Red River Gorge's scenic beauty is like heaven for nature lovers

SLADE, Kentucky — Leaf-peepers hoping to follow autumn’s annual show south, or enjoy one last outdoorsy getaway before winter kicks in, should consider at trip to Kentucky’s magnificent Red River Gorge region.

The Red River Gorge is less than a four-hour drive south of Columbus and about 50 miles east of Lexington, Kentucky, but it had been off my radar until I made my first visit last month.

What I discovered, better late than never, is a region of beautiful forests, delicate waterfalls and huge natural stone arches. And amidst the scenic beauty, visitors will also find a number of other attractions, restaurants and lodgings that make the Red River Gorge a great place for a getaway for a weekend — or longer.

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Even when the trees aren’t flaming red and brilliant orange, the gorge’s gorgeous scenery is sure to amaze nature lovers.

Incredible views part of the Red River Gorge allure

The Red River Gorge offers myriad vantage points, each with its own breathtaking panoramic view. Many of those encompass what looks like mountain ridges but are actually the cliffs of the gorge rising up over the deep channel of the Red River.

Other views take in one or more natural arches, the biggest concentration of such formations in the eastern U.S.

The magnificent formations also make Red River Gorge a hotbed of rock climbing. A number of guide services are available for visitors of all climbing abilities, including beginners. And those who want to learn can participate in climbing and rappelling courses offered by several outfitters in the area. Among the outfitters are Southeast Mountain Guides (www.southeastmountainguides.com) and Bluegrass Climbing School (www.BluegrassClimbingSchool.com).

One eatery, Miguel’s Pizza near the town of Slade and Natural Bridge State Park, is iconic among the climbing crowd, with a climbers’ pavilion and campground and its own gear shop. But the pizzeria is also popular with more earth-bound visitors and locals alike, so be prepared to wait awhile if you’re ordering during busy times.

There’s also no need to clamber for hand-holds or swing yourself across a cliff face to get up close to the region’s stunning rock formations.

Hiking trails easily accessible

Anyone with even modest physical abilities can hike some of the region’s easier (and shorter) trails to some of the gorge’s most thrilling natural sites, such as Skybridge, Chimney Top and Princess Arch.

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Much of the Red River Gorge region is located within Daniel Boone National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dbnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=39458), a sprawling natural area that spreads over 21 Kentucky counties. Many of the most popular hiking trails are within the national forest. Visitors can find maps and other information at the national forest website or at the Forest Service’s Gladie Visitor Center (www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dbnf/recarea/?recid=39566) on scenic Kentucky Route 715, which follows the Red River through much of the gorge.

Even walking is optional for those who just want to gaze upon the region’s scenic wonders.

In fact, travelers don’t even need to get out of their vehicles, although they should, to view the beauty of the gorge. The Red River Gorge National Scenic Byway (www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/2482) follows parts of Kentucky routes 715, 11 and 402 through some of the most scenic spots.

At the heart of the Red River Gorge region is Natural Bridge State Resort Park (parks.ky.gov/slade/parks/resort/natural-bridge-state-resort-park). The park is built around, as one might guess, a massive natural sandstone bridge, arching 78 feet across and rising 65 feet from its base.

Several hiking paths will lead visitors to the bridge, but the most unusual way to get there is via the park’s Skylift (www.naturalbridgeskyliftandgiftshop.com). The Skylift, which resembles a very steep ski-lift, carries passengers ever-so-slowly, ever-so-high, over beautiful, rocky terrain and up (or down) the side of a sheer and towering cliff leading to a short trail to the top of the natural bridge.

Lodging options available in the region

The park’s Hemlock Lodge contains 35 rooms, each with a private balcony with a view. Pet-friendly rooms are available. The park also offers several rental cottages, and two large campgrounds open seasonally.

(The park also features an open-air dance patio that hosts weekly square dances in the warmer months, so y’all plan ahead.)

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Visitors will also find many other lodging options in the region, including Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals (www.redrivergorgecabinrentals.com), offering a number of rental cabins of various sizes and amenities.

Other attractions in the region include zip-lining, kayaking and horseback riding.

Underground cavern stays 52 degrees year-round

One of the region’s most unusual attractions is the Gorge Underground (https://www.gorgeunderground.com/), a kayak tour through a flooded former limestone mine. Paddlers make their way through several dimly lighted chambers above crystal-clear water accompanied by the massive trout that have been stocked in the seven-acre underground lake.

The experience is a bit spooky, but cool, figuratively and literally: The underground location ensures the cavern stays at a constant 52 degrees year-round. Visitors will also learn about the mine’s history and other interesting tales from the loquacious guides.

For more information about the Red River Gorge region, visit regional tourism organization The Kentucky Wildlands at (www.explorekywildlands.com/outdoors/red-river-gorge/).

Steve Stephens is a freelance travel writer and photographer. Email him at sjstephensjr@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Beautiful fall scenery makes Kentucky's Red River Gorge a good getaway