Location: East of Lexington, runs through the Daniel Boone National Forest Length: 46 miles (74 km) Time To Allow: 5 hours Description/Highlights/Points of Interest Discover Kentucky's mountain parkway trails. The Red River Gorge is one of the nation's special natural areas due to its stone arches, caves, cliffs, ravines and waterfalls. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, a National Wild and Scenic River and a National Geological Area, this piece of Kentucky's landscape offers a spectacular scenic, natural and recreational experience. Suggested Itinerary The Red River Gorge Scenic Byway is a journey through magnificent geological features, as well as scenic vistas and diverse flora and fauna. The Red River carved the Gorge and is now the site for many recreational adventures, such as canoeing, rock climbing and kayaking. One of the main attractions to the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway is the concentration of over 100 natural stone arches. These arches come in many sizes and types. Seventy million years of wind and water helped to create these natural wonders which frame forested areas, ridges and cliffs. This area is said to be one of the most unique areas in the Eastern United States because of the stone formations. Because of the many cliffs and ridges, this area is also one of the most popular spots to go rock climbing. In addition to rock climbing, many hiking and walking trails lead to the various arches and waterfalls. Undeveloped and rugged, the Clifty Wilderness Area and the Red River offer you the chance to experience something more true to the natural landscape of the area. The Clifty Wilderness Area is 12,646 acres of forested slopes, narrow stream valleys, stone arches, rock shelters and towering cliffs. The outdoor sounds of silence and solitude greet you in the natural surroundings. The area of the Red River Gorge was the home of ancient inhabitants thousands of years ago. Rock shelters used by early indigenous people were later used by early pioneers and settlers who had come to the area. These settlers and pioneers established themselves by mining and lumbering, and the local logging industry enjoyed many prosperous years in the Red River Gorge Area. The Gladie Historic Site celebrates the settlement which evolved around the logging business. Only the cabin exists today, but over a hundred years ago the area would have been alive with the busy sounds of a thriving logging camp. Oxen and mules, men, timber, a sawmill and a blacksmith shop all would have made this site home. 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 which conducted the largest timbering effort in the region. In 1910 and 1911, the Nada Tunnel was built using steam driven jackhammers, in order to more easily transport lumber through the area. The Red River Gorge Geological Area comprises the majority of the byway. Located within the Daniel Boone National Forest, which runs the north-south length of Kentucky, 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% of the native fauna of Eastern Kentucky points out the diversity and stability of habitats in the area, making this a pristine, natural area. For more information about this Byway, visit: Kentucky Tourism