The Forest Service currently lists the Red River Gorge suspension footbridge near Kentucky Highway 715 as impassable. A falling tree damaged the bridge where the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail crosses the Red River. Visitors should not attempt to use it and should plan routes around the closure.
This is an active access issue, not merely an old storm story. Trail apps, saved itineraries, and older articles may still show a continuous crossing. Read the Daniel Boone National Forest alert immediately before traveling.
What is closed?
The alert applies to the suspension footbridge near KY 715 that carries the Sheltowee Trace across the Red River. The Forest Service calls the bridge impassable and specifically tells visitors not to attempt to use it. The warning remains in effect until the agency removes or replaces it with a new notice.
A damaged bridge can affect more than the few feet occupied by the structure. It may break a planned loop, change a shuttle point, or leave an out-and-back route on the wrong side of the river. Confirm every crossing on the day’s complete itinerary.
Do not improvise a crossing
Do not climb onto the damaged bridge, bypass barricades, or try to balance on structural members. Do not assume the river can be waded safely because it looks shallow near shore. Depth, current, submerged rocks, cold water, and upstream releases or rain can create hazards that are difficult to judge from the bank.
The closure notice does not designate an informal ford. If an official map and current agency information do not provide a lawful, open alternate route for the entire trip, choose a different hike.
How to check an itinerary
- Open the current Daniel Boone National Forest alerts page.
- Locate the planned trail on the official Red River Gorge recreation map.
- Identify every bridge, river crossing, road, trail junction, and vehicle access point used by the route.
- Check weather, high-water conditions, fire restrictions, and road notices.
- Ask the Cumberland Ranger District for help if the closure’s effect on the route is unclear.
A route shown as complete in a fitness app may combine official trails, user-created paths, closed infrastructure, or an unsafe water crossing. Current agency signs and alerts take priority.
Choose a safe alternative
Red River Gorge has many official trails that do not require this bridge. Select a route with a clearly open trailhead and a complete return path on the same side of the river. Short options such as Princess Arch, Whistling Arch, or Chimney Top still require separate checks for road access, parking, weather, and cliff hazards.
Do not create a new social trail around a closure. Unofficial paths contribute to erosion, damage vegetation, confuse later hikers, and can lead toward cliffs or private land.
Storm and high-water planning
- Check alerts again on the morning of the hike.
- Download the official map before entering an area with limited service.
- Carry water, food, weather layers, first aid, and a headlamp.
- Tell someone the exact trailhead, route, and expected return time.
- Turn around when signs, barriers, water, or conditions contradict the itinerary.
Heavy rain can affect roads, creeks, river levels, trees, and trail surfaces even when the bridge alert itself has not changed. A safe plan includes a backup hike and enough daylight to adjust without rushing.
Official sources
- Forest Service: Daniel Boone National Forest alerts, including the suspension bridge
- Forest Service: Red River Gorge recreation map and trail list
- Forest Service: Red River Gorge Geological Area
