Woodland Parking Lot

For Kentuckians deeply immersed in the rugged beauty and unparalleled outdoor opportunities of the Red River Gorge Geological Area, Woodland Parking Lot in Slade represents a vital starting point for adventure. This isn't a traditional, developed campground with extensive amenities; instead, it serves as a crucial access point for those seeking a more authentic, primitive camping experience within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Its primary function is to provide parking and direct entry to a network of trails, leading to both serene camping clearings and breathtaking scenic overlooks.

Woodland Parking Lot is a testament to the Red River Gorge's commitment to preserving its natural state while still allowing public access for recreation. It caters to intrepid campers who are prepared to carry their gear into the backcountry, embracing the "Leave No Trace" principles. For Kentucky locals, especially hikers and primitive campers, it's a known favorite, offering a direct route to some of the Gorge's most cherished spots. The allure lies in its simplicity and the immediate immersion into the untouched wilderness that awaits just beyond the parking area.

Woodland Parking Lot is located at R84C+9V, Slade, KY 40380, USA. This GPS coordinate places it squarely within the Red River Gorge Geological Area, a nationally recognized natural treasure within the Daniel Boone National Forest. For residents across Kentucky, particularly those in the central and eastern parts of the state, its accessibility is generally good, via major routes leading to the Slade/Stanton area. The area is a well-established hub for outdoor tourism, making navigation to this specific parking lot relatively straightforward for anyone familiar with the Gorge.

The accessibility of Woodland Parking Lot is primarily its function as a trailhead parking area. It acts as a gateway to the extensive trail system that crisscrosses the Red River Gorge. This means visitors can quickly transition from their vehicle to the wilderness, embarking on hikes to numerous natural arches, rock shelters, and panoramic overlooks. While its location offers direct access to the backcountry, it is essential for campers to be aware of Red River Gorge regulations regarding dispersed camping, which often require camping at least 300 feet from roads and trails, and 100 feet from cliffs or rock shelters. An overnight parking permit is also required for vehicles parked between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. This convenience of direct trail access, coupled with the surrounding natural beauty, makes Woodland Parking Lot an excellent starting point for primitive camping adventures in the Red River Gorge.

As a parking lot and trailhead for primitive camping within a national forest, Woodland Parking Lot does not offer the extensive services found at developed campgrounds. Its amenities are minimal, designed to facilitate basic access to the backcountry. Based on user reviews and general Red River Gorge primitive camping guidelines, here's what you can expect regarding services:

Services Offered (for primitive camping access):

• Parking Area: Designated space for vehicles, serving as a base for day-use visitors and those embarking on overnight primitive camping trips. Note: An overnight parking permit is required if parking between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Trailhead Access: Direct access to maintained trails that lead into the Red River Gorge's backcountry, where primitive camping is permitted in designated areas.
• Maintained Trail: Reviews mention a "maintained trail" leading from the parking area, indicating clear paths for hikers and campers carrying gear.
• Flat Clearings for Tents: Users have noted "lots of flat clearings" along the trails, which serve as natural, unofficial campsites for pitching tents in permitted areas.
• Proximity to Overlooks: The trail originating from this lot leads to "a beautiful overlook," providing a scenic destination for hikers.

It's crucial to understand that there are no facilities such as restrooms, water hookups, picnic tables (beyond what might be at a nearby picnic area in the larger park system, not directly at the parking lot), or trash disposal at Woodland Parking Lot itself. Campers must be fully self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles, packing out everything they pack in.

Woodland Parking Lot, while rudimentary in its developed amenities, offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a favorite among Kentucky's outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who prefer a genuine wilderness experience.

Features / Highlights:

• Direct Access to Primitive Camping: The primary highlight is its function as a direct gateway to dispersed, primitive camping opportunities within the Red River Gorge Geological Area. This allows for a more secluded and authentic outdoor experience away from crowded developed campgrounds.
• Immediate Trail Access: From the parking lot, visitors can immediately step onto a "maintained trail," which leads into the heart of the Gorge's renowned hiking network.
• Scenic Overlook Access: A significant draw mentioned by reviewers is the "beautiful overlook" accessible via the trail from this parking lot, providing stunning panoramic views of the Gorge's unique sandstone formations and lush forests.
• Natural Tent Clearings: The presence of "lots of flat clearings" along the trails makes it easier for primitive campers to find suitable and relatively level spots to pitch their tents.
• Immersion in Red River Gorge Wilderness: Camping from this access point allows for deep immersion in the natural environment, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, stargazing, and a profound sense of tranquility.
• Ideal for Backcountry Enthusiasts: This location is perfectly suited for experienced hikers and campers who are comfortable with self-sufficiency and adhering to wilderness regulations.
• Convenience for Day Use and Overnight Trips: It serves both day hikers looking to access specific trails and those planning multi-day primitive camping expeditions into the Gorge.

As Woodland Parking Lot is a primitive access point within the Daniel Boone National Forest and Red River Gorge Geological Area, there isn't a direct phone number for the parking lot itself. For questions regarding camping regulations, trail conditions, or to purchase the required overnight parking permit, it is best to contact the managing authorities.

Address: R84C+9V, Slade, KY 40380, USA

Phone: For information related to the Red River Gorge Geological Area and Daniel Boone National Forest, including permits and regulations, you should contact the Gladie Visitor Center or the Red River Gorge Ranger District Office. Their general public number can typically be found on the U.S. Forest Service website. (Note: A typical contact for this region is the Gladie Visitor Center at 606-663-8100, or the Red River Gorge area of the Daniel Boone National Forest may have a specific information line.)

Woodland Parking Lot is an exceptionally suitable destination for Kentucky locals who possess a deep love for true wilderness and primitive camping within the iconic Red River Gorge. For those who prioritize raw natural beauty, challenging trails, and the serenity of backcountry solitude over campground amenities, this location serves as an indispensable starting point. Its direct access to the maintained trail system leading to both stunning overlooks and abundant flat clearings for tent pitching makes it incredibly practical for self-sufficient adventurers.

Kentucky residents who understand and respect the principles of Leave No Trace will find this area to be a perfect match for their outdoor ethos. While it lacks developed facilities, this very characteristic ensures a less crowded and more authentic experience, allowing for deeper connection with nature. For any Kentuckian eager to explore the Red River Gorge's unparalleled landscapes, whether for a strenuous day hike to a majestic overlook or a peaceful night under the stars in the backcountry, Woodland Parking Lot provides the ideal and highly recommended gateway to their next unforgettable adventure.

Woodland Parking Lot

R84C+9V, Slade, KY 40380, USA