When we lived in Indianapolis, we would spend as many weekends of the year as possible in Red River Gorge. David would frequently state it takes “3 hours and 47 minutes” to drive from our home to Miguel’s Pizza in the Red River Gorge. A rock climber’s oasis in the Midwest, but also an amazing launchpad for hiker’s too! Here is our guide to the best views/hikes, restaurants, and where to stay in the Red River Gorge.
Gorgeous Hikes of Red River Gorge
- Sheltowee – Osborne Loop
19.8 miles and 2,474′ in elevation gain
a combination of marked trails, documented on Hiking Project
We did this one fully anticipating to camp along the trail, and finishing the trail in two days. We even had a camping permit, and a fully packed pack the entire day. Yet, we ended up finishing the hike in one, long day. The beauty of the Red River Gorge is that there is water to filter in so many spots — that means the weight of water wasn’t too much of a factor. There is one, unfortunate section of this loop where you have to walk along the road. But, making the route into a loop makes the section feel worth it! - Auxier – Courthouse Loop
4.8 mile loop with 1,293′ total elevation gain
Hiking Project Link
Wow — we hiked this trail on a rainy, foggy day in the fall, and it changed the way we thought about the Red River Gorge from a climbing destination to also an incredible hiking destination. I wish we had our professional cameras for this specific day in our life. - Natural Bridge via Rock Garden Trail and Devil’s Gulch
2.6 mile loop with 669′ total elevation gain
Alltrails link
There are a number of ways to hike to the top of the Natural Bridge in Natural Bridge State Park, and we almost always like to hike to the top and back down on two separate trails. This loop includes our favorite way up and our favorite way down. - For more hiking recommendations, check out the Red River Underground YouTube channel from our friend, Johnny Bluegrass, who is an expert on all trails in Red River Gorge.
Where to Eat
Okay, the food options here are some of our favorite places to eat. We used to pack all of our meals, and slowly turned into eating out for breakfast and dinner every night, because the food is just that good.
- Miguel’s Pizza – as climbers, it feels like it would be a crime if we did not list Miguel’s Pizza. Wow, their pizza is so good, and it is so easy to make them vegan, and the toppings are such a party. We love their hot sauce too. For breakfast, we’ve been able to work with the staff to make tofu scrambles or breakfast bagels with tofu scramble and veggies too. Oh, and their homemade bread is incredible. (fun fact: we dressed up as Miguel and a Pizza for Halloween one year!)
- Red River Rock House – another very popular place after a long day climbing or hiking. They have delicious vegan options including our favorites: burgers, kale salads, guacamole and chips, and French fries.
- Daniel Boone Coffee Shop – since you always need a great option for coffee when you’re out and about.
Where to Sleep
We love camping in Red River Gorge, but we also have enjoyed stays in rooms/cabins as well on trips in colder months. Here are all of the places we have been and can personally recommend.
- Miguel’s pizza – the first and -for a while ONLY – place we would sleep. There is a campground where you can meet climber’s from around the world hanging out every night. There are a handful of pay showers and less than pleasant bathrooms for campers. You do need to be a climber or someone in your party needs to be a climber to stay here.
- Lago Linda – a bit further off of the highway, but a nicer campground and nice cabin options for a modern campground experience.
- Hemlock Lodge at Natural Bridge State Park – Such a neat, historical place to stay with clean, cozy rooms.
- Backcountry camping reservations and maps – We have stayed in a few campsites that are considered backcountry or dispersed camping areas in Red River Gorge. Getting a reservation is fairly simple and can be bought at a handful of places, such as gas stations.
We love Red River Gorge, because it is a great weekend trip destination. For more weekend trip ideas in the Midwest, check out our guides to Ludington, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, the Porkies, or Chattanooga!