Things To Do
Half Moon
This is Eleanor's favorite location in the entire universe. It's where we took our first selfie and where we got engaged. It's a short hike (10-15 minutes), but high-consequence. Wear good shoes, and try to catch it at sunset! Half Moon is in the heart of the RRG. Here are directions: https://toredrivergorge.com/10-top-easy-walks/half-moon-arch/
Gray's Arch
This is an easy/moderate hike (2.35-mile round-trip) to the longest spanning arch in the Red. An RRG classic! Will be busy on the weekend. Here are directions: https://www.kentuckyhiker.com/latest/2019/11/6/grays-arch-out-and-back
Sky Bridge Arch
An easy, popular walk to one of the RRG's biggest arches (~1 mile total). Park at Sky Bridge Rd, Pine Ridge, KY 41360. Directions here: https://toredrivergorge.com/10-top-easy-walks/sky-bridge/ Bonus hike! Check out Buzzard's Roost South. Park at the Sky Bridge Picnic area and do a little scrambling. Directions here: https://www.kentuckyhiker.org/hikes/buzzards-roost-south-and-keystone-arch-2022-1108
Natural Bridge
An easy/moderate trek (1.5 miles) to the most popular feature in the area. We recommend parking at the Hemlock Lodge to shave off some stairs. Keep walking when you get to the top to get to "Lookout Point." Very busy!
Indian Staircase
One of the absolute coolest hikes in the RRG! 3-5 miles, depending on how much exploring you want to do/how lost you get. Wear good shoes!! Bonus points if you find the ohm dome. The directions here add on some bonus arches that are worth checking out. You can also just get to the top, walk around, and come back down the way you came: https://www.kentuckyhiker.org/hikes/indian-staircase-loop-adena-arch-and-overlook-from-bison-way-2024-1123
Where to eat in the Red
Stock up on groceries before you get to the Red! The Kroger in Stanton is the last decent grocery store on your way in. For restaurants, we recommend: Redpoint (barbecue, cocktails, and disc golf) and Rockhouse (burgers, tacos, burritos, beers) Other popular spots: Miguel's (pizza), La Cabana (TexMex/cheap margs), River Cantina (more cheap margs and TexMex) Breakfast options: Daniel Boone coffee shop, Miguel's
Lexington Recs
Go to Kentucky Native Cafe if you are hungry in Lexington! We also love Pearl's Pizza (& Bagels). Ona for cocktails and hipster vibes. There are also plenty of breweries: Ethereal, Mirror Twin, the Burl, West Sixth, Blue Stallion, Country Boy...