Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Resort Park are located in Kentucky, USA. They lie between Lexington and Hazard and are situated in the Daniel Boone National Forest. They are famous for natural sandstone arches, rock climbing, hiking, and scenic forest views.
Red River Gorge / Natural Bridge State Resort Park Location Map, Slade, Kentucky
Kentucky Related Maps and Info
Top Attractions Inside Red River Gorge / Natural Bridge State Resort Park
- Natural Bridge – Iconic sandstone arch accessible via hiking trails and a sky lift.
- Sky Lift – Scenic ride offering panoramic views of the gorge and surrounding forests.
- Hiking Trails – Extensive network of trails leading to waterfalls, cliffs, and rock formations.
- Rock Climbing – Popular area for climbing, with numerous cliffs and sandstone walls.
- River Gorge Scenic Views – Lookout points providing breathtaking vistas of the Red River Gorge.
- Camping & Cabins – Facilities for overnight stays amid natural surroundings.
- Wildlife & Nature Observation – Spot deer, birds, and native plant species throughout the park.
Red River Gorge / Natural Bridge State Resort Park Facts
| Official Name | Red River Gorge / Natural Bridge State Resort Park |
| Location | Slade, Powell County, Kentucky, USA — Daniel Boone National Forest / Appalachian Plateau region |
| Latitude & Longitude | 37.1033° N, 83.6933° W |
| Total Area | Approx. 2,300 acres (≈9.3 km²) for Natural Bridge State Resort Park; Red River Gorge geological area spans ≈29,000 acres within Daniel Boone National Forest |
| Established / Opened | Natural Bridge State Resort Park established 1926; Red River Gorge recognized as a significant geological and recreational area in 1960s–1970s |
| Managed By | Kentucky Department of Parks and Daniel Boone National Forest / U.S. Forest Service |
| Region | Central Appalachian region / Daniel Boone National Forest / Eastern Kentucky |
| Address | 2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY 40376, USA |
| Zip Code | 40376 |
| Area Code | 606 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Natural sandstone arches, cliffs, hiking, rock climbing, waterfalls, scenic vistas, camping, geological formations, outdoor adventure |
| Main Sections / Areas | Natural Bridge Arch, Sky Bridge Trail, Cantilever Rock, Rock Bridge Trail, Rock Climbing Areas, Hiking Trails, Visitor Center, Campgrounds |
| Famous Attractions | Natural Bridge, Sky Bridge Trail, Double Arch, Rock Climbing Routes, Whittleton Arch, scenic overlooks, Red River Gorge geological formations |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 250,000–300,000 visitors |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Admission – Vehicle day-use fee; camping fees separate |
| Ticket Price Range | Vehicle day-use: $6–$10; camping: $20–$35 per night; rock climbing permit fees may apply |
| Ticket Options | Vehicle day-use pass, camping reservations, guided hikes, rock climbing permits, educational programs |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring through fall (April–October) for hiking, climbing, and waterfalls; fall for foliage; winter for quieter trails and scenic views |
| Nearby Airport | Blue Grass Airport (LEX) – 80 miles (129 km); Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) – 120 miles (193 km) |
| Transportation | Car via KY-11 and KY-15, hiking trails, rock climbing access points, campgrounds, shuttle/parking areas |
| Official Website | https://parks.ky.gov/natural-bridge/ |
Distances from Red River Gorge / Natural Bridge State Resort Park to Nearby Landmarks
- Natural Bridge – 0 km (0 mi)
- Sky Bridge – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Chimney Top Rock – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Auxier Ridge Trail – 8 km (5 mi)
- Rock Bridge Trail – 0 km (0 mi)
- Nada Tunnel – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Red River – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Kentucky River – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Slade, KY – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Lexington, KY – 85 km (52.8 mi)
- Daniel Boone National Forest Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
- Sky Lift – 0 km (0 mi)
- Cliffview Resort – 0 km (0 mi)
- Courthouse Rock – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Rocky Point – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Red River Gorge Geological Area – 0 km (0 mi)
- Bridge Trail – 0 km (0 mi)
- Dog Slaughter Falls – 8 km (5 mi)
- Turkey Foot Campground – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail – 0 km (0 mi)
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