River Water Levels

*Per 2 boats, add $5.00 for each boat thereafter. Shuttle fees apply to rental and/or individual owned boats. Rental prices apply to per trip or per day. Prices subject to an additional gasoline per mile surcharge.  

Current gasoline per mile surcharge = $ 00.12 per mile.

Upper Red

From upstream of the Highway 746 Bridge at the Forest Service "put in" to the "Concrete Bridge" located at the Wolfe/Menifee county line.

Classification/Mileage: Wild -- 9.7 miles

The Upper section of the Red River tumbles among huge boulders in a narrow, twisting gorge, lined by towering cliffs with overhanging rock ledges, stately hemlocks, and thickets of rhododendron. Most of this designated portion flows through the Clifty Wilderness. Water levels vary from very shallow to flood stage with dangerous strainers. In the early spring and sometimes in the late fall the river settles into solid class 3 to 3.5 rapids. During these periods the river becomes an amazingly beautiful paddle. Don't under estimate this section of the river. The upper is notorious for damaging boats and stranding paddlers. There is a rugged trail on river right that provides the only access in or out.

Mid Section of the Red

From the Forest Service landing at the "Concrete Bridge" located at the Wolfe/Menifee county line to the "Iron Bridge"

Classification/Mileage: Recreation -- 8.2 miles

The Red River is a declared "wild and scenic" river. The mid section of the river runs through the heart of the Red River Gorge and is the most popular trip for visitors to the Gorge. Water levels vary and are directly proportional to rain fall. On average the river retains water levels deep enough for canoes and kayaks without too much dragging from early Spring through mid June. After mid June water levels need to be monitored. This being said, a large number of repeat clients still rent boats and proceed to drag and paddle the river. Regardless of level, the river is "scenic" and well worth the time and effort.    

Kentucky River (the North fork)

From the "Big Andy" bridge to the public landing in the beautiful river town of Beattyville, Kentucky.

Classification/Mileage: Recreation -- 6.3 miles

The North Fork of the Kentucky River originates in the mountains of southeastern Kentucky near Whitesburg and flows northwest, draining the counties of Letcher, Perry, Breathitt, and Lee. There are140 paddleable miles before the North Fork meets the South Fork and Middle Fork in Beattyville. This lower section of the North Fork of the Kentucky is usually runnable all year.

Kentucky River (Beattyville to Heidelberg)

From the the public landing in the beautiful river town of Beattyville, Kentucky to the old river lock in Heidelberg, Kentucky.

Classification/Mileage: Recreation -- 6.7 miles

Stop off and visit Beattyville, Kentucky and if time permits eat at Phoebes on Main. After a delicious meal at this quaint little restaurant re-launch your boats and continue down the Kentucky River to Heidelberg, Kentucky. This once vibrant Appalachian Mountains town is now all but forgotten. Stay river right, keeping away from the old spillway. Paddle into the corner of the old locks and take out using the old concrete steps to the lock-works above. Adjacent to the lock-works is a small well groomed park.  

At 6:30 PM, you are invited to dine in the log cabin atmosphere of our Crazy Climber Cafe along with your True North Outdoor Wilderness Guide(s) and other expedition members. At the Crazy Climber Cafe, Chef/Owner Jeff Kennedy has developed a unique menu and atmosphere by  blending culinary sophistication with down-home Kentucky hospitality. Choose from menu selections such as “Portabella Mushrooms with Sautéed Tomatoes and Onions”, “Oven fresh Focaccia with Arugula, Mozzarella, Tomatoes and Roasted Bell Peppers” or perhaps “Southern Cornbread and Bean Soup”.  

With dinner complete, your guides will distribute gear, check flotation devices and headlamps and load up for the drive to the concrete bridge. At approximately 8:00 PM, the team will shove off from the riverbank and begin the nighttime kayak trip down the 8-mile mid section of the Red River. You will experience the lifting of the mist and the flight of the bats as daylight makes its transition into night. Paddle under the stars and moonlight as nocturnal sounds intensify the sound of the rapids. At approximately midnight, you will arrive at the metal bridge, toast champagne and meet your shuttle back to the True North facility and Crazy Climber Cafe.

Participants must be fifteen years of age or older. This trip will not be postponed due to mild weather conditions. It will be cancelled if flash flooding, lightning or other dangers exist. Degree of difficulty varies based on river conditions.

Price Per Person, Dinner Included  $78.00