You should also know how to swim. The Gorge Underground also puts on a fun Halloween themed Kentucky kayaking experience where you paddle through the mine unguided and in the dark. You can explore the caves and admire the breathtaking view of the river. A cave kayaking excursion can be a thrilling experience. The Pendergrass-Murray recreational reserve has almost 750 acres of parkland to enjoy. 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. Standing at around 200 feet tall, the sandstone cliffs at The Red make for some unbelievable rock climbing. If you love the idea of booking anunderground kayaking trip while youre at the Red River Gorge, check out our in-depth guide for everything you need to know. Paddlers of all experience levels may participate in this activity. Shortly after floating under the suspension bridge, youll come to jump rock. If youre not careful, you could easily find yourself in a situation where you cant find your way out. When youre planningwhat to wear kayaking, think about packing the following: If you love kayaking, the Red River Gorge is one trip you dont want to miss. The autumn and winter months tend to be more calm, with lower water levels and fewer tourists. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Kids tends to get colder, so dress them warmly. How much does it cost to camp at Red River Gorge? 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. One of the more unusual Red River Gorge attractions, The Gorge Underground offers boat, kayak, and stand up paddleboard tours of a network of 100-year-old flooded limestone mines. If you are new to kayaking or have little expertise, it is best to join a guided tour or rental firm that can offer you with the required training and assistance. The Red River was designated a National Wild & Scenic River in 1993 after a lot of political uproar. Unlike kayaking above ground, you wont get tired, as youll be wearing headlamps and helmets. To get the most out of your kayaking experience at Red River Gorge, it is highly recommended that you sign up for a guided tour or work with a rental business that can provide you with all of the essential gear as well as safety advice. You can choose between beginner and advanced tours, depending on your skill level. I also was impressed at how clear the water was. The gorge's pockmarked sandstone cliffs feature many natural handholds and overhangs that attract the world's . Tandem Vs Single Kayak Which One Is Best For Your Adventure? Take the entire family on an adventure you'll never forget. If you need to cancel your tour, you will be charged a rebooking fee to receive a gift card or to move your reservation to a different date. We saw lots of birds, fish, and a snake. When youre underground kayaking, its important to follow the rules and regulations set by the US Forest Service. . Underground kayaking means spending a lot of time in the dark. Adult (Ages 13+) Youth (Ages 9-12 Paddling Own Equipment)Ride Along Child (Ages 5-8). The degree of difficulty of the rapids in Red River Gorge varies based on the portion of the river youre paddling and the time of year. Youll be led through a 100-year-old flooded mine, and a professional guide will make sure you have an unforgettable experience. Here are some of our top tips for Red River Gorge kayaking safely to have the best trip possible. Second, you should wear shoes that you can get wet. Why Underground kayaking in the Red River Gorge is an amazing experience? You can experience an adventure of a lifetime by taking a kayak tour through the underground caves of the Red River Gorge. If youre new to kayaking or want something kid-friendly, there are different tours available for gorge underground kayaking led by an experienced guide who provide everything you need from helmets and life jackets to the kayak and gear. A life vest. Get our Weekly Magazine & discover the best kayaking experiences! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The guided tour is suitable for children and adults of all ages. Join our partner company Sup Kentucky at the rear entrance of the mine. Red River Adventure The Adventure tour The trip that put us on the map! Make sure to check the weather forecast and water levels in advance, as these can change rapidly in the Gorge. The following are some things you should bring with you on your Red River Gorge kayaking trip: -Flotation device for individuals (PFD)-Paddle-Snacks and water-Insect repellant and sunscreen-Clothing and footwear that is appropriate (such as a wetsuit or dry suit, depending on the weather)-Phone or camera? Heading to the Red River Gorge area? 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 guides lights. Can you kayak at Red River Gorge? Imagine Kentucky's most scenic views, topped with the rush of lifetime. North Lake Tahoe Kayaking And Fishing Guidelines, All The Best Places For Kayaking In Tampa. For church/scout group discounts, please call the office at 844-254-6244. For a little bit of extra money, you can even kayak through the Gorges underground caves. Longer tour, clear kayaks and sups, LED lights, smaller group sizes and photo album option! They also offer a shuttle service. There are a few things to keep in mind before you go underground kayaking in the Red River Gorge. The Red River Gorge underground kayaking is a popular tourist attraction in Kentucky, with over a million visitors every year. Be sure to bring a sweater as the temps are a bit chilly. The Red River Gorge is located in Daniel Boone National Forest in east-central Kentucky, approximately a three-hour drive from . Our thrilling Red River Gorge zipline canopy tour sweeps through the Daniel Boone National Forest and above the breathtaking Red River Gorge. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for snakes as the Red River is home to copperheads and rattlesnakes, which are venomous. Whether you want to bring your own kayak or rent a kayak according to your trip plan. Feeling adventurous? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. We rent neoprene socks and mitts on the deluxe tours for $2.00 if needed. The gorges rapids are normally at their peak in the spring and early summer, which may offer a more demanding and exhilarating kayaking experience. Designated a National Geological Area, the gorge is the core of the Red River Basin. As you paddle through the cave you will see huge rainbow trout that call this cave home. But theres nothing quite like gliding through the caves in illuminated kayaks. Kayaking tours down the gorge are available from numerous tour and rental organizations, ranging from half-day paddles to multi-day adventures. At 99 miles longjust short of earning the title of riverElkhorn Creek offers plenty of bang for your buck. As the name suggests this property is located on the edge of a cliff. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Where To Kayak Near Red River Gorge Underground, Kayak Through The Underground Cavern Glow. The river is considered a Class I and II. With world-renowned hiking trails, breathtaking natural beauty, and the best kayaking spots in Kentucky, its clear to see why thousands of people visit this spot every year. The best place to rent floating equipment for kayaking at Red River Gorge is at Red River Adventure. The Red River Gorge is one of the most popular kayaking destinations in the country. For most people, the best time to go kayaking in the Red River Gorge is during the spring or fall. If youre kayaking through a cave or cavern and youre not careful, you could easily drown. In the Red River Gorge, you can find out! Small families to large groups we have something for everyone. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. '', ''We had a wonderful experience with lots of stories, information about the mine and its creation. Paddle your way through the grotto in your own kayak as our guide leads the way while explaining . The best part about kayaking here is its usually fairly quiet for a popular tourist spot. If youre planning to go Red River Gorge kayaking but youre not sure what to expect, this guide will give you everything you need to know to make the most of your trip. The Red River Gorge is a large and complex area, and its easy to get lost. Located in the eastern-central part of the state near Winchester, the Red River Gorge area offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for nature lovers of all ages. If youre looking for a great way to soak in the beauty of the area then you cant beat kayaking down the Red River. This large 2200 sq ft cabin is perfect for guests who are wanting to get away from it all. A drysuit or water-resistant mid-layer. The Gorge Underground Kayak and SUP tours are fine for beginners. 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 youd like. But did you know that you can also go kayaking underground in the Red River Gorge? All vehicles on KY 15 or in the Red River Gorge and Indian Creek area north of KY 15 must display a recreation permit for backcountry camping between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. $5/day; $7/3 days; $50/annual pass. You will also get to see the unique rock formations as you zig-zag your way through the mine. The Gorge Underground is located on KY11 just south of Natural Bridge State Park. Give us a call for special pricing and package offers. As well as kayaking above ground at the gorge, there is a great underground kayaking trip. The water level is typically lower in the winter, which makes for easier paddling. To get a good look at the scenery, head to the Red River Gorge Underground with your kayak. 8 miles, took just over 2 hours to complete, longer if you stop to swim or have a lunch on a sandbar, etc. Red River Gorge is a bucket-list destination in Kentucky that attracts 750,000 people a year to hike, camp, and climb its sublime 29,000-acre expanse. Float the Red River past the famous Bell Witch Cave. If youre not a swimmer, theres a rafting option thats great for people of all ages. The higher you go, the better the views, and you cant beat the views at the gorge. Its also possible to see wildlife on your kayaking adventure, so keep an eye out. If you love adventure and are looking for the best place to try it out, you should visit the Red River Gorge underground kayaking. It is the only Wild and Scenic River in Kentucky. There is no wind, waves, or current in the mine, so it is a gentle, easy paddle. *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. And of course, theres the scenery! Paddle your way through the mine in a kayak on this unforgettable one-hour tour. It is simple to get started and to have a good time while staying safe while on the water thanks to the availability of guided excursions and rental providers. 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. Located in the Daniel Boone National Park, is home to over 1500 rock arches, rock cliffs which are great for rock-climbing and hiking. For larger family groups or church/scout groups, we occasionally make exceptions to this rule at the managers discretion. July 21, 2022 by Arnold Lynn. 1. Ride Along Child Ticket: PFD, Helmet & Headlamp. Experiencing The Magic Of Night Kayaking In Key West! In conclusion, underground kayaking in the Red River Gorge is an amazing experience and a great way to explore this beautiful area. The kayaks are relatively stable and are safe even for beginners. Some smaller rapids that were enjoyable. The guides will teach you about the history of the Gorge and let you get close to the wildlife youll encounter. They have the option of a regular kayak, a see-through kayak, or a SUP/paddleboard. Call 701-356-2106 to verify hours and if rentals are still available. Cave Kayaking Red River Gorge. Nevertheless, it is easy to get started. 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! If youre an experienced climber, the Motherlode is one of the toughest lines to take on. After the flood, locals lobbied for a flood control dam to be put in place. Its only a three and half mile stretch, but its a steep trek with some of the best views when you reach the top. Kayaking at The Red is not to be missed, but there are some dangerous areas that shouldnt be taken on lightly. This river is known for flooding and in 1962, the area experienced the worst flooding in 100 years. There are miles of trails to hike with majestic landscape views, some of the best rock climbing venues in the country, as well as kayaking and zipline tours. The river tour visits natural landmarks on the way. If youre not comfortable paddling in dark or enclosed spaces, then an underground kayaking trip might not be right for you. You can even bring your own kayak. Gather up your friends, family, even uncle Gary, or some co-workers and were here to show you how adventure is done. Visiting with children is a great way to detach from the outside world and participate in activities such as hiking, bicycling, fishing, and more. Not only is it an incredible adventure, but its also a great way to get your heart pumping and your muscles working. Exploring Red River Gorge By Underground Kayak Is Something That Belongs On Every Kentuckian's Bucket List. No, it really doesnt. Its located in the Daniel Boone National Forest and is popular with rock climbers. Check out our complete guide on thebest places to Kayak in Michigan. Guide To Camping, Fishing, And Kayaking The AuSable River, MI, The 31 Kayaking Facts: You Probably Missed, Kayaking Evolution: Facts and Development, The 15 Best Kayaking In Florida With Guidelines, Top 7 Destinations For Kayaking In The Russian River, The 7 Best Kayaking In The San Juan Islands, Tarpon Springs Kayaking FL: Why, When, And Where, Guide To Kayaking Against The Wind: An Unexpected Challenge, Master Your Kayaking With These Essential Communication Signals. Night Kayaking in Key West: A Complete Guide, The 19 Best Places To Go Kayaking In Michigan. Some people also get wet from the water dripping off their paddles, but if you hold your paddle low this should not be a problem. Should You Buy A Surfski Or A Kayak For Your Adventure? Whether you're looking for something luxurious and modern or a cabin that's more rustic and cozy, you're sure to find a rental that meets your needs. You will also float past large boulders that are hard to imagine how they even got in the middle of the river. '', ''The whole experience was Excellent!!! Feeling adventurous? Advertisement One of their coolest tours is the "Red River Gorge. We're always looking to grow our reach and collaborate with other influencers within this exciting space. Its an amazing experience because youre kayaking through caves and tunnels that were formed by water erosion over millions of years. The Red River Gorge is a popular spot for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and climbing. Yes! To get to Red River Gorge, take the I-64 East to Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway thats on exit 98. This Kentucky River tributary is a short 45-minute drive from Lexington, but still manages to feel like a genuine wilderness experience. The Red River Gorge is known for its rock climbing, so if youre looking for a challenging yet safe adventure, then the Red River has it for you! and able to wear a PFD and helmet and sit still for the full hour-long tour. Its also a good idea to have a map of the region as well as any required permissions or licenses. It is also important to make sure that you are wearing a life jacket at all times. When youre underground, youre cut off from the world above. Call Now- 606-663-0000. You wont beat the views at the Gorge, with exposed sandstone sheer cliffs, interesting geological formations, and sweeping areas of flowers, it doesnt get much more Instagram worthy. You can do a variety of outdoor activities, including caving, hiking, and biking. If you want to go kayaking in Red River Gorge on your own, you need to make sure that you are well-prepared and that you follow all of the safety precautions. Hiking and Rock Climbing is what Red River Gorge is famous for, but some of the other things you can do are Swimming, Fishing, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Zip Lining, or Play a round of Miniature Golf and check out the Reptile Zoo. In some cases, you may even be forced to spend the night in the cave or cavern. Read our disclaimer for more information. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Here's. NOTE: Accommodates 2 adults, 2 kids (17 and under) and 1 pet with a $25 pet fee. In general, paddling a kayak through Red River Gorge is an excellent way to take in the breathtaking scenery of Kentucky while also having an exciting time in the great outdoors. You can also find a guide to help you with the activity if youre unsure of what to do. See More Photos. First, youll need to bring a headlamp or flashlight. Red River is a quaint, year around mountain town that is all about relaxation and fun! With unforgettable hiking trails, scenic drives, premier rock climbing and spots to fish, kayak, swim and mountain bike, The Gorge is a nature lover's dream. We have had a few, but it doesnt happen very often at all. The best place to rent floating equipment for kayaking at Red River Gorge is at Red River Adventure. We try our best to keep you dry, but there are times when you may get a little wet. However, winter kayaking can also be more dangerous than kayaking at other times of the year. You should also wear closed-toe shoes, a life jacket, and protective clothing. Red River Gorge Zipline is the area's #1 attraction and is just 50 minutes from Lexington in the beautiful Red River Gorge Area. The Red River Gorge is a giant area, so there are a number of locations where you may launch and leave the river. Red River Gorge is a natural region that spans 29,000 acres and can be found in eastern Kentuckys Daniel Boone National Forest. Where Is the Red River Gorge Underground? Kentucky 41365, Winter Months: We offer tours Wed through Sun in Dec, Jan and Feb, Sit Back and Relax on our Custom Cave Boat. Hi there! The flooded limestone mine has been abandoned for nearly a century. underground kayaking trip while youre at the Red River Gorge. The caves and waterways youll be exploring are unpredictable, so its important to be ready for anything. You can either kayak down the Red River, or you can go cave kayaking at Red River Gorge. And when youre underground kayaking, you get to experience them up close and personal. Big elevated glamper inside the Gorge. Red River Gorge: This business provides Red River Gorge underground kayaking tours and cave boat tours. Red River Gorge is a natural region that spans 29,000 acres and can be found in eastern Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest. 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At other times of the Gorge underground kayaking means spending a lot of political uproar kayaking also! Time I comment winter kayaking can also find a guide to help you with website... Much does it cost to camp at Red River Gorge, you may get a look! You zig-zag your way through the caves in illuminated kayaks guests who are wanting to get your heart and! To kayak Near Red River was designated a National Geological area, the Motherlode is One of the popular!