Outdoor Adventure in
Powell County, KY
If you like outdoor adventure, then this is the place for
you. With over 85 miles of hiking trail, the Red River Gorge, Natural
Bridge State Park, and Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve represent some
of the best trails in Kentucky to hike. In fact, Kentucky Living
Readers voted The Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park as the
#1 and #2 best places in Kentucky to Hike.
But even our hiking pales in comparison to the miles and
miles of sandstone cliff lines that draw climbers from all over the
world to experience this truly unique climbing destination. From
Bouldering, to Sport and Traditional climbing, this is truly a climber's
paradise.
We are also home to the Tour of the Red River Gorge and Red
River Gorge Rally Bicycle Races. Offering some of the most scenic
bicycling routes and Kentucky's steepest grade road, you can enjoy a
relaxing ride or really test your mettle.
Float down a lazy river in a canoe or kayak on Kentucky's
only federally designated Wild and Scenic River. This 19 mile stretch
of the Red River flows through the heart of the Gorge. Enjoy the scenic
beauty, stop off and have a picnic along the banks, or cool off in some
of the popular swimming holes along the way.
Spend a few nights under the stars in the Red River Gorge. You
can go back country camping and leave your cares behind, or you can camp
out at one of the several campsites available in the Gorge. If tents
aren't for you, check out R/V camping at Natural Bridge State Park or at
a couple other places in the area. Be sure to get plenty of rest,
because you will need it with all there is to do here.
Beechfork Golf Course
1
476 Pompeii Road
Clay City, Kentucky 40312
606.663.9479
Open to the Public
Hours:
Club house is open from 9:00 AM - 6:00PM
Rates:
Monday - Saturday
9 holes with a cart: $10
18 holes with a cart: $15
Sunday:
9 holes with a cart: $15
18 holes with a cart: $20

Natural Bridge State Park
Phone: 606–663–2214
Address: 2135 Natural Bridge Road
Slade KY 40376
Web site: Visit Site (off–site link)
Home to the great natural sandstone arch
which stands 65 feet high and 78 feet long, this 2,200 park sits in the
Daniel Boone National Forest, and offers lodging, dining, a gift shop,
meeting rooms, a nature center, swimming pool, fishing, camping and
hiking.
Ten hiking trails are available, ranging from one–half
mile to seven–and–one–half miles. Trail maps are available at the
Hemlock Lodge. The Nature Center, located on the ground floor of the
Activities Center, houses exhibits about the park. Full–time naturalists
program events and activities year–round focusing on native plants
animals, geology, and local history. Daily summer activities are
directed by recreation staff. Pets are not allowed on trails at Natural
Bridge State Park.
Delight in the mountainside beauty of Hemlock
Lodge. The 35 rooms of Hemlock Lodge have private balconies. Open
year–round. Rooms are available by late afternoon. Check–out by noon,
Eastern Time. Pets are not allowed (with the exception of service dogs).
Sky Lift at Natural Bridge
Phone: 606–663–2922
Address: Highway 11
Slade, KY 40376
Web site: Visit Site (off–site link)
Watch a video about us on Youtube
Since 1967, the Skylift at Natural Bridge
State Resort Park has provided visitors the opportunity to experience
some of natures most awe–inspiring handiwork. Located amidst the scenic
and world renown Daniel Boone Natural Forest and Red River Gorge
Geological Area, the skylift takes you on a 1/2 mile journey through
spectacular mountain scenery.
Once at the top, you are within
easy walking distance of over 900 tons of sandstone molded by nature
into a 30–ft wide sidewalk now known as Natural Bridge. A right turn
from the top platform takes you on a 1200ft. scenic footpath to Lookout
Point, a magnificent viewing area and the best place to photograph
Natural Bridge.
Natural Bridge State Park Pool Complex
Phone: 606–663–2214
Address: 2135 Natural Bridge Road
Slade KY 40376
Web site: Visit Site (off–site link)
Watch a video about us on Youtube
Tucked between the lake and the cliff
beneath Hemlock Lodge is a new pool complex. The complex includes a
spacious stone bathhouse, and a zero–depth (one can enter pool without
steps) poolthat holds 80,000 gallons of water.
The main pool has a
“river” theme with directional water jets and floor bubblers. Next to
the main pool is a new fenced wading pool with floor bubbles and
fountain. The watercraft rental dock is a short walk away along a newly
landscaped path. Open seasonally and free to lodge and cottage guests
every day.
Natural Bridge State Park Hydro Bikes and Pedal Boats
Phone: 606–663–2214
Address: 2135 Natural Bridge Road
Slade KY 40376
Web site: Visit Site (off–site link)
The watercraft rental dock is a short walk
away from the pool complex, along a newly landscaped path. Pedal Boats
are available for rental. Explore up and down Hoedown Island Lake.
Open Memorial Day–Labor Day
Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve
Phone: 606–663–1161
Address: Brush Creek Road
Clay City, KY 40312
Web site: Visit Site (off–site link)
Watch a video about us on Youtube
Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve is a
742-acre area in Powell County. A sandstone outcrop at the southeast end
of the 730-foot-high knob is considered to be the prominence upon which
Daniel Boone first stood and looked out over the Bluegrass region of
Kentucky. It is known as “Boone's Overlook.”
The Pilot Knob
trail is approximately 1.25 miles one–way to the top of the knob. Due to
elevation gain it is considered very strenuous. The Sage Point Loop
trail is approximately two miles and connects to the Pilot Knob Trail
near the pinnacle. The Millstone Quarry trail is one mile round trip
from the parking area.
Red River Gorge Geological Area
Phone: 606–663–8100
Address: 3451 Sky Bridge Road
Stanton, KY 40380
Web site: Visit Site (off–site link)
Watch a video about us on Youtube
The Red River Gorge is a unique and scenic
natural area within the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky. Known
for its abundant natural stone arches, unusual rock formations, and
spectacular sandstone cliffs, the Red River Gorge has been designated a
geological area by the Forest Service.
The Gorge boasts over 60
miles of hiking trails, miles of canoeing fun along the Red River,
hundreds of miles of cliff line that draws climbers from all over the
world, as well as ample hunting and fishing opportunities.
Red River Adventure
Phone: 606–663–1012
Address: Highway 715, 394 Sky Bridge Road
Slade, KY 40376
Web site: Visit Site (off–site link)
Watch a video about us on Youtube
Red River Adventure is the only
canoe/kayak outfitter on the banks of the river and within the Red River
Gorge. Park you car at our riverside take-out and let us take you to
upriver drop-offs. Spend the day cruising back to our take-out (and you
parked car). Great swimming holes, majestic rock formations, deep
forests and abundant wildlife surround you on your journey. Want to
really get away from it all? Try our overnight canoe camping! We also
shuttle privately owned boats to river drop-offs, and hikers to
trail-heads.
Red River Outdoors
Phone: 859–230–3567
Address: 415 Natural Bridge Rd.
Slade KY 40376
E–mail: Contact Red River Outdoors
Web site: Visit Site (off–site link)
Red River Outdoors provides quality canoe
rentals for those who are looking for a little fun and adventure on the
Red River. They can also provide rentals on Mill Creek Lake and the
Kentucky River with advance notice. A variety of trips are available
depending on the water levels and time of year.
Red River Gorge Zip Line Tours
Phone: 1–888–605–2609
Address: 400 Cliffview Rd.
Campton, Ky, 41301
E–mail: E–mail Us
Web site: Visit Site (off–site link)
Watch a video about us on Youtube
Red River Gorge Zipline Tours offers five
lines of various lengths. Participants wear a harness that is attached
to the zipline and travel through trees and across the Gorge. Our
Canopy Tour has 5 Ziplines anywhere from 330FT. to 1900 FT. The tour is
between 2 -3 Hours. The last 2 lines are Dual Racing Zips that allow you
to race at speeds up to 50 MPH soaring 250Ft over the Gorge. We invite
you and your family to come out and experience this truly unique
adventure.
Cost: $89.00/person
We have a 72 hour cancellation policy. If you cancel outside of 72 hours
from your tour time, you will be refunded or receive a voucher for the
amount you paid. If you cancel within 72 hours of your tour time there
are no refunds or vouchers.
Muir Valley Climbing Area and Nature Preserve
Phone: 606–668–9066
Address: 48 Muir Road
Rogers, KY 41365
Web site: Visit Site (off–site link)
Muir Valley, LLC is a nature preserve and
rock climbing area owned and maintained by Rick and Liz Weber. The
Valley is approximately 400 acres in size and walled in by over seven
miles of majestic cliffs of hard Corbin Sandstone that range in height
from 20 feet to over 200 feet.
Although privately owned, Muir
Valley may be freely enjoyed by all–hikers, climbers, and folks just
sauntering through taking in the spectacular beauty of the valley. No
admission fees are charged. As such, the Valley falls under the
provisions of Kentucky's Recreational Use Laws.
Although no
admission fees of any kind are charged, all visitors who intend to climb
in Muir Valley must execute our On–Line RELEASE prior to climbing here.
Red River Zipline
Phone: 937-304-1492
Website: http://www.redriverzipline.com
Watch a video about us on Youtube
For thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, zip lining is the perfect
outing for families, couples of all ages, or anyone looking for high
adventure. Located in scenic Frenchburg, Kentucky in the Daniel Boone
National Forest near Natural Bridge, Red River Gorge and the Nada
Tunnel. There are seven zip lines available and vary in height and
speed. Everyone is welcome! From young to old; beginner to
experienced, as long as you are looking for excitement. Family owned
and operated."
Rates:
Adults: $45.00
Students: $35.00
Family Package: $140.00 (2 adults & 2 children)
Group Pricing: $30.00 per person (8-20 people)
Hours of Operation:
1st tour @ 9:00 am
Last tour @ 5:00pm
Open 7 Days/week until December 1st
Call first for availability or book online.
Torrent Falls Climbing Adventure
Phone: 606–668–6613
Address: 1617 North KY 11
Campton, KY 41301
Web site: Visit Site (off–site link)
Watch a video about us on Youtube
Torrent Falls Climbing Adventure, located
in the Red River Gorge, Kentucky, consists of a Via Ferrata, Guided Rock
Climbing, and Guided Rappelling. If one is looking for fun in high
adventure activities, Torrent Falls with its ability to cater
individuals, families, and large groups, is the place to come. In our
horseshoe-shaped canyon, we host the first Via Ferrata in the United
States. Via Ferrata is a climbing system that aids the climber by
cables, and hand and foot rungs. If one is looking for more challenge,
then check out our Guided Climbing and/or Rappelling. These are
specialized classes that offer participants the chance to learn climbing
and rappelling skills from an AMGA certified guide. Torrent Falls
Climbing Adventure also offers Guided Night Climbing Tours, Rock
Climbing Clinics, Combo Packages, and Boy Scout Climbing Merit Badges.
Open 7 days a week March 1st through December 1st.
Stanton City Park
Address: 120 Halls Road
Stanton, KY 40380
Facebook Page: Visit Page (off–site link)
Park Amenities:
Splash Park, 2 Playgrounds, Basketball Courts, Skate Park, Large Picnic Pavilion, Picnic Areas with Grills, Paved Walking Trail.
Hours:
Mon – Sun: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Come and enjoy the Stanton City Park! A great place to bring your family.
Meadows Golf Course
Phone 606–663–4000
Address: 365 Fife Lick Road
Clay City, KY 40312
Come play at Powell County's oldest golf course. This 9-hole course is open to the public and open year round.
Rates:
Monday - Friday:
9-holes: $8.00
18-holes: $12.00
Weekends:
9-holes: $9.00
18-holes: $15.00
Green Fee includes cart rental.