Updated on Road Trips

Red River Gorge Family Road Trip: A 3-Day Adventure in Daniel Boone National Forest

A group of children and a teenager sit on a sunlit sandstone ledge beneath a large, weathered rock arch, with bare trees and a clear blue sky visible in the forest beyond.

🚗 Road Trip Overview

Route: Cleveland → Campton, Kentucky
Drive Time: About 6.5 hours
Length of Stay: 3 nights

Campton sits in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Red River Gorge Geological Area, making it the perfect base for a nature-filled family getaway. There are several campgrounds and cabins rentals in the area. We stayed in a really nice cabin which we found on AirBnB.

Forested valley seen through tall, gnarled pine branches, with a distant tree-covered ridge under a partly cloudy blue sky and patches of orange autumn foliage.

🛑 Stop 1: The Ark Encounter

On the way down, we stopped at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY — and it was incredible!

The full-sized ark is jaw-dropping in scale, and the three levels of exhibits bring the story to life with detailed displays on:

  • Animal housing and care
  • Human living quarters and food storage
  • Biblical background and historical context

Admission is $64.99 for adults and $31.99 for kids aged 11 and up. Children 10 and under enter for free!

The kids were fascinated at first, but by the end, they were ready to play. Thankfully, there’s a massive outdoor playground and casual food stands with outdoor seating nearby.

We also loved visiting the petting zoo, especially the zebra/mule/horse hybrids!

Click here for full family guide on a day at the ark encounter

Large timber ark-shaped building on stilts spans the middle of the image under a cloudy blue-gray sky, with a group of five people standing together centered on a wide paved plaza in the foreground and low shrubs, rocks and a small reflecting pond between them.

🏡 Arriving in Campton, Kentucky

After our stop, we drove into Campton and checked into our cabin. Dinner that night was at RedPoint Barbecue, a local gem with great food and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.

They offer indoor and outdoor seating (and both are great!), but it can get busy. Parking may require a short uphill walk.

Plate of barbecue featuring several thick slices of smoked brisket with a dark peppery bark and pink smoke ring, creamy shell macaroni and cheese, a flaky biscuit, and small containers of barbecue sauce and pickles.

🥾 Day 1: Hiking, Tunnels & Underground Adventures

🌲 Gray’s Arch Trail

Our morning started with Gray’s Arch Trail, a 2.4-mile out-and-back hike that’s great for families. The first half is relatively flat, then turns into an adventurous climb with steps, caves, and rocky sections leading to a massive arch and stunning overlook.

The kids were proud of themselves for finishing this one — and loved the “rock climbing” moments!

A group of children and a teenager sit on a sunlit sandstone ledge beneath a large, weathered rock arch, with bare trees and a clear blue sky visible in the forest beyond.
Four smiling adults — two men and two women — take a selfie in a sunlit forest clearing in front of large sandstone rock formations, one woman wearing mirrored teal sunglasses and another wearing a 'Lake Life' baseball cap.

🚘 The Nada Tunnel

Next, we drove through the Nada Tunnel, a must-see in Red River Gorge. It’s a narrow, one-way tunnel carved into the mountain, surrounded by lush greenery — almost like driving through a living fairytale!

👉 Don’t forget to turn on your headlights!
📖 Learn about the tunnel’s history here.

A narrow paved road disappears into a dark arched tunnel cut through layered rock, surrounded by green shrubs, ferns, and moss with a small white post at the right entrance.

💦 The Gorge Underground

Later that afternoon, we took the Classic Boat Tour through the Gorge Underground, a flooded, 100-year-old limestone mine.

The glowing water, peaceful atmosphere, and great tour guide made it one of the kids’ favorite experiences of the trip. You can also choose a kayak or stand up paddle board tour for extra adventure.

💡 Tip: Book early — this tour sells out fast!

We ended the day back at our cabin, relaxing in the hot tub and making s’mores by the fire pit.

Seven children wearing helmets and red life jackets sit side-by-side on a metal bench inside a dimly lit limestone cave or underground boat platform, with an adult crew member at the far left and rocky walls and metal railings illuminated in the background.

🌄 Day 2: Waterfalls, Pizza & More Arches

🏞 Rock Bridge Trail

We started the day at Rock Bridge Trail, a 1.4-mile loop that features:

  • A small waterfall
  • Caves and creek access
  • A natural rock bridge arch
  • Gorgeous forest views

The mix of terrain kept the kids excited and engaged the entire way.

To enjoy a more peaceful experience, consider arriving early, as the trail and parking lot often fill up quickly.

A group of children posing on a leaf-covered sandy bank in front of a small waterfall flowing over a rocky ledge in a wooded area, with a few adults and hikers visible on the rocks above.
A family of seven poses on a muddy riverbank beneath a large mossy sandstone natural arch spanning a shallow stream, with trees and autumn foliage reflected in the water.
Five children descend stone steps on a shaded forest trail, wearing caps and colorful hoodies amid rhododendron and autumn leaves.

🍕 Miguel’s Pizza

Next up — lunch at Miguel’s Pizza, an absolute must-stop in Red River Gorge.

The outdoor area is huge and lively, with basketball courts, balls, and sidewalk chalk to keep kids entertained. The pizza was fantastic, and the vibe was pure mountain chill.

Bright yellow wooden pizza shop with a 'Miguel's Pizza' sign, a painted door featuring a sun face, a porch trimmed with autumn garlands on log posts, a wooden barrel planter and a green picnic table outside.

🪨 Henson’s Arch Trail

In the afternoon, we fit in one more quick hike — Henson’s Arch Trail — just 0.7 miles round-trip with a small underground arch and a hidden waterfall. It’s an easy win for kids and a great end to a busy day.

We capped off the day with ice cream from Ice Cream Shop at the Red River Gorge General Store and a little souvenir shopping nearby.

An adult man and four children stand together under a large layered sandstone overhang in a forested rock shelter, on leaf-strewn ground next to a metal stairway.

🌉 Bonus Stop (Next Time!): Natural Bridge State Park

One place we didn’t get to this trip — but wish we had — is Natural Bridge State Park.

You can hike or take a chairlift up to the top of a massive sandstone bridge and walk across it for panoramic views of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

https://www.naturalbridgestatepark.com

❤️ Final Thoughts

This trip was such a pleasant surprise! We didn’t expect Red River Gorge to have so many family-friendly activities — from scenic hikes and unique caves to fun local eats and cozy cabin nights.

If you’re looking for a fall family road trip from Ohio (or a spring/summer adventure), Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone National Forest are a perfect mix of outdoor fun and relaxation.

We could’ve easily stayed a few more days and can’t wait to go back!

✨ Quick Trip Highlights

  • 🚙 Drive Time: 6.5 hours from Cleveland
  • 🏠 Base: Campton, KY
  • 🥾 Favorite Hikes: Gray’s Arch, Rock Bridge, Henson’s Arch
  • 🍕 Best Eats: RedPoint BBQ, Miguel’s Pizza
  • 💦 Top Experience: Gorge Underground Boat Tour
  • 🌉 Next Time: Natural Bridge State Park
A group of adults and children sit in a circle of chairs around a bright campfire at night in a wooded area, their faces and the rocky fire pit lit by warm orange flames.

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