Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
Red River Gorge Scenic Byway

Departure: Stanton, Kentucky
Destination: Zachariah, Kentucky
Time to allow: 1 day

Enjoy fascinating geology, interesting plant life and wildlife viewing, and fun recreational opportunities inside the Red River Gorge Geological Area, all along Red River Gorge Scenic Byway.

Day 1

  • Start: Stanton

    Stanton is the beginning point for the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway. Stock up here for your day on the trails of the Red River Gorge Geological Area!

  • Stop 2: Red River

    From previous stop: 10 minutes / 5 mi (8.0 km)
    Directions:

    Continue along Red River Gorge to the Red River crossing. The river travels along with you as you travel the byway.
    Suggested time at this stop: 15 minutes

    Soon after you begin your drive along the Red River Gorge, you'll cross the Red River. The Red River carved the Red River Gorge thousands of years ago and offers a variety of recreation options. Kayak, canoe, or just enjoy the water's gentle sounds as you travel the byway.

  • Stop 3: Nada Tunnel

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 15 mi (24.0 km)
    Suggested time at this stop: 15 minutes

    Nada Tunnel is a narrow, hand-carved tunnel which goes 900 feet through solid rock. The tunnel is for one-lane traffic only.

  • Stop 4: Raven Rock

    From previous stop: 10 minutes / 3 mi (4.8 km)
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    View dramatic arches here at Raven Rock. This state park is a nice place to relax with the family.

  • Stop 5: Clifty Wilderness

    From previous stop: 7 minutes / 4 mi (6.4 km)
    Directions:

    Follow the byway from Raven Rock to the edge of Clifty Wilderness. Clifty Wilderness covers the entire east side of the byway; the stop described here is where the Wilderness area begins along the byway, if you're driving east.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour 30 minutes

    This national wilderness area provides remote camping and hiking opportunities, and is full of historic and scenic sites that the whole family will love.

  • Stop 6: Gladie Historic Site

    From previous stop: same location
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    Located inside the Clifty Wilderness, Gladie Historic Site consists of a visitor center and a reconstructed log cabin that dates back to the late 1800s, which was the time of Kentucky's historic logging period.

  • Stop 7: Sky Bridge

    From previous stop: 10 minutes / 6 mi (9.6 km)
    Directions:

    Follow the byway from Gladie Historic Site to Sky Bridge.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Sky Bridge is the largest arch in Red River Gorge. It is accessible from a pleasant, 0.6-mile trail that loops under and over this natural bridge, giving you the chance to view the beautiful handiwork of nature up-close.

  • Stop 8: Angel Windows

    From previous stop: 4 minutes / 2 mi (3.2 km)
    Directions:

    Follow the byway 2 miles to the scenic pullout for Angel Windows, then hike the trail to the arches.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Take a break at the scenic pullout called Angel Windows. Escape the confines of your car and hike a short way down into the shady gorge to see the uniquely shaped "Angel windows" arches.

  • Stop 9: Pine Ridge

    From previous stop: 6 minutes / 4 mi (6.4 km)
    Directions:

    Follow the byway from Angel Windows to Pine Ridge.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    This scenic hamlet is located at the eastern edge of the Gorge, at the southern end of Clifty Wilderness. Pine Ridge is a town centered around the lumber and mill business, offering plenty of small-town Kentucky charm.

  • Stop 10: Natural Bridge

    From previous stop: 15 minutes / 12 mi (19.2 km)
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour 30 minutes

    Natural Bridge State Resort Park features Natural Bridge, and provides easy viewing access with a skylift.

  • Stop 11: Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail

    From previous stop: same location
    Directions:

    This portion of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail is located at the southern edge of National Bridge State Resort Park.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour 30 minutes

    Towards the Zachariah end of the byway, you'll cross the famous Sheltowee Trail. This trail runs across Kentucky from north to south, and was used by Native Americans and Daniel Boone.

  • End: Zachariah

    From previous stop: 7 minutes / 6.3 mi (10.1 km)
    Directions:

    Follow the byway to its end.

    Zachariah is the ending point of the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway, and has many opportunities for recreation and wildlife viewing.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 57.3 miles / 91.7 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour 29 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 8 hours 45 minutes