ケンタッキーの峡谷・トップ16

Flowing 97 miles from the Cumberland Plateau to the Kentucky River, the Red River winds through eastern Kentucky’s rugged landscapes and forms the Red River Gorge. Its 1,400-square-mile watershed has deep ravines, sandstone cliffs, and hemlock forests, creating a haven for outdoor recreation. A 19-mile designated Wild and Scenic River segment offers opportunities for paddling, from thrilling rapids in the upper gorge to calm stretches downstream. Anglers will find trout and bass in its cool, clear waters, while hikers and bikers can explore riverside trails, waterfalls, and natural arches. The Red River is both a lifeline for biodiversity and a gateway to unforgettable backcountry adventure.

Spanning over 700,000 acres across eastern Kentucky, Daniel Boone National Forest offers more than 600 miles of trails, including the nearly 300-mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, making it a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore three large lakes: Cave Run, Laurel River, and Lake Cumberland, for boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. The forest is home to the Red River Gorge Geological Area, a world-class climbing destination with sandstone cliffs, natural arches, and waterfalls.

Straddling the border of Tennessee and Kentucky, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area offers rugged gorges, scenic rivers, and one of the highest concentrations of natural bridges in the Eastern United States. Visitors can hike, paddle, or ride through sandstone bluffs and forested trails while exploring remnants of former logging and mining communities like Blue Heron and No Business. The area’s rich natural and cultural history is preserved through interpretive signage, and adventurous travelers can even stay at the remote, trail-accessible Charit Creek Lodge.

A vast and rugged stretch of eastern Kentucky, Daniel Boone National Forest is a haven for hikers, climbers, and paddlers. From the sandstone arches of Red River Gorge to the peaceful trails around Cave Run Lake, there's something for every pace. Remote campsites, dense forests, and dramatic overlooks make this a great spot for multi-day adventures. Named in honor of Daniel Boone, a well-known explorer of the region. The forest spans a large area and blends with private lands and small communities. Even where it crosses into private property, much of the landscape remains forested and wild.

Palisades Overlook, also known as the Kentucky River Overlook, is located on the Overlook White Trail where Chandler Creek meets the Kentucky River. Though the viewpoint is small and can get crowded, arriving early ensures you can enjoy the scenic views into the gorge without a wait. The overlook offers a beautiful perspective of the river, gorge, and woods.

Devils Jump was the name given to the rapids in the early 19th century. When drilling a well nearby to look for salt water, one of the holes was so deep that it went into oil. Never having seen it before, the drillers were convinced they had drilled into hell. They sent a raftsman down river to try and identify what it was. He was tossed out of the raft by the rapids and on his return claimed that the Devil had jumped from a large rock, sunk the raft and stole his property.

Devils Jump was the name given to the rapids in the early 19th century. When drilling a well nearby to look for salt water, one of the holes was so deep that it went into oil. Never having seen it before, the drillers were convinced they had drilled into hell. They sent a raftsman downriver to try and identify what it was. He was tossed out of the raft by the rapids and on his return claimed that the Devil had jumped from a large rock, sunk the raft and stole his property.

Cloud Splitter's history traces back at least a couple of thousand years before the first Europeans arrived in what is now Kentucky. Overlooks, including Cloud Splitter's summit, served as crucial lookout posts for the Adena Culture People, protecting against potential attacks from rival tribes in the Red River Gorge.