Roaming with Rover at Red River Gorge, Kentucky
- Luie Boone
- Nov 11
- 9 min read
This travel spot is featured in our fourth blog series, Hounds Honored.
When Luie Boone's hoomans brought up a vacation to Red River Gorge, Kentucky, his ears immediately perked up. He loves Kentucky, because it's his home state! He was born in the city of Louisville, which is Kentucky's largest city, and transported up to Wisconsin. His hoomans adopted him there, even after they were told he chewed on electrical cords. Luie Boone would like to clear the air now and make it apparent that he never chewed on electrical cords in his thirteen years of puppy-life and doesn't have any plans to. Anyways, his hoomans told him that Louisville is just two hours away from Red River Gorge—so maybe they can swing by and visit his hometown.
But, speaking of Red River Gorge, Luie Boone had a question: what exactly is a gorge? His hoomans explained that a gorge is a deep, narrow valley with steep rocky walls—usually carved out by a river over thousands of years. That made Luie Boone’s tail wag with curiosity. He imagined ancient waters slicing through stone, creating dramatic cliffs and winding trails. Was there a forgotten city at the bottom of the gorge? His hoomans chuckled and said no, but Luie Boone wasn’t so sure. It sounded like the perfect place for squirrel legends and moss-covered mysteries.
Taking a vacation with your dog to Red River Gorge, Kentucky, is the perfect way to combine outdoor adventure with quality time together. Luie Boone’s ears perked up again. Now, this sounded like his kind of trip. Nestled within the Daniel Boone National Forest (no relation, but Luie Boone likes to think they’re distant cousins), the Gorge is known for its dramatic cliffs, winding trails, and peaceful beauty. Even better? It’s incredibly welcoming to dogs. From scenic hikes to cozy cabins and local restaurants, Luie Boone was thrilled to hear that he’d be greeted with open arms—and maybe a few treats.
Red River Gorge is truly a dog’s paradise, with vast open spaces and pet-friendly trails ideal for exploration. Luie Boone was especially intrigued by the Auxier Ridge Trail, a 4.2-mile round trip with sweeping views of Courthouse Rock and Double Arch. He imagined himself standing proudly at the overlook, ears flapping in the breeze, surveying his squirrel kingdom. For a shorter adventure, the Rock Bridge Trail leads to Creation Falls. This is a gentle waterfall perfect for splashing, sniffing, and pondering ancient squirrel civilizations.
His hoomans also mentioned Natural Bridge State Resort Park, where dogs are welcome on several trails like Battleship Rock and Balanced Rock. Luie Boone made a mental note to avoid the sky lift (no dogs allowed), but he was perfectly happy hiking on his own four paws anyway.
The surrounding communities sounded just as inviting. Slade, the main gateway to the Gorge, has outfitters, trail access, and small shops. Luie hoped one of them sold peanut butter bones. Stanton offers dog-friendly parks and grocery stops, ideal for rest days. Beattyville, with its antique shops and scenic river walks, seemed like the perfect place for Luie to practice his “I’m a good boy” face. And Campton? That’s where Luie planned to stop for a post-hike meal and maybe charm the staff into giving him a bite of a burger.
After a day of sniffing, hiking, and tail-wagging, Luie Boone looked forward to relaxing in a cozy cabin. Cliffview Resort and Red River Gorgeous Cabin Rentals offered dog-friendly stays with forest views and trail access right from the doorstep. Luie imagined curling up by the fire, dreaming of moss-covered mysteries and squirrel legends. For camping pups, Lago Linda Hideaway had peaceful campsites and a small lake. Luie was already planning his splash strategy. His hoomans, though, had picked out a neat two-level cabin called Inspiration Point, which he'll woof more about later.
Of course, Luie Boone knew that a successful adventure required preparation. He reminded his hoomans to pack plenty of water, a collapsible bowl, and Sally, his Stuffed Squirrel. He also insisted on tick protection (he’s not a fan of uninvited guests) and promised to stay leashed... unless he spotted a squirrel, in which case all bets were off.
To Luie Boone, this wasn’t just a vacation. It was a chance to explore, sniff, and bond with his hoomans in one of Kentucky’s most magical places. Whether he was hiking sandstone ridges, enjoying pizza under the stars, or napping in a cabin, Red River Gorge promised an unforgettable adventure. Luie Boone was ready to lead the way.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Red River Gorge, Kentucky. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Inspiration Point
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 4 beds and 4 bathrooms.
Photos are courtesy of Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals
It features the following amenities:
Two-level cabin
Has a loft with a queen-over-queen bunk bed
Both the upper and lower decks face the cliff line, providing fantastic views
Outdoor hot tub on covered deck
Charcoal grill (bring your own charcoal!)
Fire pit
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
Inspiration Point is the name of the two-level cabin that Luie Boone's hoomans paw-selected for their family's stay in Red River Gorge, Kentucky. It sounds like an absolute dream, with fresh mountain air, wide-open decks, and plenty of space to stretch out after a long day of exploring. This trip is extra special because one of my best buddies, Sally the Stuffed Squirrel, is coming along with me. She doesn't come on every trip (my hoomans say I have too many plushies; I disagree), but since the squirrel is Kentucky's official wildlife animal, how could I leave Sally behind? It's only right to bring her along for the adventure. I cannot wait to show her all the forests and maybe even spot some ancient squirrel civilizations together! Plus, we can explore the rental together. My hoomans told me that Inspiration Point has four bedrooms, a big kitchen, and decks on both levels that face the cliff line. How cool! There's even a hot tub for them and a fireplace for me to stay warm! I can already picture us hiking through the Gorge, lounging by the fire pit together, and watching the stars in the sky. Sally and I are so ready for this adventure!
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Red River Gorge, Kentucky!
Creation Falls
The Creation Falls is one of the most popular locations in Red River Gorge, and Luie Boone can see why! It's cool water and shaded, easy hiking path makes it a paw-some destination for visitors and their pups. Pro Tip: Pack towels, wear a swimsuit, and have a change of clothes! You're likely to find your way across the sandstone beach and right into the water—just like that sweet pup pictured. Luie Boone cannot wait to sniff the water and splash around like a crazy pooch!
Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge is considered history. It took nature millions of years to form the impressive sandstone, which now resembles a bridge—one that stands 65 feet high and spans 78 feet in length! This bridge is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the region, drawing visitors from all over the country who come to marvel at its grandeur and hike the scenic trails that surround it. Nestled within a lush, forested area, the Natural Bridge offers not only breathtaking views but also a glimpse into the geological forces that shaped the landscape over millennia.
Mill Creek Lake Kayak & SUP Rentals
At the Mill Creek Lake Kayak & SUP rentals, you can rent comfortable, high-quality kayaks and paddle boards—so you can spend a day out on the water, floating, sunbathing, and splashing around with your pup! It's the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy. And there is no extra fee for your pets to ride along! Please be sure to bring a lifejacket for yourself and your pup, even if you consider yourself good swimmers.
Daniel Boone National Forest
Originally named the Cumberland National Forest, it was renamed in 1966 to honor Daniel Boone—the iconic explorer who helped blaze the Wilderness Road through Kentucky in the late 18th cenutry. Luie Boone wonders if he's related to Daniel Boone somehow... If so, maybe they could rename the forest to Luie Boone National Forest. His hooman say nah-uh. Anyways, Daniel Boone National Forest offers over 600 miles of scenic, pet-friendly trails. Dogs are welcome on most trails as long as they're leashed and cleaned up after.
Auxier Ridge Loop
Hold onto your leashes, folks, this 5-mile trail is a tail-wagging masterpiece! The Auxier Ridge Loop winds through the heart of the Red River Gorge Geological Area, and lemme tell ya, the views are so jaw-dropping that Luie Boone almost forgot to sniff stuff. Almost. You’ll climb up to the top of the ridgeline, where the wind makes your ears do the flappy dance and the rocks look like ancient dog bones carved by nature itself. Geology? More like geo-WOW-logy.
Chimney Top Overlook
The Chimney Top Overlook is paws-itively epic! Fido is more than welcome to strut alongside their humans on this popular path that’s perfect for hikers of all experience levels (and all tail lengths). After a bit of uphill tail-wagging, you’ll reach an overlook that’s 400 feet above the Red River—cue the dramatic wind-in-your-fur moment. The views? Sweeping, stunning, and totally sniff-worthy. Red River Gorge sprawls out below like nature’s playground, and trust us, it’s worth every pawstep.
Sky Bridge Recreation Area
Sky Bridge Recreation Area is calling! This spot dishes out roadside overlooks so stunning they’ll make your ears perk up, plus a picnic area perfect for post-hike snack attacks. The real showstopper? Sky Bridge itself. It's a sandstone arch that stretches 75 feet long and stands 23 feet tall, like nature’s own red rock rainbow. To reach this iconic beauty, just follow Sky Bridge Trail #214 with your best bud (furry or otherwise). It’s a short stroll with a big payoff—and yes, the views are totally bark-worthy.
Ice Cream Shop at the Red River Gorge General Store
Paws up for a sweet treat stop! The Ice Cream Shop at the Red River Gorge General Store is the kind of place where tails wag and taste buds dance. Fido’s welcome to join you at the walk-up window. Although there’s no full-on doggo menu, they do serve up pup cups for your furry foodie. Humans can dig into handmade milkshakes, towering sundaes, gooey apple dumplings, and more—all best enjoyed at the outdoor tables under the Kentucky sky. It’s the perfect post-hike cooldown for you and your four-legged trail buddy.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Red River Gorge, Kentucky
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
Big news! My hoomans are planning a vacation to Red River Gorge, Kentucky. I’ve heard it’s full of winding trails, tall trees, and a beautiful river that sparkles in the sun. Just thinking about all those new smells makes my tail wag like crazy. My hoomans say the Red River has two personalities: the gentle middle section where people canoe (that’s where I’ll be, floating like a champ), and the swift upper section where kayakers go flying through the rapids. That upper part even has something called the “Dogs Drowning Hole.” Uh… excuse me? Nope! I’ll be staying far, far away from anything with “dog” and “drowning” in the same sentence. Don’t worry about my girl, Sally the Stuffed Squirrel, who is coming on vacation, too! She’ll be riding safely in the car or relaxing at the cabin. No river time for her, because she's not exactly waterproof. Even with that scary-sounding spot, I’m still so excited to go. I can already picture hiking beside my humans, feeling the cool breeze in my fur, sniffing every rock, and maybe scoring a few dropped hot dogs by the fire pit. Red River Gorge sounds like the paw-fect mix of adventure and nap opportunities. So yes, I’m ready for this trip... just as long as my paws stay in the gentle water and my squirrel stays dry!
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