Location: Stanton
Top Things to do in Stanton
The 10 Best Things to Do in Stanton, United States
Stanton in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for State Parks. Discover best things to do in Stanton with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Stanton
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. Fort Boonesborough State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By ucfknighted - Chattanooga, Tennessee
We went to the fort at the end of the season so all of the positions were not filled that day, but the people that were there were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They told us a lot of things that we did not know about the time period and how they survived in the area.
4. Fitchburg Furnace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By KentuckyBreezing - Dublin, Ohio
We had often heard about Fitchburg Furnace and on this beautiful June day decided to go adventuring. We could not find directions to the furnace anywhere until we happened to see the review on Trip Advisor stating it was at Aldersgate Camp. Finding directions to the camp was easy
This is not a commercialized site, just historical, interesting, and quietly beautiful. There is a picnic area on site. You are in the boonies, so to speak. But you will learn about an period in our steel making history and wonder how this furnace was ever built.
5. 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!
6. Kentucky Rock & Adventure Guides
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Marcia M - South Bend, Indiana, United States
Our trip to the area wasn't about climbing but we stopped into the KRAG store after a long weekend of hiking because we saw that they sold food and we were craving something besides PB&J. The store is great-they serve local brews, hotdogs, quesadillas, etc. Food was well priced and everyone who works there is friendly and quite funny. We just drank some IPAs and played darts but it was a great experience all around!
And of course, if your into climbing, I bet these guys know their stuff. The store also has a lot of equiptment to purchase. I think they also provide a sort of hostel service for climbers.
7. Ruth Hunt Candies
Overall Ratings
5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By yadkinvalleycouple - Yadkinville
This place has the most delicious candy, and it is made fresh there. The cream candy and Blue Monday bars are terrific. The cream candy brought back great memories of when my relatives made pulled cream mints at home. It was a tough job, but it was always worth the effort. The lady who works in the candy shop was very friendly and helpful. I was so glad I made the stop between Huntington and Lexington.
8. 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.
9. 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
10. Lee County Recreational Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By JamilaAbril - Berea, Kentucky
Beattyville is the county seat of Lee County and is a coal-town turned tourist attraction with rock-climbing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and is located at the mouth of the Kentucky River. It is also the home of the annual Woolly Worm Festival (which I've heard was actually very good, however, Woolly Worms creep me out). Recently, the community pooled its resources and created a Tourism Development Committee. The committee, headed by Dedra Brandenburg, has been working to promote these events and encourage outside tourism within the area. Dedra is a great asset to the community because she is well informed and a great help.
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