15 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Red River Gorge in 2024

Are you looking for fun things to do in Red River Gorge? We’ve got your covered!

The Red River Gorge geological area encompasses around 29,000 acres, mainly located inside Daniel Boone National Forest. It’s a large place with many fun things to do, especially if you love the outdoors.

There are plenty of family-friendly things to do in the Red River Gorge, making it a perfect getaway.

It’s a relatively short drive from places in Tennessee like Gatlinburg, Knoxville, and even Chattanooga. And it’s less than a day’s drive from places like Pittsburgh and the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.

Hiking in Red River Gorge is one of the main reasons visitors come from all over. They want to see some of the over 100 natural arches, including some of the more famous, like Natural Bridge and Grays Arch.

On our visit, we mainly focused on hiking. However, we also enjoyed other fun things at Red River Gorge, like the Gorge Underground, a boat ride through an abandoned mine.

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Before You Visit Red River Gorge

Limited Cell Phone Service

We were lucky during our hikes in Red River Gorge that we only lost cell service occasionally. However, there is still a chance you won’t have cell phone coverage on your hike, so it’s best practice to download a map before you start.

Groceries and Supplies

Red River Gorge is a remote area where the closest major city (Lexington) is about an hour away. There are limited places to buy groceries and other supplies should you need them.

We had luck in Campton, about 15 minutes from Natural Bridge State Resort Park, finding a Family Dollar, Dollar General, and Save A Lot for our needs.

Fun Things to Do in Red River Gorge

1. Take the Sky Lift to Natural Bridge

One of the best things to do in Red River Gorge is take the Sky Lift to Natural Bridge. This 11-minute ride takes you to the top of the massive arch in Natural Bridge State Resort Park.

While on the arch, walk the Laurel Ridge Trail (flat and easy) to the bridge overlook and Lover’s Leap. You can also hike back down to the parking area or take the Sky Lift on the return.

The Sky Lift operates seasonally, usually from April through November.

Visitor’s Tip: The Sky Lift seats two people per chair, so if you have an odd number in your party, someone will have to ride alone.

2. Take a Boat Ride Through an Abandoned Mine

One of the coolest things to do in Red River Gorge (literally!) is boating through an abandoned limestone mine.

The Gorge Underground offers kayak and classic boat ride tours through the large mine that are about an hour long. Or, if you want to be on the water a little longer, you can take a deluxe kayak tour on a clear light-up kayak. They last about 1.5 hours.

One of the best things about this activity in Red River Gorge is it can be done in any weather! Whether its raining, snowing, or too hot to be outside, Gorge Underground is always ready to go.

Visitors Tip: Dress warmly! The mine is about 55 degrees year-round and can feel cold very fast, especially if you have short sleeves and shorts on.

3. Zip Line Over the Gorge

There is nothing like flying through the trees on a zipline! And thankfully, you can do that in Red River Gorge.

Red River Gorge Ziplines includes five lines, with two being side-by-side, that fly you 300 feet above the gorge. The ziplines can be as long as 1900 feet! The tour will take about 1-2 hours, depending on your group’s number of people.

Although it’s a family-friendly activity in Red River Gorge, there is a minimum weight requirement of 70 lbs to participate, so younger kids might not qualify.

4. Explore Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Though some may opt to take the Sky Lift to Natural Bridge, others might be more interested in hiking to the arch.

There are several hikes in Natural Bridge State Resort Park that lead to Natural Bridge, including the Original Trail and the Battleship Rock Trail.

In addition to hiking, Natural Bridge State Resort Park also has a swimming pool (guests of the resort can swim for FREE and outside guests can pay a small fee to access the pool). You can also kayak or canoe on Mill Creek Lake and play miniature golf.

5. Rock Climb at Muir Valley Nature Preserve

You’ll want to visit Muir Valley Nature Preserve if you are a rock climber. Although they have hiking trails, the preserve is primarily for rock climbers with their own gear to challenge themselves on the towering walls and cliffs.

Muir Valley has over 350 routes ranging from 5.1 to 5.14, offering something for everyone. Muir Valley charges a $15 daily parking fee. As it is a popular location to climb, it can get pretty busy on weekends. Remember to fill out your waiver before your visit.

6. Guided Rock Climbing and Via Ferrata

If rock climbing in Red River Gorge sounds fun, but you don’t own any rock climbing gear, you’ll want to visit Southeast Mountain Guides.

Southeast Mountain Guides offers several guided rock climbing adventures, including climbing, rappelling, and Via Ferrata.

The guided rock climbing and rappelling have no age restrictions; however, Via Ferrata is limited to those 10 years and older.

To climb with Southeast Mountain Guides, you must make a reservation beforehand. They offer both full-day and half-day experiences.

7. Splash Around in Cave Run Lake

Although Cave Run Lake is not technically in Red River Gorge, it’s close enough to include on this list of fun things to do!

Cave Run Lake is an 8270-acre lake in Daniel Boone National Forest and offers plenty of activities, including swimming and boating.

Two recreation areas at Cave Run Lake allow swimming; Twin Knobs and Zilpo. Both charge a day-use fee of $10 per vehicle and have bathhouses, restrooms, and small stores near the beach access.

If you’d rather be out on the water to fish or just relax, consider renting a boat for the day! Cave Run Marinas offers both jon boats and pontoons.

8. Take a Waterfall Hike in Daniel Boone National Forest

There are several waterfalls in Daniel Boone National Forest, but many are off-trail and generally hard to get to. However, one of the best hikes in Red River Gorge leads to a beautiful waterfall and natural pool.

The Rock Bridge Trail in Daniel Boone National Forest is moderate and short, about 1.5 miles, and leads to Creation Falls.

This small waterfall draws many visitors to splash and play at its base. Some will even climb about halfway up the waterfall and slide down into the water.

The natural pool is shallow enough to wade in, with some deeper areas where little kids can enjoy splashing around. And the small sandy beach is the perfect place to enjoy a snack or picnic lunch.

9. Kayak on the Red River

Another way to cool off in Red River Gorge is by kayaking on the Red River. Red River Adventure offers both guided and self-guided kayaking in Red River Gorge.

Their guided tour takes you along the Red River past massive cliffs, trees, and rock formations. The tour takes about 3-4 hours and is only offered the water levels are high.

The self-guided tour encourages visitors to dip into the Red River at select points. This tour is offered when the water level is low.

If you have your own boat, Red River Adventure offers a shuttle service. They’ll bus you up to the boat launch, and then you can paddle your way back to their facility.

They also offer kayak and paddleboard rentals for Mill Creek Lake.

10. Visit the World’s Largest Charcoal Iron Furnace

This is for the history lovers out there, especially those interested in iron furnace history.

Built in 1868, the Fitchburg Furnace is the largest charcoal iron furnace in the world. It was also the last one to be made in Kentucky.

The structure is 80 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 60 feet high! And due to its intricate design, it’s considered one of the world’s top 25 dry-stone masonry structures.

Visitors can explore the furnace and learn more about the iron industry’s history. There are interpretive signs and picnic tables on the premises.

11. Thrillsville Adventure Golf

Is it even a family vacation if you didn’t go mini-golfing? Thrillsville Adventure Golf is one of the few things to do in Red River Gorge that doesn’t require too much energy exertion, so it’s perfect for an evening wind down or “rest day.”

One of the best things about Thrillsville Adventure Golf is that they are wheelchair accessible, meaning everyone can join in on the fun!

Thrillsville Adventure Golf is open year-round (weather permitting), with hours varying based on the season.

12. Drive Through the Nada Tunnel

The Nada Tunnel is one of the most famous features of Red River Gorge. This 900-foot-long tunnel used to be a railroad tunnel and is described as the Gateway to Red River Gorge.

Located on Kentucky Route 77, the tunnel is only wide enough to allow passage of one car at a time, so drivers have to take turns to go through.

If you encounter an impatient driver on the other, this can end up in a game of chicken! Don’t worry; you can see the other side to ensure it’s clear to drive through.

13. Go Horseback Riding

There is nothing like riding a horse through a beautiful forest and lake setting. It’s even better through Red River Gorge. Luckily for equestrian lovers, two riding stables in Red River Gorge offer horseback riding.

Whisper Valley Trails offers horseback riding for guests 6 years and older. You must call to book and reserve a riding time.

Cable’s Riding Stables offers individual rides for guests 8 and older. Anyone 7 and under must ride with an adult, and their combined weight must not exceed 215 lbs.

14. Take an Off-Road Tour

If you want something a little more exciting, try a guided off-roading tour with Out the Top Adventures. Their UTV tours last about 2 hours (plan to spend 3 hours total) and will take you over the various terrain of Red River Gorge.

Their UTVs hold up to four people, and you either ride with a guide or on your own (drivers must be at least 16 with a valid driver’s license). It’s definitely one of the messiest things to do in Red River Gorge!

15. Watch the Sunset at Chimney Top

One of the easiest hikes in Red River Gorge leads you to a beautiful place to watch the sunset. Chimney Top Trail is .75-miles, out-and-back, and is mostly flat. The trail leads to a gorgeous overlook 400 feet above the Red River with views of Half Moon Rock to your left.

The overlook faces west, giving you the perfect spot to watch the sun as it falls behind the trees. Remember to bring flashlights to light the path back to the parking lot.

Where to Stay in Red River Gorge

Red River Gorge is a remote location, so there are only a few hotels and motels in the area. We recommend the lodge at Natural Bridge State Resort Park if you’re looking for a hotel-style stay.

However, the area has several places to rent cabins and homes. We recommend staying in Pine Ridge, Rogers, or Slade to be close to many of the above activities in Red River Gorge.

Best Restaurants in Red River Gorge

Even though Red River Gorge area is remote, there are still plenty of great places to eat in the area. Here are few highly rated options:

Sky Bridge Station

Sky Bridge Station is the ideal stop after you hike in Daniel Boone National Forest. Located at 8 KY-715, Pine Ridge, KY 41360, this restaurant offers local beers on tap and gourmet hot dogs. Across the street, you can grab an ice cream treat for dessert at The Brick!

Red River Rockhouse

This farm-to-table restaurant in Red River Gorge features burgers, burritos, and, of course, bourbon! Located at 4000 KY-11, Campton, KY 41301, it’s not far from Natural Bridge State Resort Park or Southeastern Mountain Guides, giving you the perfect place to fuel up after your outdoor activities.

Miguels Pizza

A local favorite, Miguels Pizza is one of the most-recommended places to eat in Red River Gorge. Their customizable pizza fills you up after a long day out in the woods. Located at 1890 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, Kentucky 40376, they are a short drive from Natural Bridge State Resort Park and campground.

Wrapping Up Things to Do in Red River Gorge

There are so many fun things to do in Red River Gorge to keep you busy during your stay. It truly is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise, whether you enjoy hiking, getting out on the water, or rock climbing.

Red River Gorge’s geological area makes a perfect family-friendly getaway when you really want to get away from it all!

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