Canyon system on the Red River in east-central Kentucky featuring an abundance of high sandstone cliffs, rock shelters, waterfalls, and natural bridges with more than 100 natural sandstone arches

How to Get There

From Lexington, KY (65 mi): Take I-64 E to exit 98 for KY-11 toward Mt Sterling. Follow KY-11 S and KY-15 S to KY-77 N, then turn onto Skybridge Rd to reach Red River Gorge Geological Area.

Overview

The Red River Gorge is a canyon system on the Red River in east-central Kentucky. The gorge lies within the Daniel Boone National Forest and has been subsequently designated as the Red River Gorge Geological Area, an area of around 29,000 acres (120 km2; 45 sq mi). It has been designated a National Natural Landmark and National Archaeological District, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 13,379-acre (54.14 km2; 20.905 sq mi) Clifty Wilderness Area lies entirely within the geological area in the Red River Gorge.

This intricate canyon system features an abundance of high sandstone cliffs, rock shelters, waterfalls, and natural bridges. There are more than 100 natural sandstone arches in the Red River Gorge Geological Area. The multitude of sandstone and cliff-lines have helped this area become one of the world's top rock climbing destinations and is home to the Red River Gorge Climbers' Coalition. The area is nicknamed the Red by climbers.

Kentucky's Natural Bridge State Park is immediately adjacent to this area, featuring one of the largest natural bridges in the Red River Gorge.

The section of the Red River in the upper gorge is also a legally designated Kentucky Wild River by the Kentucky General Assembly through the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves' Wild Rivers Program.

Because of its unusual and rugged nature, the Red River Gorge features a remarkable variety of ecological zones.

History

Nada Tunnel

Nada Tunnel is a 900-foot-long (270 m), 12-foot-wide (3.7 m), and 13-foot-high (4.0 m) logging tunnel built between 1910 and 1912. Rock and dirt were removed by dynamite, steam drills, and hand tools.

The tunnel has often been described as the "Gateway to Red River Gorge" for the shortcut it now provides motorists.

Hiking and camping

The Red River Gorge is also known for its numerous hiking trails that range in difficulty from beginner to advanced. Over 60 miles of trails, open only to hiking, are maintained by the Forest Service and are located throughout the park (some trails are designated for horses).

One of the most popular destinations is Gray's Arch, one of the many natural arches in the park.

Gladie Visitor Center

The Daniel Boone National Forest Gladie Visitor Center is located in the Red River Gorge in Slade, Kentucky. The center features interpretive exhibits about the area's geology, natural history and cultural history. Visitors can get maps, information about trails, camping and other activities.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Red River Gorge" which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0