Unearth The Voyage
Kayaking at Red River Gorge is one of the best things to do in Red River Gorge. This river is absolutely gorgeous which makes Red River Gorge Kentucky kayaking a favorite among many.
If you are looking for more information about how to go kayaking in Red River Gorge, this article will tell you all about where to go, how to rent a kayak, and so much more!
Kayaking At Red River Gorge Overview
There are two completely different types of kayaking near Red River Gorge you can do. You can either kayak down the Red River, or you can go cave kayaking at Red River Gorge.
This article is going to talk about both, so you can decide which type of kayaking you want to do while you’re visiting Red River Gorge!
The Red River: A National Wild And Scenic River
The Red River flows through the Red River Gorge geological area and divides at the Clifty Wilderness area. The Red River carving its way through the sandstone is what made the Red River Gorge area such a scenic and unique geological area!
The Red River and surrounding area are home to the white-haired goldenrod, a special plant that is only found in the Red River Gorge! The Red River is also home to 70 species of fish, and 16 different kinds of mussels.
The Red River was designated a National Wild & Scenic River in 1993 after a lot of political uproar. This river is known for flooding and in 1962, the area experienced the worst flooding in 100 years. After the flood, locals lobbied for a flood control dam to be put in place.
Although, a few locals saw the incredibly unique ecosystem surrounding the Red River & gathered a large group to protest the dam with a group hike. The hike gained national recognition, which led to the river eventually earning its protected title as a National Wild & Scenic River!
Best Time To Go Red River Gorge Kayaking
The best time to go to Red River Gorge KY kayaking is in the spring, as the high water makes for some great kayaking. Although, it is usually possible to go kayaking at the Red River Gorge even through the summer and fall months.
To make sure the water levels are high enough to go kayaking, you can give Red River Adventure a call to confirm.
They also have a low water level option where you can paddle up the river (the current is very slow so it’s not difficult to paddle up the river) to see spectacular rock formations, the swimming hole, and a suspension bridge.
Where To Rent For Kayaking Red River Gorge
The best place to rent floating equipment for kayaking at Red River Gorge is at Red River Adventure. They are located right on the Red River and provide wonderful service and great equipment.
Red River Adventure is located along Sky Bridge Road right after Tarr Ridge Rd & Sky Bridge Rd intersect. Make sure that you download or pick up a map before heading to Red River Adventure as there is no cell service in the Gorge area.
Red River Adventure offers kayak rentals and the rental cost includes a paddle, lifejacket and the shuttle ride to the launching point.
- Tandem Kayaks: $90
- Single Kayaks: $50
*When we went kayaking in July, we tried to rent a tandem kayak but we were informed that we would drag too much because of the weight so two single kayaks were a better option.
You can also bring your own canoe or kayak and Red River Adventure will shuttle you to the launch point for $25 per person.
Red River Gorge Kayaking: River Sections
Middle/Lower Section
There are actually two sections of the Red River that you can kayak. The most commonly floated section is the middle/lower section and is great for families and less experienced kayakers. There are a few class I rapids making it still very exciting.
To float this section of the river start at the Copperas Creek boat launch.
Upper Section
The other option for floating on the Red River is kayaking the upper section of the river. Upper Red River Gorge kayaking is only for very experienced kayakers as there are Class III rapids and many sheer rock walls where you cannot decide at the last minute to walk around the rapid.
This section of the Red River can only be floated when the water isn’t too high or too low. Usually late December to late May are the best options. The last technical section of this run, the ‘Dogs Drowning Hole’ should be scouted in advance as it’s very technical in low water and has unpredictable currents with high water.
To float this section of the river start at the Big Branch Canoe Launch.
Red River Gorge Kayaking Map
We have put together a map for you that shows where the different boat launches are as well as where Red River Adventure for rentals and transportation. The map also shows the jumping rocks/swimming hole as well as the suspension bridge that you will pass when kayaking Red River Gorge KY.
What You’ll See While Red River Kayaking
The first part of the river is arguably one of the prettiest as you’ll pass large towering rock bluffs that rise straight out of the river. You will also float past large boulders that are hard to imagine how they even got in the middle of the river.
It’s also possible to see wildlife on your kayaking adventure, so keep an eye out. We saw lots of birds, fish, and a snake. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for snakes as the Red River is home to copperheads and rattlesnakes, which are venomous.
As you make your way down the river you will also encounter lots of little rapids that do need a bit of navigation but aren’t anything crazy so they are suitable for beginners.
Towards the end of your float, you’ll pass under a suspension bridge that is still actively used today.
Shortly after floating under the suspension bridge, you’ll come to jump rock. Jumping rock is a large rock where people often climb up to the top and jump off. The water is deep enough in this area to jump off the rocks, but please always check for any rocks underneath where you are jumping, as people have died doing this.
If you are looking to get to jump rock without going on a float trip, jump rock can be accessed by parking in the Sheltowee Trace Suspension Bridge gravel parking lot off of KY 715 and then hiking left down the trail that leads along the river.
Not far past jump rock is Red River Adventure, where you will end your float trip. Make sure that you keep your eyes peeled for the sign, as people often pass it and then have to turn around to find it!
Red River Gorge Cave Kayaking
Besides kayaking on the Red River, there is another fun kayaking Kentucky adventure that you can have near Red River Gorge. Just outside of the Gorge area is the Gorge Underground kayaking, where you can paddle kayaks into an old flooded abandoned mine!
If you’re looking to go cave kayaking, Red River Gorge area is the perfect place to go. Most cave kayaking takes you a few feet inside a cave or just into the first room, but this Red River underground kayaking has 5 miles of caverns!
The Gorge underground kayaking adventure lasts about an hour to 1.5 hours and will take you deep in the mine where you will be led by your guide’s lights.
As you paddle through the cave you will see huge rainbow trout that call this cave home. You will also get to see the unique rock formations as you zig-zag your way through the mine.
Best Time To Go Red River Gorge Underground Kayaking
The Gorge Underground is open year-round and the temperature inside the mine stays 55 degrees all year so really, you can visit the mine whenever you’d like. Many people actually like to go Red River Gorge kayaking underground on rainy days so they can still have a fun experience even when it’s raining!
The Gorge Underground also puts on a fun Halloween themed Kentucky kayaking experience where you paddle through the mine unguided and in the dark. The mine is set up like a haunted house, so be prepared to be scared!
Red River Gorge Kayaking Cave Floating Options
There are a few different floating options that you can choose from when going on the Gorge underground kayaking adventure. They have the option of a regular kayak, a see-through kayak, or a SUP/paddleboard.
On all of the floating equipment, there are colored LED lights which really make the experience of floating through the mine a lot of fun. If you choose the see-through kayak, you will be able to see what’s below you and if the trout are ever swimming under your kayak!
Where To Rent For Underground Kayaking Red River Gorge
The Gorge Underground is the only place to rent kayaks and go on the underground kayaking Kentucky tour. The Gorge Underground is located on KY11 just south of Natural Bridge State Park.
Make sure to book your tour in advance as tickets often sell out. You can either call 844-254-6244 or head to their website to book your tour online.
Which Will You Choose: Red River Kayaking Or Gorge Underground Kayaking?
Kayaking at Red River Gorge was one of our favorite things we did when we visited the area. If you’re looking for a great way to soak in the beauty of the area then you can’t beat kayaking down the Red River.
And if the rain decides to pay a visit and ruin your trip or you’d rather try out a little different float trip experience, then don’t miss underwater kayaking in Red River Gorge!
Heading to the Red River Gorge area? Click the button below to share this article with a friend or family member so they can help you decide on above-ground or below for your float trip!
