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Red River Gorge Scenic Byway, Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Photo: US Forest Service - Southern Region

Drives Kentucky Nashville, Kentucky and the Cumberlands

Red River Gorge Scenic Byway

KY 77, KY 715, Red River Road · Nada → Pine Ridge

Intense16.6 mi40 min2,000 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,300 ftOne way
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The drive

This drive starts at Nada on KY 11 and goes straight into the Red River Gorge through the Nada Tunnel on KY 77. The tunnel is a 900-foot former railroad tunnel dug in 1910 and 1911 by the Dana Lumber Company, and today it carries a single lane of traffic. It's often called the gateway to the gorge.

Past the tunnel the route follows KY 715 along the Red River, passing Gladie, where the Gladie Visitor Center in Daniel Boone National Forest has exhibits and maps, and climbs to Sky Bridge Road and Pine Ridge on KY 15. The gorge is known for high sandstone cliffs, rock shelters and more than 100 natural arches, and for rock climbing. The 16.6 miles are twisty most of the way.

Along the way

  1. Nada (KY 11)
  2. Nada Tunnel
  3. Gladie
  4. Pine Ridge (KY 15)
Elevation
2,000 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,300 ft
NadaPine Ridge
Curves
Twisty most of the way
NadaPine Ridge
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The Nada Tunnel is one lane: yield to oncoming traffic and use your headlights.
  • The Gladie Visitor Center is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on federal holidays; no fee is listed for the site.
  • KYTC has closed the tunnel for a day at a time for pothole repair, so check before you go.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Daniel Boone National Forest alerts.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Red River Gorge drive take?

The drive from Nada to Pine Ridge is 16.6 miles and takes about 40 minutes without stops.

Is the Nada Tunnel one lane?

Yes. The Nada Tunnel on KY 77 is a 900-foot tunnel paved for a single lane of traffic, so drivers take turns.

What is the Red River Gorge known for?

It's known for sandstone cliffs, more than 100 natural arches and rock climbing, in Daniel Boone National Forest.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Red River Gorge Scenic Byway, from Nada to Pine Ridge