Red River Gorge: 100 Stone Arches

Hidden in eastern Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest, the Red River Gorge holds more than 100 natural sandstone arches, 200-foot cliffs, and some of the best rock climbing in the country — most of it completely free.

Here's how to do it at every budget, from free arch hikes to a private hot-tub cabin on a ridge. Add the neighboring Natural Bridge and its sky lift for the easy-access payoff.

Good to know: some Gorge trailheads charge a small day-use parking fee. Check the Forest Service site for current details before you go.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, The Earnest Traveler may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We only link places and gear we'd actually recommend.

The Trip, Free to Luxury

Free — $0 #

✓ Gorge trails & arch overlooks # — Days of free hiking beneath towering arches and along 200-foot cliff edges.
✓ Sky Bridge & Angel Windows # — Two of the most famous arches, at the end of short, easy trails right off the scenic road.
✓ Chimney Top Rock overlook # — A jaw-dropping view straight down into the gorge for a short walk from the parking area.
✓ The Nada Tunnel drive # — A one-lane tunnel blasted through solid rock — the doorway into the heart of the gorge.

Budget — camp at Natural Bridge #

✓ Natural Bridge campground # — Affordable forest sites a short drive from all the best trailheads. Check rates at the link.
✓ The Natural Bridge sky lift # — An open chairlift up the ridge to the 65-foot arch for a small fee — reach it without the hard climb.
✓ Miguel's Pizza # — The climbers' pizza joint near the gorge — a cheap slice at a picnic table is a rite of passage.

Mid-Range — a lodge and a guided day #

✓ Hemlock Lodge & cabins # — A woodsy state-park lodge with a dining room and cabins in the trees. Check rates at the link.
✓ Guided beginner rock climb # — Local guide services take complete beginners up a real cliff — gear and instruction included.
✓ The Gorge Underground boat tour # — Float across still, clear water through an old mine lit up in color — a strange, beautiful add-on.

Luxury — a private ridge cabin #

✓ Private hot-tub cabin # — A modern cabin on a ridge with a wall of windows, a hot tub, and total quiet. Many rentals around the gorge.
✓ Private guided climbing day # — One-on-one with a pro on the same walls that draw climbers from around the world.
✓ The Red River Gorge scenic byway # — A slow, winding loop past overlook after overlook — perfect for a tired-legs afternoon.

Pro Tips

Some trailheads charge parking

A few Gorge trailheads have a small day-use fee. Check the Forest Service site for current details.

Stay on marked trails

The cliff-edge rock can crumble. Never climb onto an arch without a real trail to the top.

Download your maps

Cell service gets spotty down in the gorge. Save your trail map before you leave the parking area.

Book cabins early

The private gorge cabins are popular and fill on weekends. Reserve well ahead.

Gear We Recommend

Hiking Boots (KEEN Targhee)View →

Trekking PolesView →

Hiking Water ShoesView →

Rechargeable Headlamp (2-pk)View →

Coleman Sundome TentView →

Binoculars (Gosky 10x42)View →

Packable Rain JacketView →

Insulated Water BottleView →

Day BackpackView →

Travel Insurance (SafetyWing)View →

Lodging — Booking.comComing Soon

Outdoor Gear — REIComing Soon

Free Ultimate Adventure Planner

Budget calculators, packing checklists, and a heads-up when each new state guide drops.

Get the Free Planner →

More Kentucky Guides

Mammoth Cave: The Longest Cave on Earth Cumberland Falls: America's Only Moonbow Louisville Mega Cavern: Zip-Line Under a City Kentucky Bourbon Trail: The 100-Mile Road Trip

Subscribe on YouTube