Red,

KY 746 to KY 715 (10.3 miles) (Upper Red)

Falls of Red River

Falls of Red River
Photo by Ben Culbertson

Gauge Information

River Description

The Upper Red is a beautiful stretch of river which flows through the remote Clifty Wilderness Area of the Red River Gorge. There are often cliffs on both sides, and going around one bend you'll paddle underneath a rock amphitheater.

The difficulty level of this river varies a lot depending on water level. At low flows the river is suitable for advanced beginning kayakers. Tight maneuvering through boulders is required though, which would be difficult for a canoe. At high flows the rapids become more straightforward to navigate, though they are pushy and powerful, and some holes need to be avoided. Some rapids will need to be scouted because they disappear around a bend.

For more information, see Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to KY.

Karl Whipp testifies:
The Red River Gorge has a VERY tight upper section that requires a LOT of water (not a very large drainage) and is a class III run with a few nice ledges, etc. EXTREMELY remote. Once you're in, the only way out is downriver.