July 2023
Have you ever been close to something amazing and never knew it existed?
Let me introduce you to Red River Gorge, KY. (RRG) This ‘little gem’ sits tucked in the massive Daniel Boone National Forest not far from Lexington, KY. It’s about a 5-hour drive from Nashville, TN. I first heard of this adventurer’s paradise back in April 2023 from a fellow workshop participant at a rappelling/climbing workshop. He mentioned the area for its amazing rock climbing. Even though I was a new climber, I was intrigued. Turns out, this isn’t just a place for climbers…the more I researched the more I found something for everyone! Underground kayaking, ziplines, hiking and climbing to name a few.
I knew this needed to be an adventure with the ladies-–our first #OWN girls road trip.
After a little more research and a rough itinerary that included rappelling, climbing, ziplining, underground kayaking and of course hiking it was time to invite the crew. Six lovers of the outdoors, most of us new to one or more adventures planned, began packin our bags. We nailed down the lodging and guided activities easily with a couple of months pre-planning.
We started our road trip on a Friday morning piled in a SUV that was packed full with snacks, luggage and ladies escaping everyday life. Stories and laughter fueled the five hour drive. Our lunch stop was at a small roadside restaurant in Bardstown, Kentucky called Bluegrass Tavern. A friendly game of poker with the locals or a quick board game while waiting for your food was such a fun break in the car ride! And I’m sure the empty stage hosts great karaoke nights. The menu includes local sourced beef for burgers and chicken options. The group favorites were the 31-E burger topped with sauteed onions and fried pickles and Wylee Bird sandwich that is grilled chicken with bacon, egg, cheese and cajun mayo. Don’t forget to ask for a side of garlic mayo if it isn’t included on your burger!
Bellies full we continued our journey to Climbers Haven in Rogers, Ky. We had booked a cute little cabin tucked into the trees for a private getaway. We were out the door as soon as we claimed our beds and dropped our bags. We were off on our first adventure at Gorge Underground for underground kayaking. It was 100 degrees outside but temps of 50s inside so we made sure to layer up with pants, jackets, and thick socks before starting our unique journey into these flooded mines.
Guides walked us through safety and equipment before we loaded into our boats from docks at the mouth of the abandoned mine. Head lamps along with soft lighting along the way made for a peaceful journey through what would otherwise be darkness. Fun facts about the mines were thrown out along the way as we made a leisurely paddle through marked waterways. At one point midway the group is directed to switch their lights out and experiences complete darkness. Our guides even lead the group in singing ‘happy birthday’ for one of our ladies! Not many can say they celebrated a birthday kayaking a flooded mine! This tour lasted about 1-hour and left us ready for more adventures!
Our guides were fun, informative and gracious. They also gave us some local hotspots to eat including their must-tries on the menus. It was pretty late so we chose to be more relaxed and headed to the local pizza joint, Miguels Pizza.
At half past 8 this place was hopping! Full of family and young folks alike, the lines were long. They offered the unique feature of being able to order custom ordered pizza in 2,4, or the whole 8 slices. And topping and sauce choice were some of the best I have seen. There was something for everyone! And with the option of 2 slices we all got to go wild with our selections. Lines were long when we arrived but moved fast and we were quickly served at our table under an outside pavilion. Food was piping hot and the atmosphere was inviting with loud conversations and belly laughs.
Day two was an early start for our adventurers with Bluegrass Climbing School located only a few miles from our cabin. This outfitter let us arrange a custom beginners combination with an introduction to repelling and rock climbing. This was the one activity for the weekend that the team was hesitant about being able to complete and being able to enjoy so having right guides and outfitter was imperative. Our guides Hannah and Erik were waiting for us at the Bluegrass Climbing Schools gear closet to get us outfitted for the day. Helmets, harness and shoes fitted and off we went to Muir Valley Nature Preserve and Climbing area. Red River Gorge is known nationally for its climbing and even though there were no climbers in our group we really wanted to see what it was all about.
Muir Valley is a nonprofit nature preserve and rock climbing park run by climbers for climbers. It was one of the most pristine parks with impeccably kept grounds and trails. This park is approximately 360 acres in size and houses Sandstone cliffs that range from 20 feet to 200 feet tall. With over 400 routed climbs this park has something for every experience level.
We started our morning experience rappelling two spots that were approximately 50+ feet. Our guides carried and set up the ropes discussing safety tips as they went. With their combined effort we were ready to step back off that cliff before anyone in the group could second guess their decisions. After everyone went through a ground level rappelling lesson, we were flying! Or should I say controlled falling(wink, wink). Two at a time we made our descent. As each pair of feet hit the base of the cliff you could feel a new sense of empowerment and excitement growing in the group. Over and over again we were able to trek back up to the top of the cliff via an easy path and make our descent down the other option. Confidence in our abilities, our equipment and our guides at an all time high, we were ready to move on to the climbing portion of the day.
After a short hike we arrived at our first climb. With existing climbing routes in place the set up was fast and before we had time to relax it was time to start climbing. Since I planned this trip and volunteered everyone for this activity I figured it was only fair that I be one of the first to go. I squeezed my toes into my climbing shoes. A quick reminder in tying figure eight and it was belay on! Next to me, one of my girls was showing off her spiderman skills as I scrambled to find footing. Humbled by my lack of climbing ability I still felt like I was winning as my crew yelled from the bottom. They helped me find new spots for my feet and hands and gave me the extra strength to make it to the top. Every woman in our group made it to the top, each one being cheered and guided from below. We had actually made a group pact on the car ride that morning to each set a goal for our climb–whether it be just getting our feet off the ground to ringing the bell at the top. We would support one another and be proud of our accomplishment. All 6 ladies were filled with pride to make it to the top, beating our morning goal! Before you knew it we were checking clocks and begging our guides to take us to a harder route.
After a quick but somewhat strenuous hike we made it to our next location. This rock definitely was a different beast with no slant! We could see we were definitely testing ourselves and our skills. First two up only made it a few feet but instead of being discouraged, the group learned what worked and what didn’t. After that each woman had her team of experts guiding her hands and feet, pushing her body and spirit past where she thought it could go. Each lady forgot failure was an option and found success. Unfortunately, time was up before we were ready and it was time to say goodbye to this adventure and great set of guides.
Our afternoon of Paddleboarding with Rockcastle Outdoor Company was canceled due to thunderstorms. But after the storm cleared, we decided to get a quick hike to the Natural Bridge at Natural Bridge State Park. This hike was only about a mile out and back but definitely tested our stamina with the steep incline. Well kept trails wind up a beautiful mountain filled with lush forest greenery made up of tulip trees, hemlock, pine and rhododendron. The trail climbed over 400 feet ending at the base of the Natural Bridge. After another 40 some stairs with a narrow passage called “fat mans misery” that found some of us grazing bellies with passing strangers we made it to the top. We were greeted not only with spectacular sweeping views but also a wedding in progress across on another ridge. The breeze helped cool us as we explored the narrow stone passage that seemed to top the world. Trees edged the arch and framed the bridge and although wide enough to walk several across, with no railings, we stayed far from the edge.
Once we had our fill of the beauty, we realized our stomachs were growling which surpassed our desire to see more. We had a date with the local BBQ joint tucked well off the beaten path. Redpoint BBQ is a restaurant nestled in the hills of RRG down a long gravel road behind a cemetery. In an unassuming metal building we found our destination and were quickly greeted by staff that cleared a spot for our party of six. We realized this was the place to be on a Saturday evening as there was a grassy parking area just for UTVs to park and eat during their excusions.
Menus revealed BBQ and southern comfort sourced from local ingredients. The extensive cocktail menu was not only impressive but reasonably priced. Specials included fried banana peppers and jalapeno cornbread. We started with cocktails and appetizers. Although more of a temperate by nature I can say that the cocktails looked amazing. We had pork belly and fried banana peppers to start our celebratory final night meal. The pork belly was grilled to perfection and had a sweet glaze that balanced the saltiness perfectly. The banana peppers were obviously local and were the sort of large pepper you get from your southern neighbor that underestimated her garden’s ability to produce. They were breaded in a crunchy cornmeal breading and had a spicy ranch dip accompanying them that some of our ladies could eat straight from the cup.
Next came the meals…each meal looking more amazing than the next. Large tender slabs of smoked brisket. Mounds of pulled pork seasoned that could compete at any competition. Fried chicken breast with a side of apricot glaze. Gooey mac and cheese. Loaded baked potatoes. And then there was the cornbread…light and flavorful with just the right amount of crispy you only get from well season cast iron. If that was not enough if came with whipped herb butter that was out of this world. This of course became a communal meal with everyone excited to share. Stuffed beyond belief we still could not turn down dessert. Dense gooey warm chocolate brownie, rich cheesecake with decadent blackberry sauce, fresh warm beignets and the crown jewel and epitome of southern desserts…bourbon peach cobbler. To state this was one of the best meals of my life is an understatement. What a way to end day 2 of RRG girls trip.
Sunday morning came bright and early as everyone packed and loaded their belongings into the car. After some creative organization everything and everyone was tucked in our vehicle and saying goodbye to our perfect little cabin nestled in the woods. With only a ten minute drive we arrived at our final scheduled adventure Red River Gorge Ziplines. With 5 separate zip lines going as high as 300ft above the gorge and up to 55mph to say some of us were anxious was an understatement. After a safety brief we were directed to our guides who welcomed us and then fitted us in our harness. After a fun “summer-camp” bus ride to our first line we climbed a short distance to our first platform. The guides gave us instruction and safety info again before two of them demonstrated the process. Our group sandwiched our most anxious member in the middle. Decision made that since I can fake not being scared the best I would go first in our group. Trolley attached and a good to go and next thing you know you are stepping off a 20’ platform into thin air. Only one curse word later and I was flying. I enjoyed the ride and laughed uncontrollably. I won’t lie..I was very concerned about the stopping part. It was less forceful than anticipated–just a small jolt before coming to a stop. If you can pay attention through your ear-to-ear grin and wobbly legs, you may just catch the others flying your way. The giggles and excitement of those around you was contagious. Cheering on our arriving group we anxiously awaited our most nervous member, Kate.. When we spotted her we could tell her screams also changed to excitement part way through…that was until she came to a dead stop midway. Knowing she was in good hands and safe you could hear the light hearted laughter of her true friends as she dangled above the trees awaiting the arrival of her guide rescue. Faster than a speeding bullet one of our guides flew across the line, clipped her to him and pulled and shimmied her safely to the platform…yes we got it on video. And apparently the ‘trolley’ (zip lining gear) is known to malfunction every now and then.
This event did not slow the tour at all. The guides were able to coordinate and quickly replaced her gear. Each line we relaxed a bit more and fully enjoyed each other and the ride. By the longest ride our “most nervous’ passenger was first in line to go to race side by side with me. By our final ride we were asking what’s next and NOT ready to head home.
We stopped at Red River Rockhouse for another amazing meal and planned our next move. We pulled up to a line waiting for the doors to open to this burger/taco joint. Once inside we noted a board listing all the local farmers and artisans that contribute to the menu. Items included local sourced grassfed beef burgers with handcut fries, tacos and burritos. House made chips, salsa and made to order guac stood out as a must-try.
While awaiting our meals we looked into other adventures we didn’t know existed. We explored local UTV tours and via ferrata, along with kayaking and paddleboarding. Unfortunately, with time constraints and late date we were unable to make any of those activities but made plans for future trips.
We finished our phenominal meal and decided to check out some of the sites we had passed during our weekend. We stopped at Mills Creek Lake recreation area. Located just off the main road we found kids playing in the runoff, people kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake. It was the perfect spot for family fun. At the kayak rental area we lucked out by running into a local that gave us maps and info on the best way to take in more of Red River Gorge itself. After a stop at Daniel Boone Coffee for some of the best coffee drinks, we were headed towards THE gorge.
First landmark, Nada Tunnel. This 900 foot tunnel long tunnel is found along Ky Route 77 and provides a shortcut to Red River Gorge Canyons. With one lane and only signal being the headlights of oncoming cars this is a fun experience to start a land adventure. Winding roads with climbing mountains on one side and creeks on the other, there are plenty of pulloff areas giving you opportunities to explore. Well kept paths greeted us on the areas we chose to explore. Local watering holes with young people and families enjoying the water on a scorching day we glimpsed along the way.
Using our map we were able to make our way to Sky bridge. Although we did not hike over sky bridge we did explore the area and final saw “the gorge”. It did not disappoint.
Time running late into the day and 5 hour drive home we decided it was time to end this trip. We spent the drive home recapping the surprise and wonder of Red River Gorge and making plans for the things we would do when we returned.