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The culture along the byway has been one focused on nature. American Indians resided in this area for thousands of years, living off the land and using the naturally occurring rock shelters as homes. Today, these shelters can be seen along the byway.
The logging industry brought another culture to the area. The land was used as a profit-making resource, and the remnants of that culture survive today at the Gladie Historic Site and the Nada Tunnel.
Historical Qualities of the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
The most important historical aspect of the Red River Gorge area is the impact and development of the logging industry from 1880 to 1920. Once Kentucky was opened up to settlement, people began building in the area. This development created the need for building supplies, such as timber, and as a result, the forest in the Red River Gorge area became a rich resource.
The logging industry enjoyed many prosperous years in the Red River Gorge area, and evidence of that era of history remains today. The Gladie Historic Site celebrates the settlement that evolved around the logging business.
Only the cabin exists today, but more than a hundred years ago the area would have been alive with the busy sounds of a thriving logging camp. 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 that conducted the region's largest timbering effort.
Time to allow: Five hours States it runs through: Kentucky Cities it runs through: Stanton, Bowen, Pine Ridge, Zachariah Considerations: Roads may become icy during winter, so travel with caution. Help preserve the past by not disturbing or collecting historical or archaeological artifacts. There are many cliffs in the Red River Gorge area, so plan accordingly. Watch small children near the edge of cliffs, and avoid camping near the edge of cliffs. |
Natural Qualities of the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
Rich in natural wonders, the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway is a treasure for those looking for stone formations, plant and animal life, and river and wilderness areas. The Red River Gorge Geological Area, a National Natural Landmark, comprises the majority of the byway. Located within the Daniel Boone National Forest, 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 percent of the native fauna of eastern Kentucky points out the diversity and stability of habitats in the area.
The main attraction of the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway is the abundance of natural stone arches in the gorge. More than 100 natural arches are located in this area. Backdropped by forested slopes, ridges, and cliffs, these arches have been in the making a long time. Around 70 million years of wind and water have made these arches what they are today.
Undeveloped and rugged, the Clifty Wilderness area and the Red River offer you the chance to experience more of the natural landscape of the area. Clifty Wilderness is 12,646 acres of forested slopes, narrow stream valleys, stone arches, rock shelters, and towering cliffs. The Red River is another area that can be enjoyed for its unaltered nature. In fact, the Red River may be inaccessible in some areas because of the natural vegetation, such as hemlocks, or steep cliffs and boulders.
Recreational Qualities of the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
The Red River Gorge Scenic Byway can be a recreational destination unto itself. The Red River provides you with some stunning views of water tumbling over boulders and through steep cliffs. However, the river is also a prime spot to go canoeing and kayaking. The abundance of rock formations and cliffs make this byway a first-class spot for rock climbing.
 View Enlarged Image Follow this map of the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway through the rugged landscape of the Daniel Boone National Forest. |
The Red River Gorge is one of the nation's special natural areas due to its stone arches, caves, cliffs, ravines and waterfalls. Get familiar with this piece of Kentucky's landscape before you hit the road, and plan out a spectacular scenic, natural and recreational experience.
Find more useful information related to Kentucky's Red River Gorge Scenic Byway:
- Kentucky Scenic Drives: The Red River Gorge Scenic Byway is just one of the scenic byways in Kentucky. Check out the others.
- Daniel Boone National Forest: The Red River Gorge Scenic Byway runs through this national forest. Learn about it.
- Scenic Drives: Are you interested in scenic drives beyond Kentucky? Here are more than 100 scenic drives throughout the United States.
- How to Drive Economically: Fuel economy is a major concern when you're on a driving trip. Learn how to get better gas mileage.
