Where is Red River Gorge / Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade, Kentucky?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

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

Where is Red River Gorge / Natural Bridge State Resort Park Located in Slade, Kentucky
About Map: The map showing location of Red River Gorge / Natural Bridge State Resort Park in the Slade, Kentucky in the United States.

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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 NameRed River Gorge / Natural Bridge State Resort Park
LocationSlade, Powell County, Kentucky, USA — Daniel Boone National Forest / Appalachian Plateau region
Latitude & Longitude37.1033° N, 83.6933° W
Total AreaApprox. 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 / OpenedNatural Bridge State Resort Park established 1926; Red River Gorge recognized as a significant geological and recreational area in 1960s–1970s
Managed ByKentucky Department of Parks and Daniel Boone National Forest / U.S. Forest Service
RegionCentral Appalachian region / Daniel Boone National Forest / Eastern Kentucky
Address2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY 40376, USA
Zip Code40376
Area Code606
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptNatural sandstone arches, cliffs, hiking, rock climbing, waterfalls, scenic vistas, camping, geological formations, outdoor adventure
Main Sections / AreasNatural Bridge Arch, Sky Bridge Trail, Cantilever Rock, Rock Bridge Trail, Rock Climbing Areas, Hiking Trails, Visitor Center, Campgrounds
Famous AttractionsNatural Bridge, Sky Bridge Trail, Double Arch, Rock Climbing Routes, Whittleton Arch, scenic overlooks, Red River Gorge geological formations
Annual VisitorsApprox. 250,000–300,000 visitors
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission – Vehicle day-use fee; camping fees separate
Ticket Price RangeVehicle day-use: ~$6–$10; camping: ~$20–$35 per night; rock climbing permit fees may apply
Ticket OptionsVehicle day-use pass, camping reservations, guided hikes, rock climbing permits, educational programs
Best Time to VisitSpring through fall (April–October) for hiking, climbing, and waterfalls; fall for foliage; winter for quieter trails and scenic views
Nearby AirportBlue Grass Airport (LEX) – ~80 miles (129 km); Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) – ~120 miles (193 km)
TransportationCar via KY-11 and KY-15, hiking trails, rock climbing access points, campgrounds, shuttle/parking areas
Official Websitehttps://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)