A beautiful drive down the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway will take you to one of eastern Kentucky’s gems – the Red River Gorge. Grab your canoe or kayak and take a trip down this striking river. Located within the Daniel Boone National Forest, it has perfect rapids for both beginners and more experienced enthusiasts. Don’t have your own craft? Along the byway, you can find rental shops in the town of Slade, located along the Middle Fork River, or in Pine Ridge, south of the Clifty Wilderness.
If relaxation is your aim, launch your craft just east of Sky Bridge Arch where the KY-715 part of the byway crosses the Red River, Kentucky’s first National Wild and Scenic River. Here the river is shallow and tranquil, with Class I rapids suitable for beginners. You won’t find your westward voyage dull -- underwater ridges, ripples, and sandbars will delight and challenge you. Plan your voyage for spring or fall, because the river may get too shallow for a fun ride in the heat of the summer.
Bring your family and friends down these 10 tranquil miles of canoe heaven that flow through the wonders of the Kentucky countryside. Natural bridges, wildlife, historic locations, and maybe a little bluegrass music will entice you along your way. Your canoeing trip can end either at the ramp where the byway's KY-77 segment crosses the river, or at an old ford below the Schoolhouse Branch of the river.
Head upstream for a more adventurous ride. You’ll need to hike eastward to the top of the run, but ahead are Class II or Class III rapids, depending on the water levels. There is a launch at the Big Branch section of the river, northeast of Campton. A kayak or white-water canoe is recommended, and the gorge walls and waters are rough, testing the skills of many who dare to try it. The trip starts peacefully, but the excitement mounts as you paddle past half-submerged boulders and between cliff walls that touch the churning waters in the gorge. This is not an expedition for beginners.
The best time to run the river is November through April, but after a week of rain, you can run it throughout the year. While parts of the Red River can turn into a hike at low water, the river can also be extremely dangerous at high water, so check river conditions before you go. Whether you choose the daring run of the upper river, or the calmer haven of the lower river, this expedition on the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway will take you into a sanctuary of enchantment or a thrill-seeker's paradise.
