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  • Home
  • Red River Gorge Bike and Hike

Red River Gorge Bike and Hike

  • Wednesday, October 29, 2025
  • 10:00 AM
  • Natural Bridge State Park, Slade KY
Ride: Red River Gorge Bike and Hike 37 miles #4C
Distance: 37 miles
Terrain/Pace: 4C 12-14MPH
Surface Type: Road
Start Location: Natural Bridge State Resort Park, 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376, USA
Special Note: This ride/event does not include lunch. You need to make plans and arrangement prior to the ride. I strongly advise that you have plans for sustenance. See lunch section below for options.
Parking/Start Location Directions:
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fx2RnwhtUrWLqHDk6
Manual Directions:
Take I-64 East (about 80 miles from Louisville)
Exit 98 for Bert T Combs Mountain Parkway (32.3 miles)
Exit 33 Slade/Beattyville and Right turn KY-11 S (2 miles)
Right turn at sign that says LODGE DINNING and SKYLIFT (184 ft)
Right turn at sign that says SKYLIFT and PICNIC AREA (0.6 miles)
Bike Ride (10:00 AM ET)
Natural Bridge State Park is well known for stunning fall views and iconic sandstone arches. First we will ride up to Nada Tunnel (mile 6.5). Then we will climb what is often referred to as "The Wall", which has about an average 10% grade for about half a mile (mile 17). To give you reference this climb is shorter than the Polly's Freeze climb but about twice as steep. It is rated a category 4 climb, so it is not easy but it's not impossible. There is no shame in walking it up if you have to. Don't let the climb discourage you. Once at the top of the climb we will take a break to take in the sights and stunning views of the Sky Bridge. We will stop again at The Brick for ice cream and coffee (mile 22.5). Finally we will return back to the start.
Lunch (1:00 PM ET)
If you did not pack a lunch and plan to buy (not included with event):
Proceed to the Sandstone Arches Restaurant at Hemlock Lodge (https://parks.ky.gov/.../natural-bridge-state-resort-park...) next to the hiking trailhead to buy lunch.
(Alternative) - Ride to Miguel's down the road for food (https://miguelspizza.com/).
(Alternative) - Ride to La Cabana down the road for food (https://www.lacabanaofslade.com/).
If you packed your lunch in a cooler ahead of time (not included with event):
Return to vehicles to have lunch at the picnic tables.
At this time change out of your cycling gear and into your walking/hiking gear. The trail features man made stair cases which makes it possible to hike without any special gear. I will just be wearing plain old tennis shoes. Some people might bring hiking poles but this is really unnecessary for this trail.
Hike (2:00 PM ET)
The start of the hike is exactly 1.1 miles from the parking location. You can walk from there, but most people will caravan/drive that 1.1 miles to the trail head start. From the parking location just follow Hemlock Lodge Rd until you arrive at the lodge and trailhead parking lot. The hike is 2 miles long and it has just under 500 ft of elevation.
Trailhead Address: Rock Garden Trailhead Hemlock Lodge Rd, Slade, KY 40376
Bike [37 miles]
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46981057
Ride Captain: Dominic Wasserzug (502) 415-5018
Hike [2 miles]
https://www.strava.com/routes/3403099286801370658
Hike Captain: Dominic Wasserzug (502) 415-5018
*No ride credit for Hike
Park Maps: https://parks.ky.gov/.../natural-bridge-state-resort-park...
(Optional) Lodging and Camping Information: https://parks.ky.gov/.../natural-bridge-state-resort-park...
Most people do not stay overnight. They just drive down for the ride/hike and leave directly after. I will be at Whittleton Campground in Slot A024 Tuesday night and Wednesday night (2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376). My slot is 35 feet long and all gravel with electric. I'll only be using about 20 feet for my truck tent. We can easily fit a couple tents in the space if anyone is interested. First come, first serve. You can also reserve your own slot at any of the three campgrounds. There are multiple lodging options in and around the park. If you plan to lodge you should make arrangements soon because this is a very popular time of year for the park.

Louisville Bicycle Club
P.O. Box 35541
Louisville, KY 40232-5541

Louisville Bicycle Cub
P.O. Box 35541
Louisville, KY 40232-5541

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