Kentucky is home to the most beautiful areas in the USA, making for an easy weekend getaway for families and their children. If you take a road trip, you will be impressed by the endless rolling fields and barns used to cure tobacco since colonial days. One of the most spectacular natural regions is also one of its best-kept secrets. The region’s name comes from the river that runs through it and formed as part of an ancient river delta. With towering sandstone cliffs, unique and lush flora, and hiking and climbing routes, Red River Forge is a paradise for natural lovers. If you are visiting with your children, then here’s a list of things to do in Red River Gorge to create memorable moments in one of the most impressive states of the USA:
Book Hotels in Red River Gorge
Things To Do In Red River Gorge
1. Rock Climbing
As children are quick learners, you can take them to experience guided rock climbing with proper safety guidelines and holds embedded in the rock. You don’t need formal training to improve your basic rock-climbing skills via Ferrata which comes with ascending order of difficulty. One of the exciting things to do in Red River Gorge is rock climbing, and the minimum age should be 10 to participate so be ready with a helmet and other safety gear.
2. Hiking
Another exciting way to spend quality time with your kids is to hike the scenic trails found in this region. When looking for Things To Do In Red River Gorge, the Auxier Ridge trail gives impressive views and takes you higher in the Gorge. Or if you are interested in waterfalls, visit the Daniel Boone National Forest where there are several waterfalls and a natural pool for swimming. Whittleton Falls trail is an easy 2.5 miles which ends in a waterfall and great option for kids.
3. Kayak or Paddling
Red River Adventure offers both guided and self-guided kayaking options and takes you along the impressive cliffs, woods, and historic rock formations. You can paddle downstream or kayak around Mill Creek Lake, a clean and beautiful manmade lake stocked with trout and other fishes. Or if you are more adventurous, Red River will be the best choice as water levels and difficulty vary throughout the year. This is one of the top things to do in Red River Gorge.
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4. Fishing
Mill Creek Lake is good for fishing with your little ones. Pack your fishing gear, purchase a Kentucky fishing license, and get started! If you don’t have fishing rods, you can stop at Natural Bridge State Park and check out a free pole and reel. The lake is brimming with crappie, sunfish, trout, and more! You can also fish at the Red River or Cave Run Lake by renting a boat or kayak from the local business.
5. Gorge Underground
A unique experience kayaking through a flooded mine in a massive underground cavern will make your trip worth it. You can choose any mode of ride, from a boat to a kayak or a stand-up paddle to explore this abandoned limestone mine. The kids will love this cool experience and won’t be in a hurry to forget. So, get your oar, hard hat with a headlamp, and vest ready to learn about the mine and its history.
6. Red River Gorge Zipline
Nothing is exhilarating like flying through the trees on a zipline. Red River Gorge Ziplines has five lines including some that are side by side for racing and the best one is the one that goes right across the Red River Gorge. You can fly through the forest 300 feet above the gorge across 1900-feet-long ziplines but keep in mind there is a minimum weight requirement so very young kids may not qualify. This is one of the top Things To Do In Red River Gorge.
7. Natural Bridge
If you are not in the mood for hiking, you can take a skylift to Natural Bridge to enjoy the glorious views and save the trouble of dragging after small children. The lift takes around 10-15 minutes and is a fun and exciting experience to have with your kids. If you want to hike, seven trails lead up to a beautiful 78-foot sandstone arch but be aware that there are no rails there and hold onto your kids tight.
8. Kentucky Reptile Zoo
One of the must-see attractions, Kentucky Reptile Zoo is a non-profit zoo specializing in venomous reptiles. It might seem like a tourist trap at first but it will surprise you and educate your kids as a bonus with the lectures that they offer. This zoo is the major source of venom in medical research for making anti-venom and has alligators, turtles, and more. It is affordable as well as educational where kids learn the ecosystems of different animals.
9. Historical Sites
You can visit some of the historical sites around the Red Gorge area with your children which will educate and enlighten them about the past of America. Historical sites like Fitchburg Furnace, Red River Museum, or Camp Wildcat should be on your bucket list of places to visit here. At Camp Wildcat, you can learn about the Civil War and explore the battlefield with the original trenches that housed the soldiers. At Fitchburg Furnace, you will learn about the iron production that started in the 1030s making Kentucky the third-largest iron producer in the country. The small museum of Red River is full of artifacts from the area and gives you a tangible example of past lives where you can find photos, farm equipment, and Native American artifacts.
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10. Horseback Riding
A trip to the southern states is incomplete without a horseback riding experience. There is nothing comparable to riding a horse through a beautiful forest and lake landscape that allows you to view a lot of wonderful scenery. It is one of the unique experiences to ride through the trails and dirt roads and that can end up being educational and fun. Cable’s Riding Stable or Whisper Valley Trails provide their horseback riding to guests so book in advance and reserve a riding time.
Conclusion
Kentucky might be famous for its fried chicken, but this southern state is a lot more than that. You and your family can learn about history, visit educational museums and zoos, or enjoy nature in its raw form – there is much to do. Kentucky offers the best of both worlds for those looking to relax with their children or those who want adventures.
