PART 1 - Red River Gorge Travel Guide in Kentucky | Daniel Boone National Forest

[@beefish00]

I love living just minutes away from this place

[@HeyItsKendallyall]

Growing up in the gorge and swimming at GLADIE Creek swimming hole and jumping from the rock brings back so many memories of days gone past now

[@PhilFeedback]

Great video footage, my wife and I have been there many different times over the years. It has been awhile since we were there and it is really nice to see your videos

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate hearing that!

[@alanbryant11]

Late 70s, 80s and early 90s. The Gorge was my home away from home. Now it feels like I'm on a leash. There's a cave I like. Path not beaten down. Plus if you don't know where to turn. You walk right over cave and don't realize it. Forget something. Round trip cave to car and back. 2 1/2 hours give or take. Hiking without gear.

[@AmericasParks]

You were blessed to grow-up in this area! We had such an enjoyable time there - sights, people, culture.

[@alanbryant11]

​​@@AmericasParks A couple years ago. 4 coworkers/city millennials went with me to the cave. Rock climbing, rappelling and no cell phones. Fourth morning a rough looking motley crue. Dirty, some blood with shirt sleeves as bandages. Parking area two church vans full of teenagers and couple adults. All watching us. Captain of their group ask me if trail is that bad. Told him stay on beaten path. You'll be fine. Captain's group and us on same planet. But worlds apart. Traveling I've been out of country three times. Seven states I haven't set foot in. You and family be safe traveling.

[@vicaras1]

Been going to the gorge for decades. It's way overcrowd now if there's litter everywhere now. Guess I'm lucky to remember what it used to be like.

[@codyinthecinema]

This is one the most helpful videos I've found on this channel. Thanks for the great content!

[@AmericasParks]

Really pleased to hear that, Cody! Looking to get two more videos up from the Gorge in the next two weeks.

[@lesliesmith7835]

Thank you Randy, Julie and Shane, I absolutely loved your Beautiful and Fun video. Such a wonderful way to start the week. Blessings to All !! ... Robin 😊

[@AmericasParks]

Glad to hear that, brother! Hope you have a blessed week!

[@jameshouse1268]

I knew from the preview video that you posted that great things were to come! This is truly a very beautiful area filled with so many things to see and experience. Looking forward to the next 2 installments! Thanks for sharing a great trip. Take care always.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks much, James! Have a blessed week, my friend!

[@TakeATripTogether]

What a beautiful area. We have enjoyed our trips to Kentucky as well. So glad you got that upgrade for your wife. It looked way more relaxing and will probably encourage her to want to go on the next trip a bit more. Smart man. 😀

[@AmericasParks]

That was well said! Always need those reminders! :)

[@Mikey-Likes-It_101]

Randy, What a nice family trip, looking forward to the other episodes! I know I’m a little behind on catching up with you, but this is a nice way to enjoy my morning tea. Beautiful waterfalls, and arches in this National Forest that I have never seen. What a treasure, Julie, Shane and you are sharing with us! THANK YOU FOR TAKING US ON THIS BEAUTIFUL HIKE, . . . Mike

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Mike! That was a great experience last summer. Grateful for you kind words and pleased you enjoy the videos!

[@jymnmeier3527]

That rainstorm seemed like it was intense and I love when you visit places outside the BIG 63. Have a great week

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks my friend! Hope to get 6 videos up from our trip to eastern KY. Enjoy your week!

[@OurNationalAdventure]

Upgrades, hottubs and privacy make for a nice end to the day!

[@AmericasParks]

You should have seen the place we had initially booked, yikes... Family was really pleased!

[@OurNationalAdventure]

@@AmericasParks the entire day looked like such a wonderful experience with the huge waterfalls! Definitely nice to relax afterwards.

[@JeffyD58]

I am heading here in few weeks from Canada can't wait it looks very nice

[@dmike93tilinfinity]

Dude. You rock! Thank you for making these

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Michael, appreciate the kind words!

[@potatothorn]

JumpRock!! i love a good jumping rock, found a nice one in Yosemite over summer but not nearly that high Wow that is awesome! the Arch is spectacular of course and nice shirt! and who doesn't love some ice cream! hot tub looks super nice too thanks for taking us along

[@AmericasParks]

So cool of that young man from Ukraine to contact me and send me that shirt. Really enjoy it as well!

[@saltlight4005]

Well done video. What month were you there? It doesn’t look like there is much tourism, so is that possibly because this was filmed after Labor Day? Thanks! ~ Heidi

[@AmericasParks]

Hi Heidi, it was late August last summer. I believe all the local schools had already reopened.

[@juliesmith444]

Love this area- amazing hikes. Also loved the bedrock where we stayed- thanks Jeremy!

[@AmericasParks]

Hope the video brings some more business to Jeremy and Mary. They were great hosts!

[@samanthaarthurs9305]

Love seeing my favorite place on your channel!

[@AmericasParks]

Great to hear that, Samantha! You have good taste!

[@myjourneysinfaith]

Wow what a awesome place.

[@AmericasParks]

So unexpected! Glad we finally made it down there!

[@DestinationEarth]

That rain was really coming down! The views along the trail to the arch are really beautiful. The hike is almost as good as the arch itself. That said, that is a thick arch! Beautiful and tall. Wow, your stay at the end was indeed quite the upgrade! I do enjoy me a good hot tub!

[@AmericasParks]

lol! Compared to where we normally go, my wife was indeed very pleased!

[@vs123]

Very beautiful place

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the nice comment!

[@AdventuresinPopUps]

Lovely! Thank you for covering this, we are looking into this area. We will be visiting the Ark this summer.

[@AmericasParks]

Have a great time! We tagged on the Ark as well on our return trip home. Highly recommended!

[@MagellanandGreyhound]

So many under appreciated areas in the park system. Never heard of this, and now I have! I am not comfortable with suspension bridges. Looking forward to the kayak video. That is our favorite thing to do, bar none. Maybe it's the Long Island boy in me hahaha

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, my friend! Hope to get three vids from this trip to the Gorge. Relatively unknown, but definitely worth the visit. Enjoy your week!

[@IvorsTravels]

Some wonderful places to explore. The waterhole was great to see. Shame about the rain but it did make for some lovely waterfalls. The arch was spectacular too. You also managed to find a nice upgrade to your campsite. Looks really comfortable.

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the kind and meaningful words!

[@CJ-kp2lk]

This is one of my favorite haunts! I’m disappointed I didn’t run into y’all.

[@AmericasParks]

It would have been a pleasure to meet you. What a fantastic place!

[@adventuringoutdoorswitheric]

Yeah that was really nice! You did some really cool trails on this one and I liked that lake you were swimming in. Nice accommodations as well so that all worked out. Excellent brother looking forward to the next video.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, my friend!

[@colinaronson8144]

Makes me so excited for my trip in July and this helps me plan some spots to check! Great camera work too btw

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the kind words! Hope you have a blast at RRG this month!!

[@rosemaryflury180]

Great!

[@papajon62]

This made my radar. Only 4.5 hours from my home in Georgia. Nice shirt btw.

[@AmericasParks]

Good call, Aamon! Looking to get two more vids up from this trip to the Gorge. Should assist greatly in your planning.

[@pappytrails]

Hey Randy! If you’re ever back in Kentucky let me know. I live in Lexington. Love your videos and love the fact that you got to enjoy some of the best our state has to offer with the red river gorge. Next time you come through I’ll show you some little known areas to explore that are well worth going off the beaten path 😀

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the special offer! Just made a note if we ever get back to the area. Beautiful location!

[@jameswaldecker1236]

If you're interested in national forests, and you'd like a relatively flat trail with springs, history, and dunes, I recommend the Highbanks Trail and the Lumbermen's Monument at Huron National Forest in Michigan.

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the heads-up! Wife is from MI so we go back often. Made a note!

[@WeMissYouSnail]

Coming here in a few weeks this looks amazing!! you did all of these hikes in one day?

[@AmericasParks]

Actually, I believe it was three days for all the hikes.

[@xijiang2728]

Hey, Randy from New Jersey. Thanks for sharing another beautiful location. Who would have thought in Kentucky?! I'll make a reference of this location. It was great running into you in VT. Happy traveling!

[@AmericasParks]

Right on! It was a pleasure to meet you. Hope you enjoyed your time in Vermont! Looking to upload the Green Mountains videos soon. Made a reference to you!

[@Jayboy87l]

Used to be a rope swing across from the jump rock. Must've got taken down. Been well over 20 years. Spent my 16thbirthday there in 03. I wonder if that go-kart track is still up the road from there???

[@AmericasParks]

Glad to hear you have fond memories of this place!

[@kaylasmith1515]

Would you have jumped from the rock if it didn’t start raining? Nice information you share throughout the video too, bring on part 2!

[@AmericasParks]

I think it was fine, but would have preferred to check the depth myself. Height would be no issue.

[@NickandRachel]

Would love to do some backpacking there one day! Awesome rope Bridge! That was definitely an upgrade from a tent 😂 I wouldn't be complaining though lol I sent you a message on Instagram I had a question about Olympic National Park is that the best place to reach you?

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Nick, don't monitor the Instagram account very often, but will take a look. Enjoy your week!

[@Chillaxing113]

Hey Randy! Welcome to the silver hair club! 😁 I've got a head full myself. I've just never noticed your gray hair before. What a wonderful park! Such beauty! I'd love to visit someday. And while in Kentucky I'd love to visit some horse farms. I've got two horses myself, two mares. One is a Tennessee Walking Horse and the other is a Thoroughbred. Okay, now I'm going to have to make a Dairy Queen run tomorrow! 😋 Thanks for this great video!! PS: what apps do you use for park trails?

[@AmericasParks]

Hi Debra, yeah, really notice the grays now when I'm in the sun. lol! As for the apps, "hiking project" and "all trails" are really good.

[@Chillaxing113]

@@AmericasParks thanks for the trail apps. I've downloaded both.

[@nicolemyers4584]

Your wife reaction at 4:14 reminds me so much of your daughters. I can see a lot of her in them.

[@AmericasParks]

That was a nice comment, Nicole. Will need to share your kind words with her!

[@dougclayton1652]

I bet the girls are saying hey dad you didn’t upgrade with us. Come visit us in Ky anytime.

[@AmericasParks]

lol! Haven't hear it yet, but sure it will come up eventually! Thanks for the hospitality. We loved Kentucky!

[@jimgreen5788]

Randy and fam, the saying, "Whatever goes down must come up." really applies coming out of Grand Canyon, as we both remember. You weren't exactly suffering for the Lord at those accommodations, were you? : ))

[@AmericasParks]

haha! Yeah, not familiar with these luxurious accommodations. Can get really easy to get used to them! :) I know Julie was very thankful!

[@ivi122]

Since you have traveled to most/all states, can you give me advice? I am planning to go on my first solo trip in Oct. I live in CT and I don’t want my trip to be too close nor too far from home. I’ve traveled through New England so I don’t want to stay around here on this trip. I love hiking, nature, cafes, cozy bookstores, old fashioned general stores, local handmade arts, good restaurants, bakeries and quaint towns. Can you recommend a few towns for me to go to that are safe, beautiful and have some of the stuff I’m into? I’m not into the nightlife, drinking, boring museums or tourist traps. I don’t want to go to FL, SC, GA, TN, AL, etc or anywhere in the west coast since it’s too far. The farthest I want to go is SD. Thank you & keep up the great work 💕

[@AmericasParks]

Would love to help, but I kind of stay away form all the towns. Did you see my Blue Ridge Parkway videos? That would be a really nice drive in October. And the Black Hills of South Dakota are incredible. Would highly recommend that as well. How about a drive around Lake Michigan?

[@ivi122]

@@AmericasParks Those are great suggestions…but I was thinking of taking a plane and then maybe renting a car at my destination. I’ve done almost half of the Blue ridge parkway in the Virginia side about 6-7 years ago but it was in August so we didn’t see the foliage there. I just didn’t want to take a road trip for my solo trip. I don’t love driving 😆 usually my husband drives when we take road trips. I didn’t think SD would be great to visit but I’ve heard ppl raving about the Black hills so now I’m curious. Thank you for your advice. I really value it

[@ivi122]

@@AmericasParks and I have your Blue ridge parkway videos saved but haven’t gotten a chance to watch them but I will tmrw God willing

[@pureblood2020]

It used to be such a hidden gem.

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, social media has exposed all these places. Still, not much traffic when we were there. And based on the "views" of this vid, not much interest.

[@alidamouranie9055]

Is there bears in there?

[@AmericasParks]

Black bears

[@carlosnewborn8525]

1st

[@AmericasParks]

Way to go, Carlos! Congratulations!

[@themaestro5946]

I’d be worried about the giant catfish that can eat you in the river

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, heard about those monsters!

[@alidamouranie9055]

There aren’t crocodiles?

[@AmericasParks]

Gators are very rare in KY

[@themaestro5946]

You see any bigfoots?

[@AmericasParks]

Not on this trip!

[@vanessalewis1023]

As a native to this area I'd like to give y'all a piece of advice.Take your damn garbage with you, this ain't tbe city, thank ya kindly. Enjoy your visit to our beautiful Gorge.

[@AmericasParks]

Totally agree... Was appalled with the junk that was left behind in the area. Such inconsiderate carelessness!

[@joemorin6247]

Good to see you again. Looking forward to parts #2&3. Safe Travels.

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate hearing that, Joe!

[@nancynewberry4222]

Randy, you are a very handsome man.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks kind of you, Nancy. Just thankful I can still do these trips as the years advance!

[@themaestro5946]

He’s married

[@terrymcguire8476]

All of that rock is petrified wood. You're walking and crawling on massive ancient fallen petrified trees. The arches are formed from rotted out knot holes.

[@jacktherex9242]

Getting caught in the rain is the worst :(

[@AmericasParks]

They called for rain all week... thankfully we only got clipped twice.

[@nicktravelchannel]

So a charming and spectacular trip to Kentucky! Wet scenery looks exactly as it should be in autumn. And also I'm grateful for your mention!

[@AmericasParks]

My pleasure, Nick! Hope you are doing well!

[@nicktravelchannel]

@@AmericasParks All is ok, thank you