Our family loves to spend time at the Red River Gorge. Each year we spend our Fall Break tent camping and hiking at the Red River Gorge (provided the weather cooperates). When we first started going, we weren’t very good campers at all but since then I’ve read more expert camping information and reviews, bought better equipment, and now we have fun every time we go. We stay at the same camp ground each year, but try to find new trails to explore each time we go. I like to stay at campgrounds while the kids are young so we have the car nearby and are able to pack as much as we want without worrying about having to carry it on our backs. As they get older we will introduce them to true backpacking camping trips. Ella and Max have already gone backpacking with Michael, but Sam and Henry aren’t quite there yet. When we let them have a bit more independence exploring the surrounding wilderness, we may consider investing in something like the best walkie talkie as reviewed on Outdoor Empire.
The Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park are part of the Daniel Boone National Forest. We love the GORGEous hikes & breathtaking views at the Red River Gorge, and we feel lucky to have such beautiful wilderness just a few hours from home. Here are a few pictures from our trip last Fall to give you an idea of just how peaceful and pretty the Red River Gorge really is.
Red River Gorge {October 2015}
Mill Creek Lake, just across the street from our campground.
Ella Rose looks for the perfect hike to start our trip. I’m a huge fan of the Jerrell Goodpaster books, they are our favorite resource for planning trips to the Gorge.
Rock Bridge
Creation Falls
Max at Creation Falls
Selfies on the way to Rock Bridge
Exploring near Rock Bridge
Dinner
Hanging out at the campsite.
On patrol…
The view from Hanson’s Point
A tiny tree atop Hanson’s Point
Ella & Mama on top of Hanson’s Point
Nada Tunnel
Ella at Tower Rock
Even my energetic boys enjoy the calm and peace of the Red River Gorge!
Does your family visit the Red River Gorge? What’s your favorite hike? Please comment below, I’d love to hear about more trails to explore. Also, be sure to visit this post about Creating a Family Travel Guide. We are chronicling our trips to the Gorge so we can remember what trails we’ve hiked and what we’ve seen from year to year.
A note about the Gorge ~ Before you go to the Red River Gorge please take time to learn about the area and research your hikes. Take into consideration the ages of your children and their skills with hiking. While the Red River Gorge area is beautiful it is also dangerous with many high cliffs, which might not be suitable for all families. We have spent many years teaching our children about safe hiking and take every precaution to keep them safe.
