Hiking To The Sheltowee Trace Suspension Bridge In Red River Gorge

The Sheltowee Connector Trail (#211) is located in the Red River Gorge in the Cumberland District of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky.

The parking lot for the trailhead can be found off KY 715 (37.82318, -83.6282).

This trail takes you to a  junction with the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail and also a suspension bridge that crosses over the Red River.

We took the trail only to the suspension bridge, because the hubby likes suspension bridges.

I on the other hand am not a big fan. They move around too much for me and it freaks me out, lol.

If you just go to the suspension bridge, walk across and then turn around and return to your vehicle it’s an easy one mile out-and-back hike with barely any elevation gain.

It’s also pet friendly so bring your furry family members as well.

The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail is an over 300 mile long distance hike that travels through Kentucky and Tennessee. You can learn more about it here.

I think about ten miles of the trail goes through the Red River Gorge area so if you wanted to make this a longer day hike you could. I believe you can also tent camp here, but must have a permit.

If you only want to go to the bridge, like we did, you’ll be rewarded with a pretty hike through the woods all while traveling on the banks of the Red River.

There are multiple side trails leading to the river if you want to take a dip or jump off the oh so cleverly named, Jump Rock.

This is a great family hike with pretty views, chances to play in the water, and the adventure of walking over a swinging bridge.