The Red River Gorge in Kentucky is a renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of activities, including kayaking. With its stunning natural beauty, challenging whitewater, and serene sections, the Red River Gorge provides an exceptional kayaking experience for paddlers of all skill levels.
What are the Best Places to Put In and Take Out for Kayaking in Red River Gorge?
For a longer kayak trip in Red River Gorge, Kentucky, here are some detailed recommendations on launch locations and take-out points:
Upper Red River Section
- Put In: Big Branch Canoe Launch
- Take Out: KY 715
- Distance: Approximately 10.8 miles
- Rapids Class: Class II to III
- Description: This section is considered one of the most challenging stretches of whitewater in the southeastern United States. It is suitable for expert paddlers due to its technical rapids and remote location.
Middle Red River Section
- Put In: Copperas Creek Canoe Launch, located near the Osborne Bend trailhead parking lot
- Take Out: Various points along the river, but a common take-out is near the mouth of Swift Camp Creek
- Distance: Approximately 10.5 miles
- Rapids Class: Mostly Class I, with some sandbars, riffles, and small ledges
- Description: This section is great for beginners and intermediate paddlers, offering scenic views and interesting paddling conditions.
Lower Red River Section
- Put In: KY 746 bridge
- Take Out: Mouth of Swift Camp Creek or further downstream
- Distance: Approximately 9.1 miles (from KY 746 to Swift Camp Creek)
- Rapids Class: Mostly Class I, with some Class II sections
- Description: This section is part of the Kentucky Wild River designation and features spectacular canoeing water. It is generally more serene and suitable for a variety of skill levels.
Can I Camp While Kayaking in Red River Gorge?
While there are limited options for camping directly along the Red River within the gorge due to private land and protected areas, here are some considerations:
Camping
- There are no designated campsites directly along the Red River within the gorge that allow overnight stays. However, there are several campgrounds and private campsites in the surrounding areas of Red River Gorge, such as those managed by the Daniel Boone National Forest and private outfitters. These can serve as bases for multi-day kayaking trips.
Permits and Costs
- For camping in the Daniel Boone National Forest, you may need to obtain a permit, especially for dispersed camping. Costs vary depending on the campsite and services provided. It is advisable to check with local outfitters and forest service websites for specific regulations and costs.
What are the Water Levels and Conditions Like in Spring?
- Best Time: Spring is considered one of the best times for kayaking in Red River Gorge due to higher water levels, which typically occur from late December to late May in years of average rainfall.
- Water Levels: During the spring, water levels are generally higher due to rainfall and snowmelt. However, it is crucial to check current water levels before planning a trip, as they can fluctuate significantly.
- Flow Rates: The flow rates can vary, but during high water periods, the river can be very challenging, especially in the upper sections. It is essential to check with local outfitters or the USGS water data for current flow rates.
- Safety Considerations: High water conditions can make the river very dangerous, especially in the upper sections. Rescues and walk-outs are difficult due to the remote location. It is recommended to paddle with experienced guides or groups and to be aware of the river conditions before embarking on a trip.