Solo Hiking Vlog RED RIVER GORGE [My First Time Backpacking Alone]

In this solo hiking vlog, join me in Red River Gorge, Kentucky, for my first time backpacking solo / camping solo / hiking solo. While I'm backpacking Red River Gorge, we'll talk about what it's like to go backpacking, overcoming fear, and the benefits to solo travel. There will be plenty of beautiful natural scenery and bird songs along the way, too!
#solobackpacking #adventuretravel #beertravel
What is Road Trip Brew-S-A?
To challenge myself and live life to the fullest, I am trying to reach all 50 US states while living in my minivan. In each state, I will
•go on an outdoor adventure
•get involved in a good cause
•drink a local beer
I haven’t left my job and current living situation yet, but this is my adventure and designated beer for Kentucky, my first state to check off the list!
🥾Hiking Logistics🥾
My route started and ended at the Koomer Ridge Campground, made a loop on the Swift Camp Creek Trail and Wildcat Trail (campsite #1), then took the Rough Trail to Sheltowee Trace to the suspension bridge and back towards Koomer Ridge (campsite #2). I spent 2 and a half days on trail, hiking about 7 miles, 7 miles, and then 2 miles on those days.
🎵Music🎵
First solo - intro by Jesse Zickel (my younger brother!) m.soundcloud.c...
All other music provided by the VLLO app
📱Let’s be friends!📱
Instagram: / beer_in_beautiful_places
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What is Beer in Beautiful Places?
Hi, I’m Maddie! Celebrating an outdoor adventure with a beer has been a long-time tradition for me, and I wanted to create a platform for like-minded folks to come together. In my videos, I cover all types of adventures and review beer! Topics include day hiking, kayaking, travel, thru-hiking, and life on the road. In short, if you would describe yourself as an outdoorist, outdoorsman, outdoorswoman, hiker trash, nomad, or dirtbag, come on along, this is the channel for you! Welcome and cheers!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

If you’re here to insult me or call me names, please realize that will accomplish nothing and move along. I am not the first person to hike by myself, and I will not be the last

[@snelokster]

I am vicariously enjoying your bravery! Love your video.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That’s incredible to hear! I owe it all to the many brave women before me. Thank you for watching 💚

[@bigred19742003ify]

"Overwhelming sence of Independence and capability"...LOVE when that realization hits you!!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That was a great moment! ☺️

[@amandaemslie7858]

Are you already in the All Women All Trails: Hiking and Backpacking group on Facebook? It’s an excellent resource. Good luck on your journey enjoyed your video!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I am!! It’s so cool how it’s a huge community of women who hike. Thanks for watching!

[@tracyd7432]

I am about to embark on own solo adventure - so happy to have found your site! Inspiring! I will keep watching for more (I know I am behind!)

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh great! That’s awesome! Solo travel is the best! Best of luck and safe travels!!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

This makes me so happy! I'm relatively new to solo trips too but they are awesome!! I feel way less in shape so far this year too!! Really cool to see you out there.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!! I took a break from hiking for a little while this winter, but I plan to be getting out there a lot more this summer!

[@kirkrozelle1900]

So great to see you pushing through fears. It'll lead you to many adventures:) I highly recommend that you download maps to an app on your phone like Gaia GPS. It will save you multiple hikes across a rotten log ... ha, ha. I loved that you filmed each crossing!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I’ve used the guthooks app for longer hikes in the past, but they didn’t have the gorge on there. I’ll have to look into that other one. As for filming on the log, I was 100% not in the mood to film but I’m glad I did in the end

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

This was awesome!! Welcome to solo backpacking. It’s so rewarding. Congratulations on your van build and new adventure.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yeah, I loved being solo! So peaceful and relaxing. And thank you for tuning in!

[@laruep2275]

Watched a few random videos of this trip, now I'm here to watch them all in order!

[@stankidd5616]

Loved it. I’m from Kentucky as well and go to the gorge every year. I’ll be there in 21 days!!! Good luck and stay positive :) keep making videos

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh that’s great! I hope to wildflowers are still there by the time you go!

[@stankidd5616]

Beer in Beautiful Places me too! Hope to see your new videos in new places!

[@davidemm829]

Lots of changes and knowledge since then Maddie..I hope you know ( after watching most of your vlogs) what a brave, very cool, nice person you are..Dave 😃

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!! 😊😊😊

[@davidemm829]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces true story..Maddie...for real..Dave

[@HITCH13]

Hey cool video! Im also In Kentucky right now filming! Message me and let's shoot together for an episode!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I’m leaving soon and I’m booked up until then! Still plenty of work to do on the ol’ vanster. Thanks for the offer though! Hope you’re enjoying it here!

[@HITCH13]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces no worries! Keep up the great work!

[@dianaverhulst3407]

Congratulations. I love being on a trail. Appreciate your videos. Keep it up!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks so much, I’m glad you like them!

[@danjustthinking]

What is that little orange guy at the 10 min mark? A salamander?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I’m glad you asked because I’ve been forgetting to look that up! From what I can find, that was a Eastern newt or a red-spotted newt!

[@AlesandTrails]

Great video really loved that shot of the lizard you got! Also the tuna wraps in beautiful places 😅. For the superior trail I say daily/weekly vids! Keep it up you’re doing great!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yeah that lizard was so cute! He really moved that slow too, I was like “bro, you know I can still see you even when you hold still” haha

[@hoser7706]

Good job!! Not only did you hike solo and survive, you filmed it. My first outing was a gongshow. We burned extra clothing!! My first solo was the 80km La Cloche Trail but done w homemade ultralight gear in the mid-90s pre-ultralight gear craze. What a difference!! 24hrs to do 80-90km! Keep hiking!!

[@rob1972-b5d]

Gong show…😂

[@Yelnats101]

wei live 20 minutes away from it, im there camping every weekend, spring,summer,fall. i know some really cool spots, let me know if you plan on going back i will point you to good spots

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Very cool! Must be a great place to live!

[@AvaPotterfieldandFriends]

Hello! We are new to your channel. That was quite an adventure!!! I love nature. Love the trees and the birds. I even love the smell of dirt.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh great, welcome! I’m really glad to have you join, especially when I’m at the very beginning of my journey! I’m glad you love nature, trees, birds, and dirt, too. I love the little details like that and I try to put them in my videos every chance I get!

[@travelingwoodsies2780]

Looks like fun! Cannot wait to see where you go next! New subs here :D Alessandra & Marco

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh wow, welcome!! So excited to have you all along for the journey!

[@albertaadventures7750]

I just found your channel. Love it. Can’t wait to see more.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh yay, welcome!! Glad to have you along for the journey!

[@DesGreene]

Great trip! Some lovely countryside and beautiful wildlife along the way 😁👍 It doesn't matter how fit you think you are, that first backpacking trip for a while is always a shock to the system! 😁 All the best! 👍

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Definitely agree with it always being a shock to the system! My parents are worried about me thru hiking the SHT but I was like the only thing that can get you in trail shape is the trail!

[@delaneypowell8236]

I've heard great things about Knobstone trail! To my knowledge, it's the longest in Indiana (40+ miles) and some call it the Little Appalachian. I live in IN but haven't worked up to that yet. If you ever make it here in the fall, Brown County State Park will be amazing for you. Views are great. Also, there's not much for trails but Cataract Falls is a stunning place with the largest waterfalls in IN. We were just there a few weeks ago. This video was great! Thanks for sharing your journey. 😊

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks for your help!! I’ll mark all those places down!

[@cherukuri20]

Thanks for the instructive video . I would like hike the same itinerary.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh that’s great! I hope I made the route clear enough to follow. Let me know if you need help!

[@jameson2573]

I absolutely love this! I have not done a trip alone yet but I can totally see me doing some of these things lol wrong trail, foot in the river. Cant wait to see your other videos!!! :)

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Haha that’s good that you can relate, I’m glad to know I’m not alone in my shenanigans!

[@jameson2573]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces oh no, your absolutely not haha every issue I was like...yup that would happen to me

[@sallychagolla8978]

I am Almost 64yo, and I am hiking and traveling vicariously through your videos. Thank you, good job and Cheers!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh yay! That’s so cool that you feel like you’re there with me, that’s exactly what I’m going for. I’ll keep taking you places!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh yay! That’s so cool that you feel like you’re there with me, that’s exactly what I’m going for. I’ll keep taking you places!

[@carmenmartinez2882]

I’m 64 too, go out there is a lot of fun. I still tent camp by myself, just no backpacking and hikes are shorter. If you’re retired like I am, life has just begun again. You got this!

[@sallychagolla8978]

@@carmenmartinez2882 thank you! I need all the encouragement that I can get. Lol!

[@nickwilkins2527]

Cool. Nice to see the Sienna on the road. Keep up the videos.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yeah!! Her maiden voyage! I’d barely even driven on the highway before this trip. It did great and I was pleasantly surprised with how roomy it was!

[@beckhykes7733]

Red River Gorge looks quite beautiful and looked like a pretty enjoyable time backpacking!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh it was! 10/10 would recommend!

[@filipinaonthetrail]

You’re so brave, way to go🙌🙌

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It wasn’t easy, but I tried my best!

[@catherinelittlebear9863]

You are wonderful!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you, friend ☺️💚

[@reh3ddoes]

Saw your post on FB KY Waterfalls, Arches and Landscapes. Well done. Glad you made it. Be safe and keep posting vids like this. It gives us confidence to see it in you.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That’s great to hear because it seems like most of that group thinks I’m crazy! I’m really glad you enjoyed it though!! I have a few more van build videos coming up and then I start adventuring throughout the states before the end of May! Can wait to show ya!

[@dannyrfair]

Pretty awesome what you’re doing! I was just there for the first time over the weekend it’s truly beautiful

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! And that’s so cool you got to go last weekend! What a place, right

[@dannyrfair]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces itching to get back out there already lol

[@SewCool-Ideas]

So brave! I can't imagine myself sleeping in a tent in the woods! You did amazing!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! It wasn’t easy!

[@SavannahCarmosino]

STOP I LITERALLY LOVE YOU!!! Hiking this tomorrow ✨🤍 travel safe!!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh that’s awesome!! Bring lots of water and warm layers! I’m so excited for you!

[@braydeneli]

I’m located in southern Indiana and you should definitely check out 450 North Brewing in Columbus. Or even check out Brown County

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Okay cool! I’ll mark that down, and hopefully I can make my route go by one of those

[@tonyabrowninghikes]

Great video! I know it was challenging but you did it! As far as Indiana depending on what your wanting to do. If you want to backpack then I'd suggest maybe the Charles Deam Wilderness (peninsula trail is great... my last video was there) plus there is other trails there to link to make it as long a trip as you like. Another option if you want a challenge would be the knobstone trail it's 10 minutes from my house. If you want to camp and do day hikes then turkey run and shades is great (never been but seen many videos and pictures). Love to join you if you want company and the schedule worked out.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

This is awesome, thanks for all the info!! I still have to sit down and plan my route, I’m procrastinating because it’s so overwhelming. I would definitely be up for some company though, if I end up in that area! I will let you know!

[@BlueLineAdventures]

Kentucky natives here as well. We absolutely love the RRG! This looked like a great adventure. Thank you for taking us with you and great job on surviving your first solo trip. It's always a weird first night alone right? That close up of the salamander was sweet!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh yay, so exciting to meet fellow kentuckians! Yes definitely the first night is weird, but I’m really glad I did it! So glad you liked the video!!

[@aeromedical6750]

Fellow Kentuckian here as well. I’ve not yet made it out to RRG. I’m looking forward to hitting some trails next Spring. I’m working on my hiking fitness so that I can really take advantage of the great natural beauty of this incredible place.

[@JasonOutdoors]

You've made the mistakes we've all made and I know you'll find what works best for you. Lots of great shots. For the SHT my suggestion is multiple videos rather than one big one.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks! Multiple videos would probably be a good bet. I watch a lot of AT documentaries and I was thinking of doing something similar if I did the one big video, but I don’t think it would be as interesting. It’s less intense of a challenge and doesn’t have as much hype around it

[@tanlockp4947]

nice🌷thank 🎁hello sir

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you for watching! 📺😊💚

[@BCanterbury42]

Title of this video should be... “Tell me you’re about to go missing without telling me you’re about to go missing...” Just kidding, I go on solo hikes occasionally too. Not a bad video

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks! It was a good time

[@Thoughtful_Paws]

We'll made video. I'm stealing ideas for filming our own hikes. Subscribed.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Whoa, that’s so cool. I learned a lot from watching other people’s videos, so I’m glad to pass the knowledge along!

[@Bill-yf7jz]

Amazing!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!

[@dougcaye7786]

Thanks for sharing the trip ! Red River gorge is awesome.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Heck yeah it is! I feel lucky its only a few hours away from my hometown. And thank YOU for watching!!

[@Querenciatv]

Lovely Video! Thanks for sharing with us. Can't wait to see more videos 😊

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

You posted this comment at the perfect time. I’m officially starting the roadtrip tomorrow, and I’m SO NERVOUS! But when I read this, I remembered what a good time I had making this video, and that there will be more good times on the road. Thank you for that 💚

[@cowboyscoffee]

Will finish later

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks for watching!

[@patrickjobling8676]

Should be lil beer bars all the way threw the trail ..😁pip pips

[@paulmartin2455]

A delightful video. RRG, one of my favorite places on earth, and you made it seem like I was discovering it for the first time.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Awww! That’s great to hear! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@jessejames1040]

Great video!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! It was a great experience!

[@GiantMeteor2024]

🍻

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

👍

[@SkepticalRaptor]

I’m randomly catching up on your older videos. Now I have your back story, so I know that you have a Kentucky accent. For some reason, I thought you were a Californian. I really enjoy your videos, because you’re like a good friend telling me a story. I hope you can build subscribers.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yeah, I was in California this summer, so that’s why you might’ve thought that! And I’m glad you say I feel like a friend telling a story because that’s exactly what I’m going for!! That’s so awesome that you get that vibe! 🙌🙌🙌

[@SkepticalRaptor]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces BTW, in case you don’t have the apps, you should get GAIA and/or All Trails apps for your iPhone (or Android, too). It uses your iPhone’s GPS and you hardly ever get lost, if you’ve downloaded the maps for your hike. I use both apps to track my me plus keeping me from getting lost. They’re not free, but they’re worth it. If I missed that you got them already, then never mind. 😃

[@CarportGarageDragRacing]

I live right around that area. It is a beautiful place. I like going to the rock swimming hole in the Gorge and going swimming.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh that must be awesome! That must be the most perfect escape on a hot day!! Unless everyone knows about it and it’s crowded!

[@CarportGarageDragRacing]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces it does get crowded some days but most days it ain't too bad

[@tonyshields5866]

Red River is a great place, I love being able to sleep under the rock ledges along the trials .

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh wait that’s actually harmful! The more human activity that happens there, the worse it is for the ecosystem. I can see how that would be an awesome camp spot, but gotta Leave No Trace if we wanna preserve it!

[@Hiven-N-Thriven]

Try the river to river trail in shawnee national forest, southern illinois

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Ooooo that sounds great, I will mark that down!

[@AwesomeVideobyG]

Amazing and incredible, you are so brave. I watched your whole hike. Keep it up and take care... 😊😊👍👍n New friend and sub. 😍😍

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh yay! It’s wonderful to meet you! Thank you for being so kind, I feel lucky to have you as a subscriber! 🙏

[@michaelnoel-v6f]

Lovely

[@MarisolsAdventures]

omg 300 miles!!!!!!. i can barely do 7 lol. great job!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It's gonna be a big challenge, but I really wanna do the AT someday and this is my way of working up to that!

[@MarisolsAdventures]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces thats great!! You’ll get there :)

[@amyl3536]

Hiker from MN... you will find the Superior trail much better marked with blue trail blazes! Its a beautiful trail. Good luck!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh that’s so cool you’re from up there! I’ve heard so many good things, I can’t wait!

[@filipinaonthetrail]

You’re so brave, way to go🙌🙌

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!

[@NorthologyAdventures]

Hit me up when you come thru northern Illinois, Wisconsin and the upper peninsula- I know some trails and beers lol.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Sweet! That’s coming soon! I’ll be in Illinois just before Memorial Day, Wisconsin and the UP in July, probably!

[@missionaries7575]

Hey, keep the circle bandaids to put over blisters, huge help!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh okay sweet! Thank you for that 🙏

[@missionaries7575]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces your welcome:) I keep them in my purse if needed for wearing new shoes..... especially helpful for travel.

[@aeromedical6750]

Totally agree. I’m just a novice hiker and prone to getting “hot spots” on my right foot. The circular pads/bandaids work wonderfully to keep me going.

[@williambarr2898]

I never camped unarmed after I heard about the robberies in the Gorge. My grandmother was raised near there. It is a great place to camp.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I don’t want to go into specifics but I do carry something myself. That seems like a really cool place to grow up, though! I bet that would be a kid’s dream to have all those creeks to play in and places to explore!

[@NickandRachel]

Awesome video!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! It was one of my favorites to make because the trip meant so much to me!

[@NickandRachel]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces you're welcome! We have a good time filming Hikes as well

[@zickzebra5723]

Miguel's is the beeeeeeest

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Did you hear the background music?!?!

[@zickzebra5723]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces sure did!!