Clifty Falls, Red River Gorge & Natural Bridge

Hike the Canyon Trail through a sandstone gorge carved by Clifty Creek, passing three major waterfalls — Clifty Falls (60 feet), Tunnel Falls, and Little Clifty Falls — before the trail climbs to ridge-top overlooks above the Ohio River. The 3-mile loop has canyon scrambling and wooden stairs down to plunge pools below the main falls.

Refuel at this Madison, Indiana institution — a classic luncheonette operating since 1933 serving egg salads, club sandwiches, and house-made pies in booths worn smooth by generations of regulars.

Use the afternoon to explore a different trail, cool off at a swimming hole, or find a scenic spot to watch the sunset.

Dine at the state park's own lodge restaurant perched above the Ohio River — solid comfort food with panoramic views across the river to Kentucky, a short walk from the canyon rim trails.

Stay at the historic state park inn set on the canyon bluff above the Ohio River — simple, well-located rooms that put you steps from the trailheads for an early morning start before the long drive to Red River Gorge.

Eat at the legendary climber's basecamp for Red River Gorge — a converted farmhouse where wood-fired pizzas and burritos have sustained rock climbers and hikers since 1984.

Hike through a forest of hemlocks and sandstone walls to the Double Arch — two conjoined natural arches spanning 90 and 150 feet, framing views of the gorge. The 5-mile out-and-back passes slot canyon sections and smaller arches before the main attraction.

Walk across the Sky Bridge — a 90-foot sandstone arch on a ridgeline with exposed views across the gorge canopy in both directions. The 0.9-mile loop is a perfect afternoon cooldown, delivering the best panorama in the gorge.

Dine at the state resort park lodge restaurant — solid Kentucky country cooking, easy access, and a dining room overlooking the wooded hillside before an early night ahead of the Natural Bridge hike.

Stay at the Hemlock Lodge in the state resort park — rustic rooms set in a hardwood forest five minutes from the Natural Bridge trailhead, putting you first on the trail in the morning.

Hike the Original Trail to the Natural Bridge — a graceful 78-foot sandstone arch spanning 65 feet at its crown, carved by erosion over millions of years. The 1-mile ascent through a narrow sandstone canyon delivers you to the arch top with panoramic views of the Torrent Falls gorge; the Skyline Trail loop extends the morning with ridge walking and additional rock shelters.

Walk the short Balanced Rock Trail to see the dramatically poised boulder that has teetered above the gorge floor for centuries — a quick, photogenic final stop before beginning the two-hour drive back to Cincinnati.