You can experience the incredible terrain of Red River Gorge through scenic drives, hiking and mountain biking, as well as waterways where you can kayak, paddle board, go tubing, fish and swim. You can spend time rock climbing, rappelling, soaring the skies on a zip line, playing a round of mini golf or visiting its Reptile Zoo. The downstairs master bedroom has its own bathroom, a king size bed, access to an outdoor patio, and a large closet with plenty of hangars and luggage racks. The upstairs bedrooms are on separate levels, both with queen beds and another bathroom. There are plenty of places to relax, a gas grill with BBQ utensils, a hot tub, and fire pit with 6 Adirondack chairs.
Groceries – As indicated above, I highly recommend bringing food with you or stopping for groceries near Cooper Pines at the Save A Lot located at 719 KY-15 S. in Campton. You will not only want to to stock up on high energy snacks and pack-and-go lunch items for picnicking, but will most likely want to make breakfasts at the cabin as well as grill out for dinner at least a couple of nights during your stay as Cooper Pines.
Alcohol – If you enjoy a drink especially around a campfire at night, you need to know that Kentucky grocery stores only sell beer and some counties are dry. If you want wine or something stronger while visiting the “Bourbon State,” there is a One Stop Liquors located at 605 Main Street in Campton. However, it’s extremely easy to reach your host via email or text at any time if you still have questions. The book also includes emergency contact info, tips for visiting, and things to do including names of nearby restaurants. Note that when I visited, the hot tub was already heated.
Late Afternoon Evening – On the first night after a long day of travel, I always prefer staying put for dinner and getting settled in. Enjoy making breakfast in the large kitchen and be sure to pack a picnic lunch to take with you for the adventurous day that lies ahead.
Today is going to be spent with Southeast Mountain Guides either running their via ferrata course or enjoying one of their guided rappelling rock climbing tours. I highly recommend starting around 10 am and trying the via ferrata. What is a via ferrata you might be asking?
Via ferrata originated during World War I in Italy and translates to iron path.” It was a network of climbing routes and paths built in the Dolomites to enable troops and supplies to be transported across the steep, normally impassible terrain.
These days, via ferrata is known as a thrilling outdoor adventure that combines hiking, scrambling and rock climbing. The course routes are lined with fixed steel cables, ladders, rungs, bolt and anchors located at strategic points allowing you to cross, climb, ascend and descend the challenging rugged terrain. You can read about my own personal experience on the via ferrata and get more details on what to expect here.
The other option for today is to book a guided rappelling and or rock climbing tour with one of the instructors at Southeast Mountain Guides. You can learn more about that experience which will help you anticipate what to expect here.
Evening at Cooper Pines – One of the best things about Cooper Pines is its incredibly dark, star-filled night skies. This is a fun way to reminisce about your day with Southeast Mountain Guides with your family or friends while stargazing or trying some Kentucky bourbon.
Today is going to be spent at The Gorge Underground. Here you will find five separate zip lines that take you soaring almost 300 feet above the Gorge at speeds that can reach up to 55 mph. Redpoint BBQ gives Memphis and Nashville a real run for the money. They hand select locally sourced ingredients to craft inspired culinary creations you won’t soon forget. In fact, the food was so delicious that after lunch, we placed a to-go dinner order for later despite having brought steaks to grill out that night back at the cabin. The cocktails are fantastic and I’m extremely picky in that regard.
In addition to great food and drinks, Redpoint BBQ offers a fun, laid back atmosphere. It sits on a farm nestled in rolling hills with scenic mountain views. Just note that the restaurant is typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Dinner – This is a great night to stop for dinner somewhere along the way back to the cabin as you will likely be too tired to cook after spending all day out exploring. Redpoint BBQ is always a favorite so I wouldn’t hesitate to go back. However, if you’re looking for something different, try either Sky Bridge Station which has 11 beers on tap and great American eats, or Red River Rockhouse known for its fantastic guacamole, burgers, and burritos.,
