Location: Red River Gorge Area in Kentucky
Type of Travel: Outdoor adventure with easy access to hiking, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, horseback riding, zip-lining, and world-class rock climbing.
Ages: All
The Red River Gorge area in Kentucky beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its awe-inspiring natural beauty, including over 100 natural arches, and exhilarating adventures. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the stunning landscapes and the endless possibilities. Whether you’re a beginner seeking gentle hikes or an advanced adventurer craving heart-pounding challenges, the Red River Gorge area has activities perfectly suited to your fitness level.
Coach Heather visited the Red River Gorge and returned rested, rejuvenated, and energized. When asked about her trip, Heather responded, “ Red River Gorge has everything I look for in a vacation spot!”
Preparing for your Trip
Monarch Fitness Coaching offers detailed, custom person training.
Starting: we recommend starting preparation for your trip a minimum of 12–16 weeks prior to travel. Although beginning at any point, can be beneficial.
Types of Training: Most clients will have independent workouts for cardio and mobility in order to make walking easier. Many clients will also participate in programming designed to improve their strength and stability.
Coach Heather’s Program included:
- Independent Training
- Cardio: daily activity that created a walking foundation that allowed for hikes of 3+ hours
- Flexibility: daily exercises that kept her ankles, knees, hips and back moving well
- Group Personal Training
- Cardio and Strength: Circuit: focusing on incline cardio work and developing the upper body strength Heather needed for rock climbing
- Stability and Strength: focusing on the ankle stability needed for hiking and the balance needed for paddle boarding.
Getting There
Public Transportation: Red River Gorge is not accessible by public transportation.
Car: Red River Gorge is easily accessible by car. For those living in the Midwest and East Coast, it’s an ideal road trip destination. Coach Heather found the seven-hour drive from Chicago the perfect amount of time. Heather said, “I was able to hike for five hours in the morning and easily return to Evanston all on the same day.”
Plane: Fly into Lexington, Kentucky and rent a car to take you the remainder of the way.
Accommodations
When it comes to accommodations, the Red River Gorge truly stands out with its unique offerings. 
Budget Friendly: For those seeking a budget-friendly option that brings them closer to nature, camping is the way to go. The area is dedicated to ensuring that the outdoors are accessible to all, and camping embodies the communal spirit and ease of experiencing this captivating region. The area offers free tent camping with access to toilets and hot showers.
Mid-Range: There are numerous comfortable cabins in the area, which have stunning views. Please note the cabins are often accessible only by dirt road, and may require a front-wheel drive vehicle.
Once in a Lifetime: Red River Gorge offers unique stays including treehouses and domes. Here are some of the most amazing. Coach Heather stayed in Cliff Dweller—A Unique Retreat Above the Canopy. The accommodation offered a thrilling ascent up several hundred suspended stairs as well as another set of winding stairs to get you from the main eating area to the bedroom.Those of you with a “small bladder,” be wary; you may end up climbing down steep steps to the bathroom all night long.
Food Recommendations
Indulge in delicious meals at Miguel’s Pizza, a legendary establishment that has been satisfying hungry adventurers since 1984. Located across from Natural Bridge State Park, Miguel’s Pizza is a hotspot for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts (be sure to pick up a t-shirt or hoodie to show off). Coach Heather brought this one back for avid climber, Jacob. It has become one of his favorites.
Another favorite of Coach Heather’s was Daniel Boone Coffee Shop, a locally owned neighborhood coffee shop. Savor their extraordinary espresso, breakfast sandwiches, paninis, homemade baked goods, and all-natural fruit smoothies. Recharge and refuel at this delightful establishment. Coach Heather’s go-to order was the everything bagel with bacon, egg and cheese and a cup of coffee.
It’s worth noting that many food establishments in the area have limited operations on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your itinerary accordingly to make the most of your visit.
All Level Activities
Red River Gorge offers an array of family-friendly activities to introduce you to the wonders of the area. Coach Heather recommends using the app AllTrails to find hikes that fit your level. AllTrails provides accurate information regarding difficulty, duration, and length. Coach Heather thinks it’s one of her best investments of the last year for travel.
Intermediate Adventures
In addition to many intermediate hikes in the area including the Double Arch, Courthouse Rock, and Auxier Ridge hike, a six-mile that provides awe-inspiring views and a moderate challenge, Coach Heather enjoyed paddleboarding with Gorge Underground. They also offer a kayaking option. Heather was able to explore an underground mine that extended over five miles.
Advanced Excursions
For experienced adventurers, Red River Gorge offers many exhilarating options. Coach Heather recommends experiencing the unique thrills of Via Ferrata, a style of climbing that combines traversing cliff faces with the aid of iron hand and foot rungs while secured to a cable system. She also enjoyed rock climbing and rappelling. All activities are offered by Southeast Mountain Guides.
Conclusion
Red River Gorge is a captivating destination that promises unparalleled natural beauty and thrilling adventures for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Monarch Fitness Coaching’s expert guidance and thorough preparation will help ensure a safe and fulfilling experience.
