To cap it off, a National Scenic Byway weaves it way alongside its waters. You can lose track of all the Red’s impressive designations – National Geological Area, National Archaeological District, National Natural Landmark – and the area also is home to Kentucky’s only National River, aptly named Red River. The Gorge holds more than 100 natural sandstone arches of every size and shape, with more still being discovered in tucked-away places throughout this massive 29,000-acre canyon system. “But because the cliffs have so much variation in difficulty and height, families and kids can enjoy climbing here, too.” He added that many of the sandstone cliffs here are overhangs, forcing climbers to think about every single movement to save their energy for the ascent. “The Red is one of the top 10 because it has an incredible 2,000 climbing routes with mostly easy trails leading to them,” Ian said. You can glean some of his expertise while staying at one of his 60 rental cabins perched atop a mountain at Cliffview Resort, just minutes from the Gorge. Good thing, too, because climbers are drawn here from across the globe to experience what many consider one of the top 10 climbing destinations in the world.Īs the owner of Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals, Ian Teal is an experienced climber himself. Forest Service, rock-climbing is allowed within its borders. Get rugged and discover the area the Red River unearthed - including the perfect backdrop for activities such as canoeing, rock climbing and kayaking.Even though East-Central Kentucky’s Red River Gorge (commonly called “The Red” or “The Gorge” around these parts) is managed by the U.S. The Red River Gorge Scenic Byway offers a journey through magnificent geological features. The Via Ferrata is a European climbing system utilizing iron handgrips and footsteps that are drilled right into the natural rock wall. Torrent Falls flows over an immense natural rock house. Torrent Falls is actually three waterfalls, the highest being 165 feet high and the tallest in Kentucky. Torrent Falls and Via Ferrata: Near the southern end of the byway are Torrent Falls and Via Ferrata. The 22-minute ride carries passengers to within 600 feet of the sandstone formation. For a different view of the Natural Bridge and some spectacular Kentucky scenery, try the Sky Lift. This park is nestled within the Daniel Boone National Forest and pampers patrons with lodging, dining, a gift shop, meeting rooms, a nature center, swimming pool, fishing, camping, and hiking. Natural Bridge State Resort Park: Standing 65 feet high and 78 feet long, the great natural sandstone arch known as Natural Bridge is located in the Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Angel Windows is another of the most easily reached of the arches. Raven's Rock and Angel Windows: Raven's Rock offers some of the best views of the Red River Gorge. Gladie Historic Site: Gladie Cabin, a reconstructed log house, is the only structure in the gorge that dates back to the late 19th century. This 12,646-acre area features arches, rock shelters, and towering cliffs encircling steep, forested slopes and narrow stream valleys. The tunnel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Ĭlifty Wilderness: Within the gorge is Clifty Wilderness, a hardy and untamed area designated as wilderness by Congress in 1985. ![]() Open to one-lane traffic only, the tunnel was hand-carved without any modern technology for use by a logging railroad during the early 1900s. Nada Tunnel: Enter the Red River Gorge Geological Area through the 900-foot Nada Tunnel. Sky Bridge's arch features a magnificent view of Clifty Wilderness. Sky Bridge: One of the best known and most accessible arches of this area is Sky Bridge, 75 feet long and 23 feet high. ![]() Use this itinerary as a guideline to catch the highlights of the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway.
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