Hiking and Camping. That's the name of the game at Red River Gorge. Oh yeah, and rock climbing. And maybe canoeing, rappelling, birdwatching? What makes "The Gorge" special are the myriad rock formations situated among mountains and streams in a dense forest. These formations include spectacular rock bridges, sheer cliffs, rock shelters, waterfalls, balanced rocks, monoliths, chimneys, a few caves, and so much more. The gorge has perhaps the densest collection of natural bridges in the world. Many are accessible by established trails and many more require determined hikes through wilderness. There is so much to see. Hikes from a few steps to dozens of miles are available. You could spend 30 days here and still not experience everything the Gorge has to offer!

Each season changes the Gorge into another destination worthy of repeat visits! Spring brings flowers and rains that swell creeks and waterfalls. Summer brings dense foliage and nice weather. Fall brings amazing colors. Winter brings frozen streams and waterfalls and the opportunity for snow hikes. Dress appropriately!

If you decide to visit (and you should!) here are a few tips:
- Visit any day, but check weather ahead of time. Roads are narrow and curvy. They become outright dangerous when icy.
- If you have only an hour when passing through, drive the loop consisting of routes 77, 715 and a little bit of 15 on either end. Stop at Ange Windows for a brief hike. You can't see much of the rock formations from the road, but the drive is still beautiful. DO NOT attempt this drive in an RV or large vehicle!
- Nada tunnel is an old railroad tunnel that is now part of the road. It is wide enough for only one car and about 300 feet long. Use common sense when traversing the tunnel. Turn on your lights and don't enter if another car is coming toward you. Be prepared to reverse out of the tunnel. If you can drive in reverse, have someone else drive.
- Fuel and food are available at the Slade exit from the Mountain Parkway. That's the North entrance into the Gorge.
- Parking is extremely limited in the Gorge. Many people park along the road in short pull-offs. Get there early or you may not find parking, especially on weekends.
- Plan ahead. Read trail sites for maps and recommendations. Some trails are not marked. Getting lost is common. Fortunately, if you have a good sense of direction, bushwhacking back to your car is a common activity in the Gorge!
- Some trails require stream crossings, so be prepared to get wet or muddy after rains.
- Definitely bring a GPS. Also bring water and snacks even if you plan a short hike. Bring binoculars, and especially a flashlight to peer into caves and help you get out if you are lost past dark.
- Speaking of dark, start early especially in the winter. Getting lost in the dark is no fun.
- Rock Bridge, near the South (Beattyville) entrance is a great place to start exploring the Gorge.
- Vehicle and Camping permits ($5) are necessary for overnight camping, but not for day hikes.
- Wildlife is scarce. Snakes are present, but stay away from trails. I don't think anyone has ever been bitten by a snake in the Gorge.
- Winter hiking is spectacular. Streams and waterfalls freeze if the temperature is sub-freezing for several days. Copperas Falls is a highlight in any season, but winter is especially spectacular. Check out the photos. But if the temperature is near freezing, mud will make your visit unpleasant and perhaps dangerous.