Kentucky Scenic Drives: Red River Gorge Scenic Byway

Take a scenic drive through magnificent natural wonders on the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway. From the historic Nada Tunnel to the end of the byway in Zachariah, discover more than 100 stone arches, waterfalls, and plenty of natural beauty. Carved over eons by the Red River, today's gorge is now the site for outdoor adventures.

Cultural Qualities of the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway

The culture along the byway has been one focused on nature. American Indians resided in this area for thousands of years, living off the land and using the naturally occurring rock shelters as homes. Today, these shelters can be seen along the byway.

The logging industry brought another culture to the area. The land was used as a profit-making resource, and the remnants of that culture survive today at the Gladie Historic Site and the Nada Tunnel.

Historical Qualities of the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway

The most important historical aspect of the Red River Gorge area is the impact and development of the logging industry from 1880 to 1920. Once Kentucky was opened up to settlement, people began building in the area. This development created the need for building supplies, such as timber, and as a result, the forest in the Red River Gorge area became a rich resource.

The logging industry enjoyed many prosperous years in the Red River Gorge area, and evidence of that era of history remains today. The Gladie Historic Site celebrates the settlement that evolved around the logging business.

Only the cabin exists today, but more than a hundred years ago the area would have been alive with the busy sounds of a thriving logging camp. The Nada Band Mill is another example of the importance of the logging industry in the area. Located in the town of Nada, this mill was run by the Broadhead–Garret Company, a company that conducted the region's largest timbering effort.

As the area developed into a rich logging region, the need arose for a means of transporting the timber out of the area. Logs were floated down streams and shipped to distant markets by railroad. The railroad was most readily available after 1912 with the opening of the Nada Tunnel. Construction of that tunnel had begun in 1910 and 1911, with two crews working from each side using steam-driven jackhammers and carbide lamps.

Natural Qualities of the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway

Rich in natural wonders, the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway is a treasure for those looking for stone formations, plant and animal life, and river and wilderness areas. The Red River Gorge Geological Area, a National Natural Landmark, comprises the majority of the byway. Located within the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Red River Gorge area hosts a unique collection of flora and fauna.

This diverse area has endangered, threatened, sensitive, and rare species of both plants and animals because of the location and glacial history of the area. The presence of 90 percent of the native fauna of eastern Kentucky points out the diversity and stability of habitats in the area.

The main attraction of the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway is the abundance of natural stone arches in the gorge. More than 100 natural arches are located in this area. Backdropped by forested slopes, ridges, and cliffs, these arches have been in the making a long time. Around 70 million years of wind and water have made these arches what they are today.

Undeveloped and rugged, the Clifty Wilderness area and the Red River offer you the chance to experience more of the natural landscape of the area. Clifty Wilderness is 12,646 acres of forested slopes, narrow stream valleys, stone arches, rock shelters, and towering cliffs. The Red River is another area that can be enjoyed for its unaltered nature. In fact, the Red River may be inaccessible in some areas because of the natural vegetation, such as hemlocks, or steep cliffs and boulders.

Recreational Qualities of the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway

The Red River Gorge Scenic Byway can be a recreational destination unto itself. The Red River provides you with some stunning views of water tumbling over boulders and through steep cliffs. However, the river is also a prime spot to go canoeing and kayaking. The abundance of rock formations and cliffs make this byway a first-class spot for rock climbing.

The byway travels through a national forest and also Natural Bridge State Resort Park. An extensive trail system, known as the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, runs through the Daniel Boone National Forest. Trails in the Red River Gorge Geological Area also visit more than 100 stone arches. In addition to this extensive system, within Natural Bridge State Resort Park, there are nine trails. Camping, miniature golf, swimming, and square dancing can also be enjoyed at the resort.

The Red River Gorge is one of the nation's special natural areas due to its stone arches, caves, cliffs, ravines and waterfalls. Get familiar with this piece of Kentucky's landscape before you hit the road, and plan out a spectacular scenic, natural and recreational experience.

Find more useful information related to Kentucky's Red River Gorge Scenic Byway: