Red River Gorge Guide

Red River Gorge is a stunning natural area located in eastern Kentucky, known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, towering arches, and scenic hiking trails. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

This is a quick guide to visiting Red River Gorge. My family and I have been there several times and this guide is about our experiences. We are beginner and intermediate hikers.. 

We have stayed in many 2 bedroom cabins from https://www.redrivergorgecabinrentals.com/ Always are nice and clean with hot tubs. One year we did spend Thanksgiving in a large cabin. Here is the link to the cabin.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/37020913?adults=6&checkin=&checkout=&children=0&infants=0&pets=0&wishlist_item_id=10001042991421&source_impression_id=p3_1733233377_P3xAwvbhPKE6ts6m&previous_page_section_name=1000 

There are not really any hotels in the area but here is one that looks like a pretty awesome place to stay  https://www.cliffviewresort.com/

We love Red River Gorge for all the hiking trails. There is a lot of rock climbing available. I have not climbed in this area but wanted to mention it because a lot of visitors come to climb.Here is a link to some more information on rock climbing https://www.redrivergorge.com/things-to-do/climbing/

Hanson’s Point is what drew me to Red River Gorge in the first place. I saw that view and back at the time Hanson’s Point was not on a map. This gave it some mystery. So between the mystery of finding a hidden trail and the potentially awesome view I started to plan a trip.Through a bunch of research I found directions to Hanson’s Point. Start at the Pinch-Em-Tight trailhead heading toward the Rough Trail. Once you reach the Rough Trail turn left and start looking for a path in the pine trees. The trail is easy to miss, I actually missed it the first time. Nowadays it's clearly marked on the map and Alltrails has official hikes leading to it. Pictured below is the amazing view from Hanson’s Point. 

The Courthouse Rock loop is another awesome hike in this area that combines Double arch, Courthouse Rock and Auxier ridge trials into a 6 mile loop hike. You can park off FS 39 make sure that you park within the allocated parking signs. I got a ticket for parking just outside the space. I have hiked this trail in both directions. You catch different sights going each different way. One of the coolest short hikes I have ever done. 

Indian Staircase (pictured above) to Cloudsplitter this hike can look intimidating. Parking off 715 4.9 mile loop they say moderate but its mostly easy until you get to the staircase. The Staircase is made offootprints in the limestone. It is very grippy and you can easily get up but does look intimidating.

Now Cloudsplitter is a different story. The very end of the hike has a rope hanging off a tree that is required to rope climb to the top. There is an alternative route but I was unable to find it. 

Natural Bridge is another fun hike. More touristy. We ended up coming back on the BattleShip rock then to the Rock Garden trail. The day I did this hike the first time it was really foggy. 

There are 67 different hikes in the Red River Gorge area. These are just a few of the ones I have experienced. Check out AllTrails.com and find one based on your skill level and interest. 

To see more photos go to my photo page under Red River Gorge.