Make the Most of Your Visit

Whether you’re looking for good food, a unique experience, or a beautiful place to hike, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of our favorites below.

Restaurants:

  • If you’ve been to the Gorge, you’ve most likely been to or at least heard of Miguel’s. This restaurant has been a haven for climbers and campers since 1984 and there is nothing like sitting down with a big, freshly made, pepperoni pizza after being in the woods for a few days. We cap off almost every trip by stopping here on our way home!

red river rockhouse

4000 KY-11, Campton, KY 41301

  • This place has been an immediate staple for us ever since they opened. They have incredible burgers, burritos, and beer! (Plus salads, tacos, wine, and bourbon – we just love the alliteration).

    Just so you know: they are closed in the winter months. Catch them in the spring, summer, and fall!

Daniel Boone Coffee Shop

769 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376

  • “Not just a coffee shop in Red River Gorge”. This gem offers all kinds of options, from coffee/tea to smoothies and sandwiches. They also use all fair trade and organic beans from the tri-state area. Woohoo for supporting local business!

  • This is an incredible option on the way to or from our property. Serving up the tastiest, most comforting Mexican food around, these folks know how to make you happy. Offering up a huge menu with tons of options and a full bar with mixed drinks and brews, how could you go wrong?

Experiences

The Skylift at Natural Bridge

  • Simplicity, scope, sweeping views since 1967. This is the original activity for our area – you can’t lose when you take a trip on the lift.

    Experience breathtaking views and access to Natural Bridge and some foot trails once you get to the top! This is an activity that’s easy and sure to please.

  • www.naturalbridgeskyliftandgiftshop.com

zip line tours

  • You know that feeling where you’re flying at 50mph above and through the canopy? Yeah, we didn’t either, until we had our first ziplining experience.

    This is safe, but it isn’t for the faint of heart!

  • www.redrivergorgezipline.com

underground kayaking

  • Ummmmmm. Wha? Yeah, we know, not an activity that you hear of often, but trust us, this is one of the coolest, most unique experiences that you can have in this area! Traverse an abandoned mine in a kayak while learning about our natural world and the area that you’re in! This isn’t an activity you’ll likely forget. Check out their website and get blown away!

  • www.gorgeunderground.com

climbing

  • Climbing goes with the gorge like butter and bread. This seems like an obvious excursion if you have time while you’re here! We recommend getting a guide and bringing the whole family!

    Even your children can learn with the amazing climbing guides here.

  • www.redriveroutdoors.com/guide-service

HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDING

  • Yeah, you read that right! Whisper Valley Trails offers hour-long riding sessions that allow you to ride through Daniel Boone National Forest! And their pricing is very fair.

  • www.whispervalleytrails.com

best local hikes

Curated by our friends at Tread the Red

Pippin

Darren

Rachel

We’re so grateful that Darren and Rachel are willing to share their expertise with us and our guests!

They’ve been on countless hikes in the area and have done a great job of breaking down the top hikes into bite-sized categories. Hike on down the page to see the best hikes around, whether you’re looking for a good intro to Red River Gorge, a hike with kids (also good for dogs), a sunset hike, or an Unmarked Adventure they have you covered!

-Izaac


Pippin says, "Hike responsibly & practice 'leave no trace'"

〰️

Pippin says, "Hike responsibly & practice 'leave no trace'" 〰️

our property

(50 acres of wooded paradise)

extra Hiking Trails

NATURAL BRIDGE

  • Via Balance Rock and the Original Loop Trails (1.5 miles)

    This trail is pretty easy and the payoff is spectacular! If you’ve never been to the area, this should be on your list.

  • https://toredrivergorge.com/natural-bridge/natural-bridge-via-balance-rock-and-the-original-trail-1-5-miles/

TURTLE BACK ARCH

  • Via Rock Bridge Loop (4.0 miles- unmarked)

    This hike is not for beginners, the difficulty is listed as “moderate” due to length and lack of marking on trails. Well worth the adventure if you have the time and energy!

  • https://toredrivergorge.com/top-10-day-hikes/rock-bridge-area/turtle-back-arch-4-0-miles/

HIDDEN ARCH

  • (2.3 miles)

    Although this hike is a bit longer than the other simple trails, it’s pretty easy overall AND has great views on the way to and from the arch!

  • https://toredrivergorge.com/top-10-day-hikes/koomer-ridge-area/hidden-arch/

your favorite trail missing? let us know at team@dappledlightadventures.com!