Location: Slade
Top Things to do in Slade
- 1. Natural Bridge State Resort Park
- 2. Red River Gorge Geological Area
- 3. Red River Gorge Zipline
- 4. Nada Tunnel
- 5. Southeast Mountain Guides
- 6. Rock Bridge Trail #207
- 7. Thrillsville Adventure Park
- 8. Kentucky Reptile Zoo
- 9. Natural Bridge Sky Lift Gift Shop
- 10. Red River Outdoors (Cabins - Guiding - Outfitter)
10 Things to Do in Slade That You Shouldn't Miss
Slade in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for State Parks. Discover best things to do in Slade with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Slade
1. Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 578 reviews
Features a great natural sandstone arch that stands over the mountain.
Reviewed By Mac P - Gainesville, Florida
A great place to go hiking camping fishing or just relaxing and playing music around campfire. Be aware that there is dangerous areas that could be hazardous. There is also kid friendly activities for the less adventurous. But it is a now famous rock climbing destination and it needs to be left like we found it . So please don't trash this wonderful gift of nature. Pick up trash and don't carve into rocks. It defaces the beauty of this natural phenomenon
2. Red River Gorge Geological Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By Gabe10101 - Lexington, Kentucky
Hiking and Camping. That's the name of the game at Red River Gorge. Oh yeah, and rock climbing. And maybe canoeing, rappelling, birdwatching? What makes "The Gorge" special are the myriad rock formations situated among mountains and streams in a dense forest. These formations include spectacular rock bridges, sheer cliffs, rock shelters, waterfalls, balanced rocks, monoliths, chimneys, a few caves, and so much more. The gorge has perhaps the densest collection of natural bridges in the world. Many are accessible by established trails and many more require determined hikes through wilderness. There is so much to see. Hikes from a few steps to dozens of miles are available. You could spend 30 days here and still not experience everything the Gorge has to offer!
Each season changes the Gorge into another destination worthy of repeat visits! Spring brings flowers and rains that swell creeks and waterfalls. Summer brings dense foliage and nice weather. Fall brings amazing colors. Winter brings frozen streams and waterfalls and the opportunity for snow hikes. Dress appropriately!
If you decide to visit (and you should!) here are a few tips:
- Visit any day, but check weather ahead of time. Roads are narrow and curvy. They become outright dangerous when icy.
- If you have only an hour when passing through, drive the loop consisting of routes 77, 715 and a little bit of 15 on either end. Stop at Ange Windows for a brief hike. You can't see much of the rock formations from the road, but the drive is still beautiful. DO NOT attempt this drive in an RV or large vehicle!
- Nada tunnel is an old railroad tunnel that is now part of the road. It is wide enough for only one car and about 300 feet long. Use common sense when traversing the tunnel. Turn on your lights and don't enter if another car is coming toward you. Be prepared to reverse out of the tunnel. If you can drive in reverse, have someone else drive.
- Fuel and food are available at the Slade exit from the Mountain Parkway. That's the North entrance into the Gorge.
- Parking is extremely limited in the Gorge. Many people park along the road in short pull-offs. Get there early or you may not find parking, especially on weekends.
- Plan ahead. Read trail sites for maps and recommendations. Some trails are not marked. Getting lost is common. Fortunately, if you have a good sense of direction, bushwhacking back to your car is a common activity in the Gorge!
- Some trails require stream crossings, so be prepared to get wet or muddy after rains.
- Definitely bring a GPS. Also bring water and snacks even if you plan a short hike. Bring binoculars, and especially a flashlight to peer into caves and help you get out if you are lost past dark.
- Speaking of dark, start early especially in the winter. Getting lost in the dark is no fun.
- Rock Bridge, near the South (Beattyville) entrance is a great place to start exploring the Gorge.
- Vehicle and Camping permits ($5) are necessary for overnight camping, but not for day hikes.
- Wildlife is scarce. Snakes are present, but stay away from trails. I don't think anyone has ever been bitten by a snake in the Gorge.
- Winter hiking is spectacular. Streams and waterfalls freeze if the temperature is sub-freezing for several days. Copperas Falls is a highlight in any season, but winter is especially spectacular. Check out the photos. But if the temperature is near freezing, mud will make your visit unpleasant and perhaps dangerous.
3. Red River Gorge Zipline
Overall Ratings
5 based on 294 reviews
Red River Gorge Zipline Tour has 5 Ziplines anywhere from 330FT. to 1900 FT. The tour is between 2 -3 Hours. The last 2 lines are Dual Racing Zips that allow you to race at speeds up to 50 MPH soaring 300Ft over the Gorge. We invite you and your family to come out and experience this truly unique adventure.
Reviewed By Kaleigh L
Sweet Pete, Hunter and Jacob were amazing guides! They are the heart of the whole experience. It was a really fun 2 hours all the way around. The gorge was gorgeous as always. Would definitely come back! Afterwards, you absolutely have to go to Miguel's for some amazing pizza!
4. Nada Tunnel
Overall Ratings
5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By leftout - mt. sterling, ky
You have to be going for a ride to go through the tunnel. It's located between no where basically.
The tunnel has a lot of history. It goes back to the early 1900's when the area was known for lumber. It was built to haul lumber out by train. There is another rail road tunnel closed at Natural Bridge for the trains going to and from Winchester.
The area has so much history for me because my Grandfather worked in one of the lumber camps 6 1/2 days a week as a mule skinner.
5. Southeast Mountain Guides
Overall Ratings
5 based on 116 reviews
Southeast Mountain Guides has Via Ferrata Climbing, Guided Rock Climbing and Guided Rappelling. Home base in the Red River Gorge, KY with trips offered throughout the Southeast USA.
Reviewed By colinacirc - Knoxville, Tennessee
Took 23 scouts to the via ferrente climbing. Great experience and fun for all.
Keep in mind that scouts under 14 must climb with an adult
We had about half the group complete all six sections.
One of the biggest weekend adventues for scouts near tennessee
6. Rock Bridge Trail #207
Overall Ratings
5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Michael D - Bloomington
The trail to the Rock Bridge passes through several very large pine trees, magnolias, and a nice rock bluff over-looking the valley. There's a gravel road (approx 1.5 miles long) to reach the trailhead with several deep potholes and very narrow spots, so be careful. The view of the bridge from the trail makes it difficult to get a good photo and there's not a "legal" trail over the top of the bridge. Watch for poison ivy along the edge of the trail and a small waterfall. If you only have time to go to one location, I suggest Natural Bridge Park; it's has better trails and nicer scenery.
7. Thrillsville Adventure Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By jannfri - Shelbyville, Kentucky
Wow! if you enjoy unique sports and venues this is it! The owners took an abandoned underground mine and turned it into one of the coolest attractions in Slade, KY. We took the tour last October and plan to do it again when we go back to Natural Bridge. We kyaked around in the dark with only our helmet lights to show us the way. It was a really great experience. At one point, our guide turned on his under-kyak lights. That was really cool! If you want something out -of -the -ordinary to do - this is it. Safety is not a concern and if you can sit and paddle, you are in for an enjoyable trip!
8. Kentucky Reptile Zoo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 52 reviews
There are few reptile collections that can compare to the diversity of animals on display at the Kentucky Reptile Zoo. Animals on exhibit range from an 18 foot reticulated python, our largest resident, to many types of venomous snakes such as cobras, mambas, cottonmouth, copperheads, taipans and rattlesnakes, to an American Alligator. One of the favorite areas for kids is our Turtle Tracks Area, where both tortoises and aquatic turtles can be seen. Live reptile shows at 1, 3 and 5pm.
Reviewed By CLFoxx
I brought my fiancé here as it is somewhere he's wanted to go for a while. We traveled to this area specifically for this.
We were very pleased to receive a personal tour. Beautiful snakes, well taken care of, clean. Very neat to see all of the different snakes and learn about them as well as about the zoo.
Thanks a bunch for helping me cross an item off the fiancé's bucket list of visiting here!
9. Natural Bridge Sky Lift Gift Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By isay691 - Dayton, Ohio
Michelle is the best! She talked to us about the 50th event that's happening, welcomed by husband's service dog, and even took a pic of us. Great experience and worth the admission (50th anniversary price is good too). If you're planning to see good views, do it first thing in the morning when they open. Incredibly friendly staff although the guys at the lift would rather not be in the rain lol.
10. Red River Outdoors (Cabins - Guiding - Outfitter)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Red River Outdoors is a one-stop shop for all your outdoor adventure needs. We are a locally owned and operated family business and love the area we live in. We have combined our love for the outdoors with the convenience of cabin rentals and private group camping (call for details). We are located within minutes of the beauty and wonders of Kentucky's Red River Gorge, Natural Bridge State Park and Daniel Boone National Forest. Need an adrenaline fix or just want to enjoy the hospitality and beauty that the area and our property has to offer? Red River Outdoors can take care of your vacation needs by offering many outdoor activities including a rock climbing guide service, canoeing/kayaking (guests only) and coming soon....Tree climbing! We also offer cabin rentals and private group camping for an unforgettable escape. We can develop an exciting package for any group size, time frame, budget or physical needs. We are currently running multiple night specials and combination cabin and activity packages. Reserve now and save! Please contact us for details. We look forward to taking care of your vacation and adventure needs.
Reviewed By Born_to_go61 - Tilghman, Maryland
We stayed in one of the A-frame cabins that is on top of the property. Though there were other cabins all in a row, we felt like we had a lot of privacy. This cabin is comfortable for up to 4 people. The best part is that it is in the middle of the Red River Gorge area and at the door of the Natural Bridge State Resort.
Only problem is they only have a stove top and mini fridge, so not great for longer stays or cooking other than 2 burner type.
We did not take advantage of the guided tours or the trails on the property or the yoga that was provided, but we will definitely be returning.
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