There’s a place hidden in the hills of eastern Kentucky called the Red River Gorge where you can climb cliffs, paddle a canoe, hike miles of trails or just admire scenery that includes natural stone arch bridges. And while you’re there, you can see some of the territory that Daniel Boone explored.
www.redrivergorge.org
The Red River Gorge Geological Area has descriptions of major hiking trails and official camping areas. Click on “Recreation Activities” for information on canoeing and rock climbing. There are a few helpful Web links, but many others seem to be outdated.
www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/boone
The gorge is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, which stretches across a wide area of eastern Kentucky and has plenty of other areas to visit. Look under “Recreation Opportunities” for details on everything from hiking trails to caving, as well as other “Special Places” such as the Redbird Crest Trail. And check out “Rivers” for information on the National Wild and Scenic River designation for part of the Red River.
www.kywilderness.com
If climbing is your thing, KY Wilderness has basic information plus Web links for some of the other scenic attractions in the region.
www.johnsnellphoto.com/index.html
For a visual stimulus to get your travel juices flowing, a Kentucky photographer named John W. Snell has three galleries of Red River Gorge photos of waterfalls, fall colors and broad vistas.
www.state.ky.us/agencies/parks/natbridg.htm
Near the gorge, Kentucky’s Natural Bridge State Park preserves a 65-foot-high stone arch and offers a lodge, cottages and more camping areas.
www.powellcountytourism.com
Pick out some of the other things to see and do in the immediate area from Powell County including historical features such as the Nada Tunnel and the Gladie Historic Site.
www.danielboonecountry.com/index.html
Get a bigger view of places to visit in eastern Kentucky at Daniel Boone Country which breaks down information on the Eastern Highlands South region into four scenic districts. Some of the information is a little sparse, but you’ll find directories of places to stay and local attractions. The two best regions in this Web site are “Explore the Natural Gorgeous” and “Catch the Rhythm and Blue Waters,” for outdoor adventures and downhome music, including the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
www.kyappalachians.com
And if you have time, expand your travel area a little to the north and explore Kentucky Appalachians for brief information on parks and scenic byways.
www.kytourism.com
There’s much more to appreciate in Kentucky, and the state Department of Tourism can help you find cultural, historic and scenic spots from one end of the state to the other.
Roger Petterson, Associated Press
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