If you’re planning a kayaking trip to the Kentucky gorge, here are a few spots you won’t want to miss. You won’t beat the views at the Gorge, with exposed sandstone sheer cliffs, interesting geological formations, and sweeping areas of flowers, it doesn’t get much more Instagram worthy.įor small children who can’t take part in kayaking, there are rockhouses and small streams to explore, as well as incredible waterfalls to see. The river remains fairly narrow throughout and because of the twists and turns, you’ll usually only find experienced kayakers so some weekends you might even have the water to yourself.Īs well as kayaking, there are so many other reasons to visit Red River Gorge. The best part about kayaking here is it’s usually fairly quiet for a popular tourist spot. But there are also many Class I paddling opportunities for those looking for something more relaxed. The challenging run of rapids stretching over ten miles down the Upper Red River is what most adventure seekers come to take on. If you’re looking for the best kayaking in Kentucky, Red River Gorge is the place to visit. Looking for some other great kayaking spots in the US to add to your bucket list? Check out our complete guide on the best places to Kayak in Michigan.

If you’re planning to go Red River Gorge kayaking but you’re not sure what to expect, this guide will give you everything you need to know to make the most of your trip. With world-renowned hiking trails, breathtaking natural beauty, and the best kayaking spots in Kentucky, it’s clear to see why thousands of people visit this spot every year. In the heart of Kentucky, nestled in the Daniel Boone National Forest, you’ll find the Red River Gorge. If you click on a link we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Most tend to have a more progressive view of the world - something I like to think most outdoors-folks share.Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. In the years that we’ve enjoyed the area, we’ve never had anything but positive experiences with the people there. I’ve only heard a banjo once on the trail, and while that was weird, the player was a nice older gentleman who knew his bluegrass music. Will I hear banjo music - a la Deliverance? We enjoy the Red year-round and all its changes in flora, fauna, and visitors. As to seasons, Spring is for wildflowers, Summer is for rhododendrons and big views, Fall is for foliage, and Winter is best for off-trail exploration. Weekends are a lot busier, but live music is nice to enjoy after a day of exploring. Weekdays are great because there are fewer trail users and restaurants aren’t busy.

That said, Rough Trail and a few others will have you moving in and out of the gorge on short, steep climbs and descents. It varies, but generally speaking, it’s much easier than mountain hiking with less total elevation gain. It’s easy enough to spot them and to either wait them out or give them a wide berth while passing. We come across copperheads at least a few times a year while hiking. It would be best to avoid having this turn into the shit-show that is Gatlinburg. This means it’s important to take appropriate precautions with food storage and to truly leave no trace while in the forest. If everyone follows the bear safety tips above, it’ll keep bears away from human contact. While it’s still uncommon to hear of a black bear in the area, they have been spotted a number of times in recent years. Yes! While there have been a number of deaths and serious injuries over the years, nearly all were completely avoidable by simply keeping a safe distance from cliffs.

Red river gorge