Red River Gorge scenery

Fly & Drive guide

Fly into LEX, drive to Red River Gorge

1 h 41 min drive73 milesReservations: moderate

Reise auf einen Blick

Ankunftsflughafen
LEX
Fahrt vom Flughafen
1 Std. 41 Min. · Schätzung
Empfohlene Dauer
2–4 Tage
Reservierungsbedarf
Mittel · Einlasshinweise prüfen
Fahrzeughinweise
High clearance vehicles are recommended for Forest Service gravel roads, though paved loops are accessible to all; check rental insurance for off-pavement exclusions.

Ihre Route

LEX

Blue Grass Airport

Red River Gorge

About 1 h 41 min · 73 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.

Your arrival plan

Before you land

Reservations

Parking Permits Required for Backcountry Stays

Daily entry to the Daniel Boone National Forest is free, but an official parking permit is mandatory for any vehicle remaining in the gorge between 10 PM and 6 AM. These must be purchased at local vendors or forest offices; developed campgrounds require separate reservations via Recreation.gov.

Official reservation info

Best time to fly in

March – May, September – November

Ihre Route

  1. Tag 1 · Arches and the Scenic Byway

    Nada Tunnel → Sky Bridge

  2. Tag 2 · Ridge Hikes and Hemlock Forests

    Auxier Ridge Trail → Gray’s Arch

  3. Tag 3 · River Valleys and History

    Gladie Visitor Center → Chimney Top Rock

Viator

Tours & experiences near Red River Gorge

Geführte Aktivitäten rund um Red River Gorge. Prüfen Sie Treffpunkt, Termine und Verfügbarkeit auf Viator vor der Buchung.

Tourangebote separat öffnen

Ausgewählte Reiseausrüstung

Fünf Tipps für Red River Gorge

Optionale Empfehlungen, keine vollständige Pack- oder Sicherheitsliste. Fotos aus den Shops von ROCKBROS und WILDGUARDER. Preise Stand 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

Quick answers

What is the closest airport to Red River Gorge?

Blue Grass Airport (LEX) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.

How long is the drive from LEX to Red River Gorge?

Roughly 1 h 41 min (about 73 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.

Do I need a reservation to visit Red River Gorge?

Daily entry to the Daniel Boone National Forest is free, but an official parking permit is mandatory for any vehicle remaining in the gorge between 10 PM and 6 AM. These must be purchased at local vendors or forest offices; developed campgrounds require separate reservations via Recreation.gov.

Keep planning

Weitere Reiseführer: Red River Gorge