3 easy hikes in the Red River Valley Gorge
We chose 3 easy hikes when we went to the Red River Valley. The hikes were Natural Bridge Trail, Rock Bridge Trail and the Copperas Falls Trail. We spent 2 days there and had such a good time we plan on going back to see more.
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Natural Bridge
This a 1.5 Mile hike rate easy. We started at the Natural Bridge Trailhead right off the Grand Loop Road. Well the path we took wasn’t that easy. The humidity and temperature made it quite difficult. It was fairly flat until we got to the Original Natural Trailhead marker. From there the path ascend at a steep angle. There were plenty of places to sit and catch your breath. Bring plenty of water.
Once you get up to the Natural Bridge, you can climb the steps to your left to go to the top of the bridge.
Rock Bridge Trail
This is a 1.5 Mile Hike rated moderate. I thought it was easier than the Natural Bridge Hike. It wasn’t as hot but it was still humid.
We saw this waterfall as we hiked along the Rock Bridge Trail. The kids played in the water.
Rock Bridge is so picturesque. It’s also climbable.
Copperas Falls
This hike is a 3.1 Mile Hike and rated easy-moderate. The moderate comes into play as the trail is not mark which means it is not maintained. You will lose the path if you don’t know that you are to cross the creek many times as you walk to the falls. You will need to climb over fall trees.
*Wear water shoes and bring water.
I felt like we had walked a long time when we got to Copperas Falls. My husband will always put his head under a fall!
Cooperas Falls reminds me of Ash Cave in Hocking Hills. Take a look!
Where we stayed
We stayed in one of the Clifton Resort Cabins called, “Sandy Starr”. It was the perfect place to stay.
The long main room has a full kitchen with island, a dining table and a couch that faces the fireplace with a TV. My son was able to plug his Switch into it using his HTMI cord to play his games. The TV was set up with all the streaming platforms. We’re able to watch our shows. We just needed to sign in to our accounts.
On the right side of the long main room are four doors. Behind the door #1 which is closest to the kitchen is the master with a queen sized bed that has en suite full bath. There is a shower no tub. The bed was comfy and we both slept well. We had to put our suitcases on the floor as there were no luggage racks.
Behind door #2 is a half bath. The laundry with stackable washer and dryer is behind door #3. I loved having this available to us. We had no issues with either of these two rooms.
Finally, behind door #4 is a bedroom with a bunk bed and an en suite just like the other bedroom’s bathroom. Both bunk beds mattress were full sized. It was so nice for the kids to have a roomy bed to sleep in.
On the left side of the main long room are glass windows and sliding doors. The sliding doors open out onto the wrap-around deck. On the right is the hot tub. We did use the hot tub both nights we were there. The cover of the hot tub is easy to take off and put back on. It felt great to relax in after a long drive and hiking.
our cons
There are a few cons and they are all outside:
- The wood walk way is slippery when wet. So be careful!
- Our car almost got stuck in the loose gravel where we first parked. Be VERY careful about parking!! We ended up parking very close to the road. We made sure there was enough room for a car to get by us. That’s how much we were in the road.
- It is a steep decent from the gravel driveway to the wood walk way.
one interesting cabin in the ALLOTMENT
My daughter loved this Hobbit inspired house. She’s a big Lord of the Rings fan.
Red River Gorge Underground Kayak Tour
There are different activities to do beside hiking. Some are ziplining, kayaking and rock climbing. We decided to do the underground kayaking tour with the Red River Gorge Underground: Kayaking and Bout Tour company.
It was FANTASTIC! Our tour was in the evening at 8:00 pm. We put on our warm clothes we packed from home and headed to the kayak place. The temperature in the underground cave is always 50 degrees. That is correct! You stand at the opening of the old mine and shiver as the cold breeze passes through you.
We were given a hard had with a headlight, a paddle and then helped into our kayaks. It was lit up where we loaded. Our guide led us through the many tunnels. He described that if you mapped out the tunnels they look like a waffle fry.
There are rainbow trout in the cave. They were put in there a couple of years ago. We were able to see these large fish as they had lights in the water. The fish will hang out around the lights as they are fed there. There is no vegetation in the cave.
The cave was made due to Kentucky making a highway. They mined the granite. The aquifer is what has filled it.
If you go on any cave tours, they ALWAYS turn to the lights. This one was more amusing. Our tour guide had us turn out our headlights so we could experience the complete dark. Then he said, “Well now that we are in the dark. Does anyone have any secrets? No? Well, I do. I don’t work here.”
We had a great time and I would recommend this company and the kayaking!
What I packed to hike in
hiking
- Hiking poles : I take them on every hiking trip. They help me mostly on the steep decent.
2. Day packs (We each carried our own back pack. We put our snacks, water bottle, and anything else we wanted on the hike that morning in our back pack.) Here is a small pack I had for years and is perfect size for kids. My husband loves this Teton Sport one for longer hikes. I take my Osprey day pack on longer hikes as well.
3. 2 pairs of socks (My favorite are the Darn Tough ones. They have a lifetime guarantee.)
4. Waterproof hiking shoes: Especially for the Copperas Falls hike as you cross over water.
5. Lightweight hiking pants for both days. It’s going to be warm I know so you can wear shorts but I like to keep my legs covered when hiking. Who knows what you will brush up against.
6. 2 Light dry fit shirts. These will keep you cooler especially if it’s a little loose.
My Take Aways
- Understand how humidity affects hiking. If it’s going to be humid and hot, bring water, move slower and take breaks.
- We brought food to prepare in the Airbnb. This is a great idea! Grocery stores aren’t that close. There is a lunch place in the Clifton Resort area. It was quite good.
- If you can plan more days, do it! There is so much to see and do.
