Red River Gorge Experiences

21/04/2024

‘Tis the season! If you frequently explore the woods and fields in Kentucky we recommend treating your clothing and gear with preventative repellant to minimize pesky parasites from hitching a ride or taking a bite out of your adventures.

We’ll share a link to the Center for Disease Control article about tick prevention in the comments below.

Happy adventuring, friends!

We’ll be happy to share the trail with you this year - get in touch with us at rrgexperiences.com or 859-379-8328 to book your private guided hike away from the crowds!

08/01/2024

‘Tis the season, friends! Take note of road closures and plan your adventures accordingly.

Feel free to reach out if you could use some assistance with your winter adventure plans in the RRG!

National Forest gravel roads in the Red River Gorge are now closed to motorized use for the winter season. Tunnel Ridge Road will remain open to Grays Arch Trailhead. Paved roads such as KY 77, KY715, and Sky Bridge Road remain open. Warm days, freezing nights, and heavy precipitation make gravel roads susceptible to rutting and potholes. Winter closure of these roads will ensure good condition for the spring recreation season. Closed roads are still open to foot and bicycle traffic and will re-open to motorized use once conditions improve. Roads closed to motorized use as of 01/08/24:
Forest Roads 9, 9A, 9B – Indian Creek
Forest Road 10 – Chimney Top Road
Forest Road 24 – Rock Bridge Road
Forest Road 39 – Tunnel Ridge Road (past Gray’s Arch)

07/06/2023

Any trip to the Red River Gorge is always made better with a stop in to see our friends at Powell County Tourism Commission - Natural Bridge/Red River Gorge KY. We’re honored to join other local businesses to offer up a fantastic prize package for a jam packed weekend in the RRG.
If you have not done so already, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts and be entered to win a stellar weekend getaway package!
The link to the survey is: https://forms.gle/H2fZ6Mkm1eaHqPK1A

SURVEY! GIVEAWAY!

Powell County Tourism still wants to hear from you (same survey, new flier)! We will be running this survey for another two weeks or so and then we will announce the winner! Please only fill out once per person.

Residents, Tourists, and Business Owners are all encouraged to fill out the survey. You will be entered into a drawing to win a RED RIVER GORGE WEEKEND GETAWAY AWESOME SUPER DELUXE PACKAGE!

A special HUGE thank you to all of our wonderful area businesses that donated these items to the giveaway:

Rose Hollow Cabins - 2 night stay in September
Kentucky Reptile Zoo - Family pass (good for 2 adults, 3 children)
Red River Gorge Experiences - Private guided hike/tour for up to 5 people
Daniel Boone Coffee Shop - $25 gift card
Miguel's Pizza - $25 gift card and 2 t-shirts
Thatcher Barbecue Company - $25 gift card
Restoration Acres - 2 RRG t-shirts

If you fill out the survey, you will be entered to win THIS WHOLE PACKAGE! Please like, comment, and SHARE this to spread the word! Again, thank you to our amazing businesses that have donated to help make this all possible!

You can scan this QR code for a direct link to the survey, or click the link below in the comments. Make sure you fill in your email or phone number at the end of the survey so we can contact you if you win!

25/05/2023

It’s no secret we love the Red River Gorge - if you’ve shared the trail with us, you certainly know this is true. (We’re not too shy about our love and appreciation for this place.)
Our friends in Powell County Tourism Commission - Natural Bridge/Red River Gorge KY are interested in your feedback about the region - please take a moment to complete the survey and share your feedback. Your responses will be incredibly helpful, AND you’ll be entered to win a sweet getaway package - including a private hike/tour with us!
Check out their post for more information - the link to complete the survey is https://forms.gle/H2fZ6Mkm1eaHqPK1A

SURVEY GIVEAWAY! Powell County Tourism is asking everyone to fill out this survey! Residents, Tourists, and Business Owners are all encouraged to fill it out. You will be entered into a drawing to win a RED RIVER GORGE WEEKEND GETAWAY AWESOME SUPER DELUXE PACKAGE!

A special HUGE thank you to all of our wonderful area businesses that donated these items to the giveaway:

Rose Hollow Cabins - 2 night stay in September
Kentucky Reptile Zoo - Family pass (good for 2 adults, 3 children)
Red River Gorge Experiences - Private guided hike/tour for up to 5 people
Daniel Boone Coffee Shop - $25 gift card
Miguel's Pizza - $25 gift card and 2 t-shirts
Thatcher Barbecue Company - $25 gift card
Restoration Acres - 2 RRG t-shirts

If you fill out the survey, you will be entered to win THIS WHOLE PACKAGE! Please like, comment, and SHARE this to spread the word! Again, thank you to our amazing businesses that have donated to help make this all possible!

We will be setting up tables at events and businesses (Red River Gorge Farmers Market for example) in the area over the coming weeks as well, so keep an eye out for us. Let us know if you have any questions!

You can scan this QR code for a direct link to the survey, or click the link below in the comments! Make sure you fill in your email or phone number at the end of the survey so we can contact you if you win!

05/05/2023

Happening tomorrow, May 6, 2023!!!

Our season opens 1 week from today!☀️

Opening day is May 6th from 10-2PM at Natural Bridge State Park Resort! We’ll be set up in the lawn, under the trees right near the Skylift!

Our first Wednesday Market is May 10th from 5-7PM at the Slade Welcome Center. (Right where we set up the last two seasons!)

Please share and spread the word!

Shop local. Shop small.

03/05/2023

You never know who you’ll run into at the Slade Welcome Center
Perhaps you’ll find Al stopping by the office dropping off maps, or see him exploring the woods. You can find his book at in nearby Stanton, KY.

27/04/2023

Great news! Most of the trails at Natural Bridge State Resort Park are reopening this Friday!
We appreciate the swift work of park staff assessing conditions to reopen trails ASAP!

Friendly reminder - always check the most recent park postings/updates before hitting the trail.

25/04/2023

Outstanding news! The fire at Natural Bridge State Resort Park is 100% contained!

Trails remain closed at this time until park staff can assess them for safety.
We are incredibly grateful for swift and effective collaboration efforts of all agencies involved with managing this fire. While it is heartbreaking that it happened, it could have been far more devastating had these crews not responded and taken immediate action.

Thank you to everyone involved!

Natural Bridge Fire Update

The wildfire at Natural Bridge State Resort Park is 100% contained having burned 125 acres. A Kentucky Division of Forestry crew will remain on-site today and tomorrow to monitor the containment lines. Personnel from the U.S. Forest Service-Daniel Boone National Forest have been released effective last night. Staff from the Natural Bridge State Resort Park will be assessing the area and will reopen the trails when it is safe to do so but it may take some time to make any needed repairs. Go to the Natural Bridge State Resort Park for current park information. We want to thank everyone for their assistance during the last week.

18/04/2023

Hey friends, if you’re visiting the Red River Gorge region, please note that trails at Natural Bridge SP are temporarily closed.
We’ll share an update as soon as we are able - but please consider following them for timely updates.
Be safe!

All hiking trails are closed until further notice. We appreciate your patience. Thank you Powell County Tourism Commission - Natural Bridge/Red River Gorge KY Kentucky State Parks

04/04/2023

Waterfalls and Wildflowers. 💓
Spring has sprung in the Red River Gorge - and we’d be happy to share one of our favorite spots with you to soak it all up in person!

Join us this Friday, April 7 @ 9AM or Saturday, April 8 at 2PM for the Arch and Waterfall Sampler tour.

You can book your spot at rrgexperiences.com or give us a call at 859-379-8328

See you soon, friends!





📍 images are from hikes respectfully and gratefully experienced on ancestral lands of the Shawnee and Cherokee peoples

01/04/2023

No foolin’ friends, the Gladie Visitor Center is open for the 2023 season!
Go visit our friends and explore the property for a unique immersion and taste of RRG history!

Great news! The water system issue has been resolved and the Gladie Visitor Center will OPEN for the 2023 season on Saturday, April 1st. Hours are Thursday through Monday from 10am-5pm.
U.S. Forest Service-Daniel Boone National Forest

19/03/2023

Encouraging news and immense gratitude for U.S. Forest Service-Daniel Boone National Forest and the volunteer crew working on this iconic bridge in the Red River Gorge!

If you would like to get involved as a volunteer - please use this link: https://rrgtc.com/

07/03/2023

If you’ve spent time with us on the trail, then you know how much we value Muir Valley!

This volunteer arrangement may be of interest to others who frequently visit and would like to trade sweat equity for an annual pass ($150 value).

More information and signups for our new volunteer program are now available on our website! The aim of this program is to help make visiting Muir Valley more accessible for those who want to visit a lot, but might not have the financial resources to purchase an annual parking pass up front. Plus, you'll get to contribute to the maintenance and stewardship of the most wonderful place! Head to our website to sign up. See you out there!

https://muirvalley.org/2023-volunteer-program/

13/02/2023

Not just overnight - but for the entire weekend forest service fees are waived in the DBNF! Get outside and enjoy it, friends!! (But remember to park in designated areas only - there’s never a free pass in that regard.)

Reach out if you need help curating your experience!

We are waiving fees at all Daniel Boone National Forest recreation areas (except concession-operated sites & reserve group-use areas) this weekend (Feb 17-20) for Presidents Day! With sunshine in the forecast, where are you most excited to get out and explore?

📷 Regina Roby

See a complete list of fee-free sites https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/dbnf/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1083421

27/01/2023

We believe that the outdoors is for everyone. With respect and intention, we foster inclusive experiences so that hikers feel welcome to show up and recreate in the outdoors as their authentic self.✨

Our hikes are an immersive experience for the senses. Our appreciation for the region is palpable and our enthusiasm for sharing the trail with folks is contagious.🌿

Come experience the awe and wonder of Kentucky's Red River Gorge with us. Whether you are new to the area or are a seasoned visitor, we have something unique to share with you.😯

If you have barriers that limit your ability to book with us, please contact us to discuss them at [email protected] or call us at 859-379-8328. We will work with you as best we can to help share an adventure with you.👍



📍 images are from hikes respectfully and gratefully experienced on ancestral lands of the Osage, Shawnee, and Cherokee peoples

Image descriptions are in the comments:

15/01/2023

Whether it is tonight (January 15, 2023) or future planning, take note of the fee-free days in the Daniel Boone National Forest!

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/dbnf/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1083421

03/01/2023

We highly recommend this EKU Division of Natural Areas curated Wilderness First Aid course! They have the facility and resources to provide more practical application training practice than other courses we’re familiar with to help you be better prepared for adventures in KY and beyond.

Link to registration form: https://forms.gle/4vaKF8w1KEthUTq69
Our lead guides are all WFA trained, and all of our guides hold Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid certifications.

Need wilderness first aid certification? Join us on January 21-22! https://forms.gle/4vaKF8w1KEthUTq69

21/12/2022

Seasonal road closures in effect 12/21/22 - also a notice about Tunnel Ridge Rd. Travel safely friends!

We are closing Indian Creek, Chimney Top & Rock Bridge Roads in the Red River Gorge tomorrow morning (12/21) in advance of the forecasted hazardous winter conditions. Tunnel Ridge Road will remain open, but we encourage you to pay close attention to the forecast as it does not receive winter maintenance & can quickly become hazardous.

These roads will remain closed through the holiday season and will be reassessed in January 2023. If conditions allow for safe & sustainable travel, they will re-opened at that time.

08/12/2022

There has been a host of research to tout the benefits of time outdoors in the natural world. It is recommended that people have at least 120 minutes a week of time outside to maximize the benefits that nature provides.

Add in a little bit of discomfort or a twist to your expectations for your outdoor experience and those moments will likely be even more impactful.

This photo was taken during a hike where the precipitation varied from sprinkles to a deluge for no less than 4 miles of the hike. Was everyone always smiling and happy like this along the way? No. But did each person push through their discomfort and support each other along the way? Absolutely!

Two years later, the stories are still being shared from this hike. Now the smiles are accompanied by laughter and the warmth of memories from the experience.



Image information: 3 women hikers stand on a bridge over a creek in the woods of Kentucky, smiling at the camera in the rain.

22/11/2022

EDIT 12/08/2022: The Gladie Visitor Center closed earlier than expected and will not be open this weekend. They will reopen next Spring.

The Gladie Visitor Center hours of operation will change to Friday-Sunday from 10 AM-5 PM beginning December 1 through December 11. GVC will be officially closed for the 2022 season on December 12.

Make plans to stock up on maps and trail guides, and get some holiday shopping done before the GVC closes for the winter:
https://gofindoutdoors.org/gladie/

U.S. Forest Service-Daniel Boone National Forest

20/11/2022

If you're looking for IT support, check these folks out. Not only are they skilled IT professionals, but they set the bar with their focus on providing exceptional customer service, too.

04/11/2022

We appreciate the FIND Outdoors team at the Gladie Visitor Center. Stop in and see them Thursday-Sunday 10AM-5PM.

FIND Outdoors welcomes you to make the Gladie Visitor Center your perfect base of operations to begin your adventures within the Red River Gorge.

GVC's current hours of operation for the winter season are Thursday-Sunday (closed Monday-Wednesday), from 10 AM-5 PM.

https://gofindoutdoors.org/gladie/

U.S. Forest Service-Daniel Boone National Forest

23/10/2022

Sharing year-round campfire safety tips from our friends in the Daniel Boone National U.S. Forest Service-Daniel Boone National Forest

“If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.”

With a warm, sunny weekend in the forecast, campfire safety will continue to be vital over the next couple of days. The Forest has already had several small wildfires this year so do your part to keep your campfire from causing another one.

19/10/2022

Information sharing - please share with others if this was something new to you.

15/10/2022

PSA: Please share with others about appropriate fire safety.

It’s also good to check local fire bans when considering a campfire - for example, there is a fire ban currently in effect for Lee County, KY due to extremely dry conditions.

04/10/2022

Kentucky's Red River Gorge is beautiful any time of year - but Fall brings about a display like no other. Join us for an amazing experience with a guided hike on private property.

This hike is on mostly unimproved trails - hikers will need to use their hands and feet and what mother nature provides to climb up and down the hillside. Efforts are richly rewarded with 2 stunning overlooks with expansive views, and Andrew's Double Arch.

The hike wraps up with a journey through time, visiting reminders of ancient people that once called the area home, as well as a nod to Kentucky's spirited past.

Whether booking for 1 or up to 8 people, you'll have the guides and the experience all to yourself on this private hike.

Contact us at 859-379-8328 or send us a Booking Request at rrgexperiences.com.

Various dates are available throughout the Fall 2022 season.

29/09/2022

We were invited to participate in Rec Fest, hosted by Eastern Kentucky University Department of Recreation and Park Administration.

Come meet our founder and EKU RPA alum, Jen Meunier (she/her), and learn more about our mission to get all people outdoors!

EKU REC FEST - September 29, 2022, 11AM-2PM, Keene Johnson Plaza
(Campus address: 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475)

16/09/2022

Private Hikes - an option available to individuals or groups.

Get in touch and we'll be happy to discuss your interests and travel dates and put something together for you/your group!

rrgexperiences.com or 859-379-8328