There are numerous great outdoor adventure activities to partake in while visiting the Red River Gorge area. However, if you are not into rock climbing, zip lining, and hardcore hiking, there is also the fantastic Red River Gorge Scenic Byway.
Red River Gorge Scenic Byway in the Daniel Boone National Forest
The beginning of the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
The byway is approximately 46 miles in length, so it is possible to conclude in one hour. On the other hand, if you stop at all the points of interest, the drive could extend multiple hours.
Stanton, Kentucky is the optimal gateway to the byway. Follow the 402 Mountain Parkway and exit on to highway 11 and proceed south towards Slade and Zachariah. The first worthy stop is the Natural Bridge in the Natural Bridge State Resort Park. One of the several state parks in the area.
Beautiful view from atop the Natural Bridge
The hike up to the Natural Bridge on the Original Trail is a rigorous one mile or you can take a lift up the sky lift for a fee. Visitors are greeted with an amazing vista from atop the Natural Bridge, which is a national natural landmark. The top of the bridge is approximately 15 feet wide and looms over the treeline.
The Natural Bridge at the Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Sheltowhee Trace Trail
Another potential side trip is a hike on the famous Sheltowhee Trace Trail from the Whittleton Campground. About a mile north on this trail is the Whittleton Arch. Numerous unique rock formations are located along the picturesque byway.
Whittleton Arch along the Sheltowhee Trace Trail
Chimney Top Trail and overlook
Continue along Highway 11 until you hit Highway 715. Proceed north on 715 into the Daniel Boone National Forest. A couple of miles up 715 divert left on to the Chimney Top Road. Follow the gravel road about five miles to the Chimney Top parking lot.
A quarter mile paved trail leads to the supreme scenic overlook in the area. The lookout features a panorama of faraway hills, the surrounding clifty wilderness, and the lush forest of the Red River Gorge area.
The paved trail to the Chimney Top Overlook
Chimney Top Overlook
Enjoying the view at the Chimney Top Overlook
Chimney Top Overlook
More stops, stone arches, and overlooks along the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
Back along Highway 715, one will encounter a series of vantage points and short hikes; moreover, a couple of these feature beautiful stone arches. Stop at them all or only a few. You have the power to create your own adventure.
The first is Angel’s Window followed by Whistling and Castle Arches. The byway does not disappoint as it takes visitors through the fascinating realm of the River River Gorge geological area.
Angel’s Windows
Take me to the river
The road then descends into the actual gorge and parallels the scenic Red River. More arches and trailheads await along the river including the Sky Bridge and Tower Rock. Take a hike along the wild and scenic river and ponder at the source of these amazing rock formations and gape at more geological wonders.
The Red River
For those who desire more adventure, there is a trailhead at Bison Way where you can hike up through the Indian Staircase and Cloud Splitter to the north. Here we reunite with the historic Sheltowhee Trace Trail.
Pass through Nada Tunnel
Hang a left on Highway 77 from Highway 715. The next highlight is the Nada Tunnel. Make sure you when you pass through Nada Tunnel to have your lights on; consequently, the road disappears temporarily into the mountain. Once you emerge on the other side, the Scenic Byway is about complete after a fitting final of one more instance of natural beauty.
Nada Tunnel in the Red River Gorge
The Red River Gorge map is cluttered with trailheads, arches, lookouts, historic spots, campgrounds, and many other worthy destinations. Drive at 55 mph nonstop and take in the beauty with your neck craned out the window in one hour, or pause and slowly take in the surrounding scenery.
Continue your scenic drive by staying at a Red River Gorge Cabin Rental – View from the front of our cabin
Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals
A great home base while you explore the Red River Gorge by foot or by car is the Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals just north of Highway 11 on Highway 715. They offer fantastic cabins for rent, but they also feature a premier zipline course. Enjoy your drive through the Red River Gorge geological zone on the scenic byway.
Adventure on!
Gorgeous views! Love the Chimney Top views. Wish I had spent more time hiking in these areas when I lived in the South.
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Awash in a Whirlpool: the secret Niagara Falls hiking trail
I am glad I found a new place to adventure which is not too far away from Chicago.
I think I’d need two days. When you get to country like this I think it’s worth hiking and soaking in the scenery. Looks very lush – perhaps a rainy spring???
Leigh recently posted..A Kayaking Trip in the 1000 Islands, Ontario
A very rainy spring. I was supposed to go two weeks before and had to cancel two consecutive weekends. It was a good thing because it poured those weekends and was very pleasant the weekend we were there.
We only spent a half day on the byway, but we were there three days total, so I felt I got a lot out of the long weekend. Plus, it is nice to save some of the trails for a future weekend. I somehow missed the Skybridge, which is one of the biggest draws to the park and only a half mile off the road.
Very pretty! I miss this kind of woodsy nature here in Calif.
Jenna recently posted..A Storyteller and a Sustainable Winery
You definitely have a lot to explore in California that make up for it.
What a gorgeous place! Would love to visit one day!
Yep, it is worth a stop if you are in the area.
I love these pictures, especially those taken in the Natural Bridge State Resort Park and that of the Nada Tunnel.
Thanks for pointing out the Nada Tunnel. Such a beautiful area. Look forward to returning.