Heralded as one of the best vacation destinations east of the Mississippi River, the Red River Gorge is Kentucky’s hidden gem of a family destination. Whether extreme sports get you going or you prefer quiet, contemplative walks, the Red River Gorge will keep everyone in your group entertained and happy and will build memories for a lifetime. Let’s take a closer look at some of the many activities awaiting you on your adventure to the Red River Gorge.
1. Spend the Night
Before we get into the daytime activities, consider planning a sleepover to experience firsthand how it feels to live among the trees. Red River Gorgeous has an incredible collection of treehouses that offer breathtaking views after a busy day of exploration. Opt for the full experience with a solar-powered treehouse, or go all out for a luxury house with hot tubs and Wi-Fi. Family treehouses even have a slide back down to the ground to get your day started on the right foot.
No two treehouses are exactly the same and feature amenities like a glass-enclosed bedroom, a screened-in lounge with a hammock, and a wrap-around porch, all accessed by intricate systems of stairs and sky bridges. Take a look at the Looking Glass Treehouse with a mirrored facade around the rounded treehouse that reflects the forest back to you for a truly breathtaking experience.
2. Zip Lining
Once you get up, you’ll never want to come down. Ascend 300 feet above the gorge with Red River Gorge Ziplines and get ready for a thrilling ride unlike any other. Travel at speeds of up to 55 mph along five different zip line paths, including a tandem pair for duo races! Safe, fun, and exhilarating, the two-hour zip lining tour offers a unique perspective from which to experience the natural splendor of the Red River Gorge.
3. Gorge Underground
Explore the Red River Gorge from a new perspective with an underground tour with Gorge Underground. Make your way through the darkness of the 100-year-old flooded limestone cave in a custom-built cave boat that can easily accommodate you and your entire group. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, check out the underground cave as part of an active kayaking tour. An illuminated stand-up paddleboard is another invigorating, active way to explore the cave. Expert guides will light the way and share the interesting history of this underground treasure.
4. Rock Climbing
The Red River Gorge offers unparalleled access to rock climbers from expert rappelers to beginning scramblers. If you are comfortable doing self-guided hikes, you’ll enjoy a variety of rock faces such as the Indian Staircase, a 200-foot advanced scramble at the end of a challenging hike that provides rewarding views of the Red River Gorge and environs. The Graining Fork Nature Preserve can be accessed by day climbers with a day permit and affords another set of challenging conditions to conquer. Climbers can also take part in guided rock climbing excursions led by expert guides who can offer access to otherwise inaccessible areas and provide new climbers with the confidence to tackle additional climbs throughout the area.
If you need a way to get to your next adventure then check out Hutch Ford to find a vehicle that will help you find your way.
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