Fly & Drive guide
Fly into LEX, drive to Red River Gorge
Your route
LEX
Blue Grass Airport
Red River Gorge
About 1 h 41 min · 73 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to LEX
Compare fares into Blue Grass Airport.
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: Daniel Tanner · CC BY-SA 4.0
02Car at LEX
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Red River Gorge. Compare rental companies in one search.
Compare rentalsPartner link · EconomyBookings · Photo: Benespit · CC BY-SA 4.0
03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storagePartner link · Radical Storage · Photo: formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0
04 · First night near Red River Gorge
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Red River Gorge
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
Search ExpediaPartner link · Expedia · Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
04Cabins & homes near Red River Gorge
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
Search VrboPartner link · Vrbo · Photo: NPS · Public domain
Before you land
Reservations
Parking Permits Required for Backcountry Stays
Daily entry to the Daniel Boone National Forest is free, but an official parking permit is mandatory for any vehicle remaining in the gorge between 10 PM and 6 AM. These must be purchased at local vendors or forest offices; developed campgrounds require separate reservations via Recreation.gov.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
March – May, September – November
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Red River Gorge?
Blue Grass Airport (LEX) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from LEX to Red River Gorge?
Roughly 1 h 41 min (about 73 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Red River Gorge?
Daily entry to the Daniel Boone National Forest is free, but an official parking permit is mandatory for any vehicle remaining in the gorge between 10 PM and 6 AM. These must be purchased at local vendors or forest offices; developed campgrounds require separate reservations via Recreation.gov.
