Holly's Guidebook for Powell County
Sightseeing
There are several ways to see Natural Bridge- the Skylift - below is one, The Original Trail is the shortest and most direct- this one starts behind the lodge at the dead-end of the parking lot and is about a mile each way. For those looking for a longer route, there is a trail head near the rear of skylift parking lot on the left as you enter. There are lots of great mini- hikes heading to iconic overlooks when you arrive at the top, so grab a map before heading out and explore!
136 locals recommend
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
2135 Natural Bridge RdThere are several ways to see Natural Bridge- the Skylift - below is one, The Original Trail is the shortest and most direct- this one starts behind the lodge at the dead-end of the parking lot and is about a mile each way. For those looking for a longer route, there is a trail head near the rear of skylift parking lot on the left as you enter. There are lots of great mini- hikes heading to iconic overlooks when you arrive at the top, so grab a map before heading out and explore!
Wait your turn to drive through the one lane Nada Tunnel to get to the lower trailheads in the Red River Gorge. Keep your eyes peeled at you leave the tunnel to the dramatic rock formations and forest around you.
8 locals recommend
Nada Tunnel Road
Nada Tunnel RoadWait your turn to drive through the one lane Nada Tunnel to get to the lower trailheads in the Red River Gorge. Keep your eyes peeled at you leave the tunnel to the dramatic rock formations and forest around you.
Kentucky Rock & Adventure Guides
8 KY-715Great way to see Natural Bridge for those with tired feet!
35 locals recommend
Natural Bridge Sky Lift Inc
2135 Natural Bridge RdGreat way to see Natural Bridge for those with tired feet!
Stop in at Gladie Visitor Center to learn more about the history and geology of the region. If your stuck on where to hike, the park rangers there have never steered us wrong, and they usually gave good tips on where to avoid on busy weekends.
15 locals recommend
Gladie Visitor Center
3451 Sky Bridge RdStop in at Gladie Visitor Center to learn more about the history and geology of the region. If your stuck on where to hike, the park rangers there have never steered us wrong, and they usually gave good tips on where to avoid on busy weekends.
This is certainly a unique collection of items. Need a break from hiking- this museum will give you something to talk about later! It’s a tiny glimpse of life in the area long ago.
7 locals recommend
Red River Museum
27-29 8th StThis is certainly a unique collection of items. Need a break from hiking- this museum will give you something to talk about later! It’s a tiny glimpse of life in the area long ago.
Why else did you come?!?! Grab a trail map at any visitor center. Hike smart- take plenty of water, and remember, this spectacular place can also be dangerous so always watch your step!
185 locals recommend
Red River Gorge
Why else did you come?!?! Grab a trail map at any visitor center. Hike smart- take plenty of water, and remember, this spectacular place can also be dangerous so always watch your step!
Stop at the Slade Visitor Center right of the Slade Exit at Mountain Parkway. Here you will find all the maps you need and information about any events happening during your visit. On Saturdays through late Spring to Early Fall you’ll find the RRG Farmers Market here. Check it out on Instagram to find specific dates and hours.
10 locals recommend
Slade
Stop at the Slade Visitor Center right of the Slade Exit at Mountain Parkway. Here you will find all the maps you need and information about any events happening during your visit. On Saturdays through late Spring to Early Fall you’ll find the RRG Farmers Market here. Check it out on Instagram to find specific dates and hours.
Favorite Hikes
Auxier Ridge Trailhead
Tunnel Ridge RoadSky Bridge Loop - Trail #214
Sky Bridge Loop - Trail #214Take the Rockbridge Trail Loop to creation Falls. This is a great hike to take kids. No great heights and a waterfall with a shallow pool to get wet in.
20 locals recommend
Creation Falls
Take the Rockbridge Trail Loop to creation Falls. This is a great hike to take kids. No great heights and a waterfall with a shallow pool to get wet in.
This is a fantastic hike for the fit hikers, and it’s length can be modified a bit depending on which side you start the loop from. You really get to see a-lot of different flora and topography on this hike.
7 locals recommend
Gray's Arch Trail
Gray's Arch TrailThis is a fantastic hike for the fit hikers, and it’s length can be modified a bit depending on which side you start the loop from. You really get to see a-lot of different flora and topography on this hike.
There aren’t too many water falls in the Red River Gorge, this hike has an awesome view at the end.
Copperas Creek
There aren’t too many water falls in the Red River Gorge, this hike has an awesome view at the end.
Our Family's Dinner Favs
Miguels Pizza
1890 Natural Bridge RdOn busy weekends, call your order in ahead to avoid the long lines!
My favorite is the pulled pork tacos! This is a family fav- all locally sourced and organic. Terrific selection of craft beer and regional bourbon selections.
64 locals recommend
Red River Smokehouse
918 Natural Bridge RdMy favorite is the pulled pork tacos! This is a family fav- all locally sourced and organic. Terrific selection of craft beer and regional bourbon selections.
Terrific locally sourced gourmet burgers and hotdogs. Great bourbon and local beers. Live music and trivia on some nights. Best to stop by in a week day, as it can get very busy.
52 locals recommend
Sky Bridge Station
8 KY-715Terrific locally sourced gourmet burgers and hotdogs. Great bourbon and local beers. Live music and trivia on some nights. Best to stop by in a week day, as it can get very busy.
This place is a total hot spot! They’re a great Mexican restaurant with some terrific original cocktails!
38 locals recommend
La Cabana Mexican Restaurant
1289 Natural Bridge RdThis place is a total hot spot! They’re a great Mexican restaurant with some terrific original cocktails!
Long time visitors to the Gorge will remember Daniel Boone Trading Post. It’s now a coffee shop, with breakfast pastries, basic supplies, souvenirs, and, of course, craft beer!
38 locals recommend
Daniel Boone Coffee Shop, Deli &Trading Post
769 Natural Bridge RdLong time visitors to the Gorge will remember Daniel Boone Trading Post. It’s now a coffee shop, with breakfast pastries, basic supplies, souvenirs, and, of course, craft beer!
Hop’s Fork
2613 KY-11Shopping
Climbing supplies and souvenir shirts
Miguel's Rock Climbing Shop
1960 Natural Bridge RdDaniel Boone Coffee Shop, Deli &Trading Post
769 Natural Bridge RdFor the Adventurers
Rock Climbing for beginners
Red River Gorge Zipline
455 Cliffview RdGreat adventure for a hot day! We recommend pants and a cozy sweatshirt- it’s chilly in there!
51 locals recommend
Gorge Underground
2478 Glencarin RdGreat adventure for a hot day! We recommend pants and a cozy sweatshirt- it’s chilly in there!
Want to try rock climbing for the first time? Southeast mountain guides will clip you in to their Via Ferrara lines and you make your way around their horseshoe cavern.
16 locals recommend
Southeast Mountain Guides
1617 KY-11Want to try rock climbing for the first time? Southeast mountain guides will clip you in to their Via Ferrara lines and you make your way around their horseshoe cavern.
Kentucky Dragway
718 11th StRed River Adventure Campground & Canoe Rentals
394 Sky Bridge RdFood scene
We love stopping in Crabtree’s for their freshly made bourbon balls, pillow candy, and fudge. Get there early- the often sell out!
6 locals recommend
Crabtree's Candies
30 N Main StWe love stopping in Crabtree’s for their freshly made bourbon balls, pillow candy, and fudge. Get there early- the often sell out!
RedPointbbq
356 Smith RoadBruen's Restaurant
8 South Sipple StreetEat like a local for a steal!
Papa John's Pizza
221 South Main StreetLittle Caesars Pizza
22 West College AvenueMi Finca
86 N Main StCallie’s has pizza and smoked pork and chicken. Call once you’re on Mountain Parkway and grab it for dinner on the way in.
Callies Lake And Campground
5515 Campton RdCallie’s has pizza and smoked pork and chicken. Call once you’re on Mountain Parkway and grab it for dinner on the way in.
Traveler advice
Customs and culture
Drink Ale8-One
Locally produced and over drank by locals gingerale type soda. Known as Ale 8.
Getting around
Take a Hike
Check out my trip advisor profile for some reviews of where to go! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/936hollyd?m=19907
Getting around
Dog Friendly Hiking
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Red River Gorge trails, but NOT on the Natural Bridge Trails. Check out this links for recommendations on trails with puppers: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/Kentucky/Daniel-Boone-National-forest/dogs