The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary

In the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest lies one of Kentucky’s most unique, natural outdoor playgrounds known as the Red River Gorge Geological Area. The Gorge is a 400-million year old canyon system covering almost 30,000 acres. It is home to hundreds of interesting geological features including sandstone arches sculpted by the elements over time, rugged rocks, sheer cliffs, and stunning waterfalls. It is also world renown for its rock climbing and hiking.

You can experience the incredible terrain of Red River Gorge through scenic drives, hiking and mountain biking, as well as waterways where you can kayak, paddle board, go tubing, fish and swim. You can spend time rock climbing, rappelling, soaring the skies on a zip line, playing a round of mini golf or visiting its Reptile Zoo. In the winter, you can even cross-country ski and snowshoe.

Below is an itinerary I’ve put together for spending five perfect days in the Gorge that will allow you to explore the best the area has to offer and experience a little adventure.

WHERE TO STAY

**Cooper Pines by the Hideaways**

Cooper Pines is an artistically designed A-frame cabin that blends modern amenities with rustic charm, creating a nostalgic inviting welcome. The wooden construction and exposed high beam ceilings seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape in a striking design that is open and airy, its interior decorated in soothing earthy tones.

The cabin is nested in the Daniel Boone National Forest just minutes from the Gorge amongst the trees providing the tranquility and seclusion you long for - the perfect escape. A place where you can focus on the simple things in life and reconnect with nature.

Leisurely mornings can be spent lounging in a bathrobe with a cup of hot coffee on the back patio listening to the birds greet the morning skies as the area comes to life. Lazy afternoons can be enjoyed relaxing outdoors in the shade of the trees, sunbathing on the veranda, getting lost in a good book cuddled up in an overstuffed chair in the upstairs nook, or greeting the sunset with a glass of wine.

Evenings are best spent enjoying the private hot tub or sitting around the outdoor fire pit in Adirondack chairs unwinding and reconnecting with family and friends as you watch the stars light up the sky as they dance their way across the heavens. You can also play games in the family room, wrapped in a blanket in front of the warm electric fireplace.

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Cabin Amenities:

The cabin offers an open floor design with exposed high beam ceilings and plenty of natural lighting. It is decorated in modern earth tone décor creating a cozy, welcoming space full of rustic charm that makes you feel right at home.

There is an electric fireplace, ceiling fans, 65” smart TV for streaming, record player, games, and more.

Cooper Pines has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, and comfortably sleeps six. The downstairs master bedroom has its own bathroom, a king size bed, access to an outdoor patio, and a large closet with plenty of hangars and luggage racks. The upstairs bedrooms are on separate levels, both with queen beds and another bathroom. There is also a sitting area on the second floor that creates a perfect reading nook.

All beds have Leesa Legend Chill Hybrid mattresses, a selection of 3 types of luxury pillows, room darkening shades and ample space. There are comfortable, plush bathrobes and extra toiletries in case you forgot and left something at home.

There is a fully equipped state-of-the-art kitchen complete with everything you might need including a microwave, toaster, blender, pour-over coffee maker, Keurig, oven, 4-burner stove, refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher. There are plenty of cutlery and dishes as well as quality knives and cookware.

The cabin has a front patio with seating as well as two patios out back on different levels. There are plenty of places to relax, a gas grill with BBQ utensils, a hot tub, and fire pit with 6 Adirondack chairs.

The cabin leaves no details unaccounted for making it an ideal place to stay.

TIPS FOR VISITING

Bring or shop for groceries instead of relying on restaurants. Cooper Pines has a fully stocked kitchen and gas BBQ grill so cooking is easy and fun. Pick up items for breakfasts at the cabin, at least 2 picnic lunches, and at least 2-3 dinners.
Groceries can be purchased at Save A Lot located at 719 KY-15 S in Campton.
Be sure to include ingredients for s’mores and bring either roasting sticks or long metal hangers for toasting marshmallows over the fire pit.

WHAT TO PACK:

Clothes to dress in layers. Evenings can get chilly even in the heat of summer.
Sturdy hiking shoes.
Bathing suit for the jacuzzi.
If you have gloves for climbing, bring them for the via ferrata. If you don’t have any, you an buy a pair for $5 from Southeast Mountain Guides.

The cabin has a blow dryer so no need to pack one.
If you forgot something, Cooper Pines offers complimentary toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, toothbrushes, razors, etc.

DAY 1 - Arrival

**Getting There -** Red River Gorge is a canyon system on the Red River in east-central Kentucky in the city of Stanton. Cooper Pines is located just minutes away in neighboring Campton, Kentucky. Both are located within the Daniel Boone National Forest.

The Gorge is about two hours from Louisville, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio, and a little over four hours east of Nashville.

The closest airports are Lexington Blue Grass Airport (LEX), Central Kentucky Regional Airport (KRGA), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), and Louisville International Airport (SDF). Nashville International Airport (BNA) is another option.

**Groceries** – As indicated above, I highly recommend bringing food with you or stopping for groceries near Cooper Pines at the Save A Lot located at 719 KY-15 S. in Campton. You will not only want to to stock up on high energy snacks and pack-and-go lunch items for picnicking, but will most likely want to make breakfasts at the cabin as well as grill out for dinner at least a couple of nights during your stay as Cooper Pines.

**Alcohol** – If you enjoy a drink especially around a campfire at night, you need to know that Kentucky grocery stores only sell beer (and some counties are dry). If you want wine or something stronger while visiting the “Bourbon State,” there is a One Stop Liquors located at 605 Main Street in Campton. However, it is closed on Sundays.

**Check In** – Standard check-in at Cooper Pines is 4 pm. The day before your arrival, Cooper Pines will provide you with its address in Campton, Kentucky along with basic instructions for getting there. Be sure to pay attention to the directions as some GPS systems might ask you to turn the wrong direction as you get close to the cabin.

The cabin comes with a Welcome Book that provides information and instructions as well as the Wi-Fi password. However, it’s extremely easy to reach your host via email or text at any time if you still have questions. The book also includes emergency contact info, tips for visiting, and things to do including names of nearby restaurants. Note that when I visited, the hot tub was already heated.

**Late Afternoon/Evening** – On the first night after a long day of travel, I always prefer staying put for dinner and getting settled in. I highly recommend grilling out on the back deck for dinner then taking a warm soak in the hot tub or relaxing around the outdoor fire pit while gazing up at the canopy of stars that blanket the dark night skies at Cooper Pines. The cabin also has a 65” smart TV where you can stream movies, and games you can play. I did not see a deck of cards when I was there so you may want to bring some.

DAY 2 - Southeast Mountain Guides Via Ferrata or Rappelling

**Morning** – Relax and ease into the morning out on the comfy chairs and couch located on the back porch seating area sipping coffee or hot tea while taking in the beautiful forest views and morning light. Enjoy making breakfast in the large kitchen and be sure to pack a picnic lunch to take with you for the adventurous day that lies ahead.

Southeast Mountain Guides

These days, via ferrata is known as a thrilling outdoor adventure that combines hiking, scrambling and rock climbing. The via ferrata course at Southeast Mountain Guides is broken down into 5 sections, each slightly more difficult than the last. The course routes are lined with fixed steel cables, ladders, rungs, bolt and anchors located at strategic points allowing you to cross, climb, ascend and descend the challenging rugged terrain. The last two sections even include a hanging bridge and tight rope that you have to walk across.

Don’t worry, you can run as many or as few of the 5 sections as you want. You will have the opportunity at the end of each one to come down to rest or stop for the day. You can also start at whatever section you want. If you plan on running all 5 sections, you will likely spend 4 -5 hours here. You can read about my own personal experience on the via ferrata and get more details on what to expect here.

Once you’re done, enjoy your picnic lunch out back on one of the many picnic tables set up around the property including a few that are shaded.

The other option for today is to book a guided rappelling and/or rock climbing tour with one of the instructors at Southeast Mountain Guides. They offer half day sessions from either 8:30 am - 1 pm or 2 pm to 6:30 pm, as well as an 8-hour full day session.

The instructors are all nationally certified, experienced and thoroughly trained. I did not go rappelling with Southeast Mountain Guides on this trip but have done guided rappelling in Utah. It was a blast. You can learn more about that experience which will help you anticipate what to expect here.

Southeast Mountain Guides is located at 1617 KY-11, Campton, Kentucky 41301

Dinner – After spending an incredible day with Southeast Mountain Guides, you will definitely want to head back to the cabin to clean up before dinner. I personally, prefer not to go back out and just make dinner at the cabin after such a busy, tiring day. Weather permitting, it’s a great night to grill out and eat outdoors.

**Evening at Cooper Pines** – One of the best things about Cooper Pines is its incredibly dark, star-filled night skies. After dinner, enjoy the hot tub or make a fire out in the wood burning firepit. This is a fun way to reminisce about your day with Southeast Mountain Guides with your family or friends while stargazing or trying some Kentucky bourbon.

DAY 3 - The Gorge Underground & Zipline Followed by Redpoint BBQ

**Sunrise & Breakfast at Cooper Pines** – Catch another incredible early morning sunrise at Cooper Pines relaxing on one of its patios and enjoy a leisurely home cooked breakfast before starting your day.

The Gorge Underground

Red River Gorge Zipline

**Lunch at Redpoint BBQ** - Enjoy lunch at the absolute best BBQ place I’ve ever eaten at. Redpoint BBQ gives Memphis and Nashville a real run for the money. They hand select locally sourced ingredients to craft inspired culinary creations you won’t soon forget. Everything on the menu is fantastic especially the brisket , baked beans, potato corn grits and yellow squash.

We could not get enough. In fact, the food was so delicious that after lunch, we placed a to-go dinner order for later despite having brought steaks to grill out that night back at the cabin. A decision we did not regret come dinner time.

Redpoint has a well stocked bar with an extensive selection of bourbons at extremely reasonable prices. If you are looking for a cocktail, try an old fashion or a margarita on the rocks. The cocktails are fantastic and I’m extremely picky in that regard.

In addition to great food and drinks, Redpoint BBQ offers a fun, laid back atmosphere. It sits on a farm nestled in rolling hills with scenic mountain views. There are Adirondack chairs you can relax in as well as an on-site disc golf course making it a truly unique dining experience.

Redpoint BBQ is located at 356 Jim Smith Road, Campton, Kentucky 41301

**Evening** - Tonight is a perfect night for a light dinner back at the cabin. Spend the evening playing games or watching a movie in front of the fireplace. You can also take an after dinner dip in the hot tub or relax around a bon fire.

DAY 4 - Day Trip to Cumberland Falls State State Park

After two full days of non-stop outdoor adventure, Day 4 is designed to be a more relaxing day with no set start time. You will take a short day trip to nearby Cumberland Falls State Park.

Be sure to pack a picnic lunch and extra water before heading out and dress in layers.

Morning Coffee & Breakfast – I recommend getting up early so you can ease into your morning sipping coffee in a bathrobe on the private patio before making breakfast then heading out for the day.