Head to Red River Gorge in Kentucky for hiking and rock climbing, with overnights spent in the scenic splendor of Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Located in the foothills of rugged Eastern Kentucky, the area snuggles up to Daniel Boone National Forest and has the largest concentration of arches and rock shelters east of the Colorado Rockies.
At the resort, the 35-room Hemlock Lodge has private balconies overlooking the mountains, plus 11 equipped cottages tucked right into the forest and 82 campsites (with utilities) set beneath the stars. For serious back-to-nature types, another 12 campsites provide a primitive experience.
Hike the trail to the Natural Bridge arch or journey down the road a few miles to Red River Outdoors, located off Highway 11, and gear up for rock climbing with guides Amy and Matt Tackett. They’ll take all experience levels out to enjoy and explore the beauty of Red River Gorge, teaching participants a few tricks of the trade along the way: knots, gear, terminology and belaying. They can also arrange canoeing and rappelling trips — paintball, too. At the park, visitors may learn the basics of “Leave No Trace” backpacking at a series of Beginner Backpacking Workshops (September 20–21 and 27–28, and November 8–10 and 15–16) on eight- to 10-mile trips.
Hungry adventurers head to Sandstone Arches Restaurant at the park for catfish, fried green tomatoes and the always-popular Kentucky Hot Brown (an open-faced sandwich with turkey and bacon, covered in Mornay sauce). For the best pizza around, cross the street to Miguel’s Pizza — also a retail shop selling climbing equipment, known and beloved for its rustic nature — to swap adventures with climbers from around the world.
Note: Rock climbing is not permitted within Natural Bridge State Resort Park; however, it is permitted in certain areas in Red River Gorge, which is controlled by the United States Forest Service. Check with Red River Outdoors or the U.S. Forest Service for permissible areas.