Explore Red River Gorge Geological Area
Rating: 9/10

Red River Gorge Geological Area

The Red River Gorge Geological Area is not a single location, but an area. Keep this in mind before planning your trip. The area is very large, and there are many, many places to explore, and unfortunately I have not been able to do it personally, but I am happy to share some of the places we have visited. In this place, you will be able to do a lot of hiking and see many amazing views. Our itinerary below is for 2 days.

Our Trip Red River Gorge Geological Area

Day 1: Nada Tunnel is literally a tunnel. If you are claustrophobic, we recommend that you do not drive through it. It is very easy to have an accident. The tunnel is one-way and is very heavily traveled, so it may take you a long time to get a chance to go through it.

Al Tunel

Day 1: Gray's Arch is an amazing natural formation, but it is about 2.5 miles one way to get there. The trail can be a bit confusing in certain spots, so it is important to have a basic sense of navigation.

A Grays

Day 1: To get to Hanson's Point from the previous location (Gray's Arch), it is about another 5.5 miles, so good physical condition and plenty of water are necessary. The trail will be more confusing and more difficult. To reach this point, you need to follow the Rough Trail #221, then turn left onto the Hanson's Point Trail until the end.

A Hanson's

Day 1: Natural Bridge State Resort Park has many things to do, and it is worth exploring even if hiking isn't your strong suit. To explore these, take the Sky Lift; once you get to the top, walk to the right (you have to pass under the lift) and go to Lookout Point. Head back to visit the Natural Bridge Rock Feature, Fat Man's Misery, and follow the trail to Balanced Rock.

A Resort

Day 2: To get to the first area of interest, you must take a dirt road called Chimney Top Rd. Follow the road to the end, and after parking, take the Princess Arch Trailhead to Princess Arch.

A Princess

Day 2: From the same parking lot, look for the Chimney Top Rock Trailhead and follow it to Chimney Top Rock.

A Chimney

Day 2: Without leaving the parking lot, look for the Half Moon Arch Trailhead and follow it to Half Moon Arch.

A Half Moon

Day 2: To get to the next destination, you must drive back, and when you reach the end, turn left to take Highway 715, or Sky Bridge Rd. Once you reach the sign for Sky Bridge Recreation Area, enter the park and visit all its attractions, such as the Swift Creek Overlook, Buzzard's Roost, Sky Bridge Viewing Area Scenic Loop, and the Sky Bridge Arch.

A Sky Bridge

Day 2: You will return to the road and turn left to continue on Highway 715. From here, drive to the parking lot for Eagle Point Buttress. Here, you can take the Eagle's Nest and Osborne Bend Loop to Eagle's Nest.

A Eagle's Nest

Always check your destination's weather forecast, & save maps offline.

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Red River Gorge Geological Area

Highlights
  • Safe
  • Poor Connectivity
  • No Public Transportation
  • Self-Guided
  • Open Year Round
Activities
  • Hiking
  • Picnics
  • Playground
  • Pet Friendly
  • Nature Center
  • Pools
  • Outdoor Concerts
  • Camping
Amenities
  • Public Restrooms
  • BBQ Grills
  • Picnic Tables
  • Store
  • Restaurants
  • Cabins
  • Lodge Available
Nearby Cities
  • Campton
  • Stanton
  • Clay City
  • Beattyville
  • Frenchburg
  • Irvine
  • Ravenna
  • Winchester
Today's Forecast
86°F / 60°F

Sunny

10-Day Forecast
4.8

Based on 1091 Google reviews

"Incredible experience, once you figure out the trail system. You can't really get lost if you stick to the main road. He'll just walk in cir..."
— Michael Smith
"This fall of 2025 marks 50 years since my first experience of exploring The Red River Gorge Geological Area in Eastern Kentucky, located 50 miles east..."
— Thomas Theodore Welborn
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Address

Stanton, KY 40380, USA

Hours
  • Monday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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