thanks Mrs. O!
love the photos of the cascades and looks like you got some nice weather! i forget how green everything should be this time of year– don’t get much green scenery in nyc…
thelazytravelers recently posted..hotel highlight: first landing beach resort
The trip was supposed to be a week earlier, but fortunately it got postponed because it poured all last week. We lucked out as we had nice weather and very green foliage due to the rains.
Love the shot of Red River Cascade – stunning!
Fiona recently posted..The Fashion Edit: Jordaan Amsterdam
There were a lot of these mini waterfalls due to last week’s rain. Another couple of days and these would have been dry.
those cascading falls are nice! i’d feel like Jane from Tarzan and Jane here!! 😉
lola recently posted..Ultra Music Festival – Miami Edition
If it was a little warmer, I would have done some bathing under that cascade, but it was still a little cool.
The gorge cascade is my favorite photo! I wish I wasn’t so allergic to the outdoors.. your adventures are making me jealous! lol
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Thailand: Travel Costs & Highlights
Everything is soooo green!! I’m assuming the name of the park comes from the river that’s running through it?
jill recently posted..Canada Adventure: Ontario and Quebec
Yes, the Red River runs through the park and gives the area the name although it is officially the Daniel Boone National Forest. They have had a ton of rain recently, so the trees and leaves and other plants were a vibrant green.