Gladie Visitor Center

Approaching Gladie Visitor Center

Gladie Visitor Center is located directly along KY-715, also known as Sky Bridge Road, within the Red River Gorge.

Visitors approaching from Stanton or Slade commonly enter the Gorge by following KY-77 through the historic Nada Tunnel before turning onto KY-715. This route is paved but includes narrow sections, sharp curves, limited shoulders, and a one-lane tunnel.

Drive slowly, watch for hikers, cyclists, wildlife, and oncoming traffic, and follow all posted signs. Larger vehicles should confirm that their route is suitable before entering the Gorge.

From Stanton, KY

From Stanton, follow KY-11 South/KY-15 South toward Slade.

Turn left onto KY-77 North and continue through Nada Tunnel. Turn right onto KY-715 South and follow the road for approximately 2 miles. Turn into the Gladie Visitor Center entrance; the building and parking area will be on the right.

From Slade and Natural Bridge

From the Mountain Parkway, take Exit 33 for KY-11 toward Slade and Beattyville.

Turn onto KY-11 North, then turn left onto KY-15 West. Continue approximately 1.5 miles and turn right onto KY-77 North.

Follow KY-77 through Nada Tunnel to the intersection with KY-715. Turn right onto KY-715 South and continue approximately 2 miles to Gladie Visitor Center.

Visitors traveling from the Natural Bridge area should allow extra time for slow traffic, curves, and busy recreation periods.

Nada Tunnel and Mountain-Road Travel

The route through KY-77 includes Nada Tunnel, a narrow, one-lane historic tunnel. Drivers should stop when necessary, check for oncoming traffic, and wait until the tunnel is clear before entering.

The roads surrounding Gladie may also include blind curves, rock walls, low shoulders, and areas where pedestrians or cyclists are present. Use extra caution during fog, rain, ice, flooding, heavy visitor traffic, or low-light conditions.

Drivers of buses, RVs, trailers, and other oversized vehicles should review current road restrictions and confirm a suitable route before traveling.

Parking & Arrival

A paved parking area is located beside Gladie Visitor Center. From the parking area, visitors can walk directly to the visitor center, restrooms, picnic spaces, interpretive areas, and the two short nature trails that begin on site.

Parking may become busier during weekends, holidays, fall color, special events, and popular hiking seasons. Park only in designated spaces and follow posted signs or staff directions.

Visitors arriving with a bus, RV, trailer, or other large vehicle should contact Gladie Visitor Center before traveling for current parking and access guidance.

GPS & Navigation

Most navigation apps recognize the physical address and coordinates listed above. However, cellular service can become limited after entering the Red River Gorge, and navigation apps may occasionally suggest unsuitable back roads or forest routes.

For the most reliable approach from Stanton or Slade, use KY-77 and KY-715 and follow posted signs for Gladie Visitor Center. 

Save your route, maps, and important visitor information before entering the Gorge.

Current Hours & Operations

Gladie Visitor Center is currently open Thursday through Monday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hours, programs, restrooms, gift-shop access, and other visitor services may change due to holidays, staffing, weather, road conditions, maintenance, or seasonal operations. 

The surrounding Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone National Forest may remain accessible when the visitor center is closed, but indoor services and staff assistance will not be available.

Before traveling, check the official Gladie Visitor Center page for current hours, road notices, weather conditions, and temporary closures.