Red River Gorge
The Red River Gorge is a unique, scenic natural area that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Spectacular rock features, including sandstone arches and towering cliffs, are just part of the attraction. Outdoor enthusiasts come to the gorge year-round to enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, wildlife viewing and other recreation opportunities.
The Red River Gorge is a federally-designated Geological Area, National Natural Landmark, National Archaeological District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Gorge is also home to the federally-designated Wild and Scenic Red River and Clifty Wilderness.
The Red River Gorge and the recreation sites below are located on the Cumberland Ranger District.
Active Alerts
Passes & Permits
Overnight Use: $5/day; $7/3 day; $50 annual per vehicle.
Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount.
All vehicles on KY 15 or in the Red River Gorge and Indian Creek area north of KY 15 must display a recreation permit for backcountry camping between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Passes may be purchased from Forest offices or local vendors for $5/day; $7/3 day; $50 annual.
Complexes
The Red River tumbles through huge boulders in a narrow, twisting and largely inaccessible hemlock gorge. Originating in Wolfe County, the Red River runs through Powell County and empties into the Kentucky River south of Winchester.
The 9.1-mile segment from the KY 746 bridge to the mouth of Swift Camp Creek is designated as a Kentucky Wild River and features some of the most spectacular canoeing water in the eastern United States. The 19.4-mile segment from KY 746 to the ford below Schoolhouse Branch was designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1993.
Download the Red River: A National Wild and Scenic River Brochure
Big Branch Canoe Launch is located along Sandfield Road off KY 746 and provides access to the upper "wild" section of the Red Wild and Scenic River.
Copperas Canoe Launch is located near Osborne Bend Trailhead in the Red River Gorge and provides access to the lower section of the Red Wild and Scenic River.
Tunnel Ridge Road is the only connection between the trails in the Grays Arch area (Rough Trail and the Sheltowee Trace) and the Auxier Ridge area at the end of the drivable road. From KY 15, Tunnel Ridge Road is a five-mile ridgetop road. The last two miles are gated and closed to vehicular traffic, and the initial three miles can be very busy on weekends and holidays.
Tunnel Ridge Road Guide and Map
Tunnel Ridge Road features several primitive camping areas. Each camping area has a parking lot and vault toilet. Visitors must park in designated lots. Roadside parking on Tunnel Ridge Road is not permitted. From the parking lot, follow the foot paths to suitable camping locations. When setting up tents, be sure they are at least 300 feet away from the road, parking lot, and official trails.
Grays Arch Picnic Area is located off Tunnel Ridge Road (Forest #39) in the Red River Gorge and serves as both a picnic site as well as a trailhead for Grays Arch Trail #20
Recreation Sites
Rock Bridge Recreation Area
Sky Bridge Picnic Area
Swift Camp Creek Overlook
Tar Kiln Interpretive Site