Nada Tunnel
Stanton, KY
A narrow, unlit, one-lane tunnel blasted for a logging railroad in the early 1900s, now the gateway to the Red River Gorge. Headlights on, and yield to oncoming cars.
The Nada Tunnel is a single-lane road tunnel about 900 feet (roughly 270 m) long on KY 77 in Powell County, Kentucky. It is known as the "gateway to the Red River Gorge" because it shortens the way for drivers into the canyons of Daniel Boone National Forest.
It was built in 1910 and 1911 for the Dana Lumber Company to carry timber from the forests of the Red River Valley to a sawmill in Clay City, about 15 miles away. Narrow-gauge steam locomotives of the Big Woods, Red River & Lombard Railroad pulled the log trains through. The tracks were later removed and the tunnel was paved for road traffic. It originally measured 12 by 12 feet; the height was later raised to 13 feet.
For road trippers: only one vehicle fits through at a time. Follow the right-of-way arrangements on site, and check the clearances in advance if you drive a tall or wide RV.
- Nearest town
- Stanton, KY
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 37.8190, -83.6820
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Miguel's CampsiteCampsite2 mi from Nada TunnelTentsShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- CalliesCampsite6 mi from Nada Tunnel
- Lago Linda HideawayCampsite15 mi from Nada Tunnel
- Clear Creek CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Nada Tunnel
- White Sulphur Horse CampCampsite19 mi from Nada Tunnel
- Claylick Boat-in CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Nada Tunnel
All campsites in Kentucky · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Nada Tunnel?
Nada Tunnel is in Stanton, KY, at GPS 37.8190, -83.6820. It is about 2 mi from Slade.
Can you camp near Nada Tunnel?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Miguel's Campsite, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 18 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Nada Tunnel?
Nada Tunnel is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Red River Gorge arches and Kentucky crafts and Barrels, caves and a moonbow – by camper through Kentucky from the Bourbon Trail to Cumberland Falls.
What is there to see near Nada Tunnel?
Places worth a stop nearby: Natural Bridge State Resort Park (3 mi), Sky Bridge (5 mi), Berea (38 mi) and Carter Caves State Resort Park (49 mi).
When is the best time to visit Nada Tunnel?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)