Canoeing

The Red River through the Gorge is actually divided into 2 sections, the Upper and Lower. The upper is for experienced canoer's and the lower for all experience levels.

The Upper portion begins on KY 746 at the Spraddlin Bridge. It winds several miles before you actually get to the challenging part. Once there though, the river class jumps to a Class II+ or Class III depending on water levels. It stays this way for several miles before calming down into some Class I rapids until the you reach the Lower portion. These rapids are not for the unexperienced. After heavy rainfall, the river will rise rapidly and without warning, causing fairly easy rapids to turn very nasty. At times, the walls of the cliffs and boulders are very close. Make sure you have the right type of boat for this area, canoes and kayaks. Rowboats are not suitable for this stretch of river. If you do not have the right experience or equipment, stay off this section of river and do the Lower portion.

The Lower Portion is what most canoeist's in the Gorge enjoy. It is by far easier to canoe this stretch then the upper. The Lower portion starts at the the concrete bridge below Sky Bridge on KY 77. There is a large parking lot just over the bridge on the left. You can put in on either side of the bridge. There is a small road on the west side of the bridge for those vehicles with trailers. I'm not sure if this road is for the exclusive use of a local canoe rental. You can check with the Stanton Districe office for details. Once you put in here, the river is calm and wide. You can float for 10 miles past the Gladie Creek Historical Site, Chimney Rock to the take out point next to the Steel Bridge. You can continue past that point but I'm not sure of any take out points.

As with all rivers in the mountains, the water level change change drastically in a few hours, so the water level is hard to predict at any given time. For the Lower Portion, 1 to 3 feet of water is idea; less and your are dragging, more you might want to consider something else. Check the gauge on the Iron bridge before starting to see the water level. For the Upper Portion, there is a river gauge on the Spraddlin bridge; one or below is acceptable, above that you had better be a expert. Canoeing in this area is not dangerous if you know what you are doing; avoid the Upper portion unless you are an expert. Do the Lower Red if you are not sure.

The only livery I know in the Gorge is Red River Outdoors (606/663-9701). They rent canoes from the concret bridge to the Steel Bridge, weekends and holidays Spring - Fall. They also provide a shuttle service for canoeists, kayakers, hikers etc. with reservations.

Rock Climbing/Rapelling

I do not rock climb nor rapelling so I can't really give specific but the Gorge is a excellent place to do both. For those of you new to Rock Climbing and/or Rapelling, I'm sure the Gorge is not the place to train without expert help. You can et detailed information from the USFS Daniel Boone Rock Climbing Page

Rock climbing and Rapelling is allowed in most of the areas of the Gorge. The exceptions being specific points such as Sky Bridge, Grey's Arch, Chimney Rock, etc.. Also, climbers cannot start any new routes on any existing rock face with out first getting permission from the USFS. This seems to be a major issue with many of the climbers. However, the alternative is a ban on rock climbing altogether in the Gorge, so stick to the existing routes. New vistors to the Gorge should get "Selected Climbs at the Red River Gorge, Kentucky" by Porter Jarrard & Chris Snyder. It lists all of the popular climbs in the Gorge and the surrounding area, ranks them, and how to get there. It is available at many of the local stores and by mail. (RRG Guides 149 Zandale Dr. Lexington, KY 40504)

Halfmoon is a very popular place with rapellers. So popular that grooves in the rock have been created by countless ropes of people going over the face. This also seems to be party central on weekends, so plan your trip accordingly. DO NOT RAPELL off of Sky Bridge, Greys Arch, etc. It is illegal and chances are you will be arrested at some point as these areas are patrolled often.

If you are interested in climbing or rapelling, visit the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition for more information. Natural Heights Outfitters (888/737-9036) offers guided climbs, canoeing, hikes and supplies. The are located on KY 15 just east of Slade.

Caving

Other then a cave at Natural Bridge State Park and the old railroad tunnel underneath the lodge there, I do not know of any other cave in the Gorge itself. I don't think the geology lends itself to the formation of caves. There are plenty of caves in the Daniel Boone National Forest south of the Gorge. Click here for more information.

Mountain Biking, Off-Road vehicles, Horsebacking Riding

These activities are banned from Gorge on all trails.