Things to do in the Red River Gorge

Climbing preserves

Cave Fork Recreational Preserve. The RRGCC's newest preserve, bought in 2025. Areas open in phases through 2027, so check the RRGCC first. Walls: Maverick, Nilbog.

Bald Rock Recreational Preserve. RRGCC land and home of the Motherlode, one of the best known steep sport crags in the Red, plus the Chocolate Factory and Bear's Den. Walls: Motherlode, Chocolate Factory.

Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve. The RRGCC's first preserve, bought in 2004, with more than 600 routes.

Miller Fork Recreational Preserve. RRGCC land that grew to 418 acres in the 2025 Ashland purchase.

Food

Koops General Store: Groceries and quick supplies. Red Point BBQ: Barbecue. Miguel's: Pizza and the climbers' hangout.

Things to do

Natural Bridge State Resort Park (Hiking & Sightseeing). Kentucky's most famous natural arch with hiking trails and scenic overlooks. Best time: Year-round. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

Red River Gorge Zipline (Adventure Tour). Canopy zipline tours through the forest with stunning gorge views. Best time: Spring through Fall. Difficulty: All Levels.

Daniel Boone National Forest (Off-roading & Hiking). Extensive trail system for ATVs, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Best time: Year-round. Difficulty: Varies.

Red River Gorge Geological Area (Photography & Nature). Stunning natural arches, rock formations, and scenic overlooks perfect for photography. Best time: Year-round. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

Cave Run Lake (Fishing & Boating). Premier fishing destination with boat rentals and guided fishing tours. Best time: Spring through Fall. Difficulty: All Levels.

Hiking trails

Gray's Arch Trail, 1.5 miles, Moderate, 400 ft of climbing, 1-2 hours. One of the most photographed arches in the Red River Gorge with a relatively easy hike. Highlights: Iconic natural arch, Rock formations, Forest views.

Auxier Ridge Trail, 4.8 miles, Moderate, 600 ft of climbing, 3-4 hours. Spectacular ridgeline views and access to Courthouse Rock and Double Arch. Highlights: Panoramic views, Double Arch, Courthouse Rock.

Indian Staircase Trail, 2.2 miles, Moderate, 500 ft of climbing, 2-3 hours. Unique rock staircase formation leading to beautiful overlooks. Highlights: Rock staircase, Cliff views, Wildflowers.

Creation Falls Trail, 1.8 miles, Easy, 200 ft of climbing, 1-2 hours. Family-friendly trail to a beautiful waterfall, especially impressive after rain. Highlights: Waterfall, Swimming hole, Easy access.

Rough Trail, 6.2 miles, Hard, 800 ft of climbing, 4-5 hours. Challenging trail with multiple arches and spectacular cliff-top views. Highlights: Multiple arches, Cliff views, Solitude.

Sky Bridge Trail, 1.4 miles, Easy, 300 ft of climbing, 1 hour. Short hike to one of the most accessible natural bridges in the gorge. Highlights: Natural bridge, Easy access, Great for families.

Sources

• Cave Fork Recreational Preserve
• Bald Rock Recreational Preserve
• Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve
• Miller Fork Recreational Preserve
• Red Point BBQ
• Miguel's
• Natural Bridge State Resort Park
• Red River Gorge Zipline
• Daniel Boone National Forest
• Red River Gorge Geological Area
• Cave Run Lake
• Gray's Arch Trail
• Auxier Ridge Trail
• Indian Staircase Trail
• Creation Falls Trail
• Rough Trail
• Sky Bridge Trail