Even though East-Central Kentucky’s Red River Gorge (commonly called “The Red” or “The Gorge” around these parts) is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, rock-climbing is allowed within its borders. Good thing, too, because climbers are drawn here from across the globe to experience what many consider one of the top 10 climbing destinations in the world. 

As the owner of  Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals, Ian Teal is an experienced climber himself. You can glean some of his expertise while staying at one of his 60 rental cabins perched atop a mountain at  Cliffview Resort, just minutes from the Gorge.

“The Red is one of the top 10 because it has an incredible 2,000 climbing routes with mostly easy trails leading to them,” Ian said. “But because the cliffs have so much variation in difficulty and height, families and kids can enjoy climbing here, too.” He added that many of the sandstone cliffs here are overhangs, forcing climbers to think about every single movement to save their energy for the ascent. 

Impressive Arches

The arches are what keep me coming back. The Gorge holds more than 100 natural sandstone arches of every size and shape, with more still being discovered in tucked-away places throughout this massive 29,000-acre canyon system.  
You can lose track of all the Red’s impressive designations – National Geological Area, National Archaeological District, National Natural Landmark – and the area also is home to Kentucky’s only National River, aptly named Red River. To cap it off, a National Scenic Byway weaves it way alongside its waters.

Ian said he first fell in love with the Red River Gorge many years ago, when he came down from Cincinnati to visit as a Boy Scout. That love never waned. He later moved here as an adult and began doing his part to promote the area – and help build the local economy – through his cabin rental business and Thrillsville Adventure Park, an outdoor adventure playground offering a ton of mild to wild challenges.

The Red is like a mistress born of the earth, so be careful.
She is stunning.
She is seductive.
She is addictive.
And she just may steal your heart and soul. 

If You Go:

Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals 
60 mountaintop rental cabins with hot tubs, fireplaces and beautiful vistas of the surrounding wilderness. 
Phone: 844-618-3676, 606-668-3272, www.redrivergorgecabinrentals.com

Thrillsville Aerial Adventure Park 

This outdoor adventure park lets you explore the gorge from a new perspective. Climbing walls, cargo nets, zip-lines, tight ropes, balance beams and many other elements will keep you climbing for hours before you zip almost 200 feet back to the ground. Phone: 855-426-1199,  www.thrillsville.com

The Gorge Underground

One-hour guided canoe, kayak or pontoon boat tour through a maze of underground waterways with special-effect lighting, plus off-road adventure tours in a Hummer. Phone: 844-445-3774

Red River Gorge Zipline at Cliffview Resort

Phone: 606-668-6222,  www.redrivergorgezipline.com  

Red River Gorge (Gladie) Visitor Center

Phone: 606-663-8100,  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/danielboone/recreation/gladie-visitor-center