Kentucky may be known for its horse racing and bourbon tasting, but the state has plenty of natural beauty to offer as well. Red River Gorge (RRG), approximately an hour from Lexington, is a fantastic spot for fall and spring outdoor adventures. Its beautiful, quiet, and family-friendly.

　　Pack the car and bring the kids to RRG to camp, climb, hike, and enjoy Kentuckys lush natural landscape. Here are some of our favorite trails, activities, and eats to help you make the most of your time.

　　What Makes RRG Special The Red, in general, refers to a large natural area in east-central Kentucky along the Red River. It encompasses the Red River Gorge Geological Area, along with several small towns, vast swaths of Daniel Boone National Forest, dozens of hiking trails, and nearly 100 climbing areas.

　　(Photo/Mary Andino) The area is renowned for its series of canyons, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and unique rock formations, all formed through erosion, time, and the waters of the Red River.

　　Most areas are free to access, and affordable camping is plentiful. Its possible to have a family getaway at the Red that wont break the bank.

　　Outdoor tourism is a bedrock of the local economy. Climbers alone spend $8.7 million here annually, according to a 2021 study. To cater to visitors, the area offers numerous cabin rentals, campgrounds, and guided recreation services. Whether youre a seasoned hiker or a newbie just dipping your toes into the outdoors, theres something at Red River Gorge for you.

　　Guide to Red River Gorge Hiking The great thing about most hikes in RRG is that they all offer some kind of cool sight, such as a rock bridge, waterfall, or canyon vista. Youre not just hiking in a forest (as pleasant as that may be). Your hiking will be rewarded with something spectacular.

　　If youre bringing younger kids along, try the Grays Arch (2.5 miles) or Rock Bridge Loop (1.5 miles) trails. Both are well-maintained, relatively flat, and include impressive stone formations and waterfalls.

　　Rock Bridge Trail; (photo/Mary Andino) For a slightly longer hike, check out the Auxier Ridge Trail (4.5 miles). On this loop, youll get your fill of classic RRG sights, like Haystack Rock, Raven Rock, and Courthouse Rock. Add on another two miles, and youll be able to get to the Double Arch, another impressive landmark. If youre looking to backpack, try section-hiking part of the Sheltowee Trace Trail. Its a 343-mile thru-hike that passes through the Red.

　　Climbing With over 100 crags and 4,000 routes, the Red is a true climbers paradise. On any given weekend in the fall, youre bound to see local restaurants and campsites filled with self-described dirtbags who are stoked to climb.

　　The generous texture and holds on the Reds sandstone make it one of the most popular sport crags in the U.S.; (photo/Mary Andino) You dont need to be experienced to get outside and enjoy some of the Southeasts most impressive rock, though. There are multiple guided, accredited climbing guiding services in the area, including Southeast Mountain Guides and Bluegrass Climbing School. In addition to classic outdoor climbing, theres also via ferrata, which gives a unique perspective and vista on the gorge.

　　Paddling Like anywhere in the Southeast, the Red River Gorge can be hot and humid in the summer. If you visit during this season, kayaking is the perfect escape.

　　If youre looking for a relaxed day at a calm lake, try Mill Creek Lake, which is also popular with anglers. An 8-mile section of the middle of the Red River (from the KY 715 bridge to the KY 77 bridge) is also quite calm and paddleable.

　　(Photo/Flickr Creative Commons via Andrew Parlette) For more of an adventure, with Class II and III waters, check out 10 miles on the upper part of the Red River (from Big Branch to KY 715). Kayak rentals are available through various providers, including Kayak the Red and Red River Adventure.

　　Where to Stay Other Logistics Camping Camping is the most affordable lodging option in the Red River Gorge. Climbers tend to stay at Miguels, Lago Linda Hideaway, and Land of the Arches Campground. These places offer first-come, first-served sites for around $5-8 per night. They include Wi-Fi, bathrooms, showers, and other basic amenities. Be aware that they tend to be quite full and busy on the weekends in the fall.

　　(Photo/Flickr Creative Commons via Al) The Forest Service also allows backcountry dispersed camping in Daniel Boone National Forest, provided that youve obtained a pass, which costs $5 per day or $7 for 3 days. There are multiple established USFS-run campsites in the area as well that have the same fee structure; find more info here.

　　Cabins and Rentals For a step up from a tent, theres a plethora of cabins, houses, and other short-term rentals available at Red River Gorge. Options range from basic and no-frills to luxe setups with hot tubs and more. Major renters include Red River Gorge Cabins, Red River Gorgeous, and Scenic Cabin Rentals.

　　With the small size of towns here and the uneven, rocky terrain, traditional hotels are rather rare. If you want access to a wider range of options and services, Lexington, a city of over 300,000 people, is about an hours drive away.

　　Where to Eat Miguels Pizza, open since the 1980s, is a local icon. In the morning, its got hot coffee and build-your-own breakfast burritos. After a long day in the outdoors, refuel with hearty pizzas and housemade margaritas.

　　(Photo/Miguels Pizza) From Thursday to Sunday, Red River Rockhouse serves up burgers and burritos. For a slightly more refined experience, visit farm-to-table joint Hops.

　　The nearest grocery store — a Kroger in Stanton — is about 20 minutes away from the heart of the gorge. If youll need more than the necessities that this small store provides, be sure to stop by larger stores in Winchester or Lexington on your drive in.

　　Gear Should you find yourself in need of outdoor gear while at the Red, Miguels has a small gear shop. Its mainly oriented toward climbers, but it also has other apparel and camping necessities.

　　The closest large outdoor supply store is in Lexington. JH Outdoors has been open since 1972 and should carry anything you might need.

　　Best Time of Year to Visit Red River Gorge

　　(Photo/Flickr Creative Commons via Guy Buisson) Fall (September to October) and spring (April to May) are the most popular times to visit the park, because the temperatures are at their mildest and the scenery is amazing.

　　In the fall, the color change in the Appalachian woodlands is breathtaking. It can be a busy time to visit Red River Gorge, but its worth it if youve never seen autumn in this environment. The reds, golds, and yellows light the forests up with warm hues that stretch as far as the eye can see. Temperatures are cooler, so youll want to bring a jacket and a beanie. But the weather is usually mild and predictable.

　　Spring in Red River Gorge is also beautiful. The trees are budding, the birds are chirping, and the world is exploding with life as it reemerges from the depths of winter. This time of year is far less busy than the fall, and temperatures are generally warmer (but be prepared for cooler days as well).

　　In summer, the Red River Gorge area is at its hottest and most humid. Its still beautiful if you can handle the muggy climate and buggy environment. Winter is by far the slowest time of year at Red River Gorge. Its also a great time for climbing, as your hands wont sweat and can grip the rock better. However, it will be colder, and the trees will not have their leaves, making for some distinctly different seasonal scenery.

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