A Gorge-ous Weekend: Exploring Red River Gorge & Natural Bridge
- hannahdevine3
- 6 minutes ago
- 5 min read
If you’re looking for a quick escape filled with fresh air, stunning scenery, and a little adventure, Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge in Kentucky should be at the top of your list. This charming corner of the Bluegrass State is perfect for a weekend getaway — whether you’re chasing scenic overlooks, hiking dog-friendly trails in the Red River Gorge, indulging in local eats, or just taking a slow, scenic drive through the mountains. We recently spent two days exploring the Gorge, and from Sky Lifts to secret tunnels, and from cozy pizza joints to live music spots, every moment felt like a mini adventure. Here’s how we made the most of our weekend!
Travel Tips:
1. Eat early or pack snacks. Most restaurants and bars close around 9–9:30 PM on weekends—don’t get caught hungry after a long hike!
2. Wear layers & good shoes. Trails can be muddy, rocky, or steep. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing will save the day.
3. Go early to popular stops. Beat the crowds at spots like Chimney Top Trail and Natural Bridge Sky Lift by arriving in the morning hours. Also, the fall time can be a busy time for this area!
4. Download maps & plan ahead. Cell service can be spotty in the Gorge, so save trail maps and directions on your phone before you go.
5.Stay hydrated. Even short hikes can leave you thirsty—carry water and a snack.
6.Respect nature. Stick to trails, don’t feed wildlife, and use bug protection during warmer months.
Sample Weekend Itinerary:
Friday:
🏡 Check in to your stay! We stayed at H & P Cabin Rentals in Beattyville, KY. I could not recommend this place enough especially if you have your dog, you are just a couple, or maybe you are a couple with a couple of small children. The accommodation was secluded, peaceful, scenic, and very affordable. Larry the host is super nice and welcoming. The only downside was that it was about 20-25 minutes from most things you are going to want to do! Here is the link if you are interested, we will definitely stay again if we are in the area: https://www.airbnb.com/l/zg0qkwo6
🐾 Afternoon – Arrive and take a relaxing hike on the Chimney Top Loop Trail in the Red River Gorge with your pup. It’s a scenic and not-too-strenuous walk with beautiful overlooks of the gorge.
🍽️ Dinner – Enjoy dinner at RedPoint Barbecue. It is off the beaten path (up a hill and down a gravel road), but the food is amazing and unique. We had about an hour wait on a Friday night, but they have a bar where you can order while you wait. The time waiting is worth it! We ordered the blackened catfish (my husband said it was his new favorite) and I had the marinated chicken (great!). They also serve deep fried baked potatoes, which were awesome! You must check this place out!
Saturday:
🚡 Morning – Take the Sky Lift up to Natural Bridge for breathtaking views and an easy way to reach the top without the full hike. When we arrived, there was a line to be seated, and we waited for about an hour. There are also options to hike up to the bridge, and you can also get a one way ticket down or up as well ($11 for a one way, $17 for round trip). In addition, once you get off the Sky Lift there are some small paths to explore including going through Fat Man’s Misery to the see the under view of the skybridge arch.
🍕 Lunch – Grab lunch at Miguel’s Pizza, the area’s iconic post-hike hangout. It is often very crowded from open to close, but we highly recommend stopping here as their pizza is delicious! They have many varieties of toppings, salads, and sandwiches as well. You can get 2 slices, 4 slices, or 8 slices. 2 slices was plenty enough for lunch!
🦎 Afternoon – Visit the Kentucky Reptile Zoo for a fun and educational stop with snakes, lizards, turtles and other reptiles including the American alligator. The tickets were $14 each for adults, and they offer discounts for AAA, senior discount, military, etc. At 1:00 daily they do a venom extraction that they send off to use for medicinal purposes. You don’t want to miss it!
🚗 Nada Tunnel- One stop to explore either before you head to dinner, or when you are heading over to Chimney Top or anywhere in the Gorge is: Nada Tunnel. It’s a famous one lane tunnel (be careful)! It took us on a scenic route before we headed to Toads, but we didn’t mind it!
🍔 Dinner – Head to Toad’s Bar and Grill for a casual evening meal before winding down your trip. They have great smashburgers, and wings. I also tried one of their desserts called the “J Low Cupcakes.” It is a cupcake in a jar and it was fantastic. Also, every Friday and Saturday they offer live music, and every Thursday is Singo (music bingo). The pina colda here is also the best I have ever had! This is a great spot to visit!
💡 Bonus Ideas (If You’re Feeling Adventurous):
If you’ve got extra time — or just want to add a little thrill to your weekend — here are some fun options:
🛶The Gorge Underground Kayaking – paddle through a flooded cave by LED light!
🚙 Jeep Off-Roading Adventures – guided tours through the rugged trails.
🌲 Red River Gorge Ziplining – soar above the treetops for epic views.
🎳Lee County Recreational Center- They have a 10 pin bowling alley for some wholesome family entertainment!
⛳ Thrillsville Mini Golf – a fun, lighthearted stop if you’re feeling froggy!
Other Restaurant Locations:
*Red River Rockhouse: A family-friendly café offering grass-fed burgers, kale/spinach salad, and massive burritos, supporting local farmers and artisans.
*The Hungry Hiker: Recently reopened with a refreshed kitchen and expanded menu, it serves a variety of American classics. Guests can enjoy hearty dishes like meatball subs, Caesar salads, nachos, and spaghetti, complemented by a selection of draft beers, moonshine flights, and bourbon.
*Daniel Boone Coffee Shop: A rustic café serving great coffee, pastries, and home-cooked breakfast and lunch dishes in the heart of Slade.
*La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant: Offers sizzling fajitas, burritos, and mouthwatering salted caramel brownies in a lively, authentic Tex-Mex setting.
*SkyBridge Station: A local watering hole offering local craft beers, gourmet hot dogs, and weekend breakfast options.
Comments