Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
Red River, KY

Giving its name to the byway, the Red River is a dominant force in the area. Once known as Warrior Fork, the Red River was explored by many people, such as Dr. Thomas Walker and Daniel Boone. After millions of years of impacting the land, the Red River runs through the Red River Gorge Geological Area and is designated as a National Wild and Scenic river.

Most of the designated portion of the Red River flows through the Clifty Wilderness area and Red River Gorge Geological Area. The designated portion is 19.4 miles long, with 10.3 miles of that used for recreational purposes, such as canoeing. 9.1 miles of the river is designated as a Wild River, with water flowing through huge boulders in a narrow, twisting, and largely inaccessible area.

Towering cliffs, narrow gorge, abundant wildlife and plants, natural bridges, and recreational opportunities are all a part of the Red River. The Red River is a relatively calm stream before entering the Daniel Boone National Forest, and does not technically meet many of the established standards for a true river.