Antisocial Tourist

Ready to try something new? Underground kayaking in Red River Gorge is an adventure you’ll never forget!

If you’re looking for a unique adventure in Kentucky, then underground kayaking in Red River Gorge is an experience you won’t want to miss. The Gorge is famous for its stunning rock formations, hiking trails, and natural beauty, but it’s also home to an incredible underground mine that you can kayak through.

After trying this experience ourselves, we understand the hype. We had an amazing time kayaking underground with The Gorge Underground, and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area! Keep reading to learn what to expect when kayaking underground, the different types of tours available, and everything you should know before trying this experience yourself.

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What is Underground Kayaking in Red River Gorge?

Underground kayaking in Red River Gorge is exactly what it sounds like — kayaking through an underground cave. And it’s one of the best things to do in Red River Gorge! The cave is a 100-year-old flooded limestone mine. It’s privately owned and doesn’t have an official name, so it’s often referred to as The Gorge Underground, which is also the name of the tour company that runs the kayaking tours through it.

Kayakers can choose between a 1-hour Classic Tour or a 1.5-hour Crystal Kayak Tour, which features glass-bottomed kayaks or SUPs with colorful lights. Both tours take you through the same cave but explore different areas. The main difference between the tours is the use of lighting.

The glass-bottomed tours use bright LED lights to light up the water in different colors, creating a vibrant space to paddle through. The lights also allow you to see the abundance of rainbow trout swimming in the clear depths. On the other hand, the classic tour ventures through a darker part of the cave and offers a more authentic experience. The classic tour preserves the mysterious and slightly eerie atmosphere of the subterranean world by using minimal lighting.

Where is Underground Kayaking in Red River Gorge?

The Gorge Underground is located in Red River Gorge, a geological area within the Daniel Boone National Forest in east-central Kentucky. This area is famous for outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and camping, all set against a backdrop of towering sandstone cliffs, natural stone arches, deep gorges, and lush forests.

You’ll access The Gorge Underground from the small, unincorporated community of Rogers, KY. Two companies, The Gorge Underground and SUP Kentucky, partner to offer tours of the underground cave. Both are based at 2478 Glencairn Rd, Rogers, KY 41365, but they operate from separate offices. When you arrive at the address, you’ll find a sign in the parking lot directing you to either the classic tour or the glass-bottomed tour — just head to the office corresponding with the tour you booked.

History of the Underground Cave in Red River Gorge

The underground mine that is kayaked through today was originally excavated to extract limestone in the early 1890s. Miners carved extensive tunnels and chambers deep within the earth as they extracted the limestone, which was mostly used for construction and infrastructure projects.

The mine was used less and less over the years, and it was finally abandoned in the 1980s after a worker struck a natural spring by mistake. The mine began to fill with water faster than it could be pumped out. The newly flooded mine was left untouched for nearly 30 years after that, and then it finally reopened as a tourist attraction in 2015.

Underground Kayaking Tour Options and Prices

There are two companies that work in partnership to offer tours of the underground cave: The Gorge Underground and SUP Kentucky. SUP Kentucky offers glass-bottomed kayak and SUP tours, either guided or unguided. These are often called “glow tours.” The Gorge Underground offers classic kayak tours (no glass bottom) and boat tours, but you can also book a guided glass-bottom tour on their site. Prices are the same on both sites.

It’s easiest to think of the two companies as the same. If the specific tour you want is not offered on one of their sites, just check the other site. It does not matter which company you book with, as long as you are booking the specific tour that you want.

On that note, be sure to book your tour as soon as possible! It’s shocking how quickly these tours sell out, especially the glass-bottomed kayaking tour. These sell out nearly 8 weeks in advance during the summer and fall months. If you have your heart set on the glass-bottomed kayaking tour and it’s already sold out, please give the classic tour a chance. It’s completely worth it, and still very similar to the glow tour!

Kayak Launch The Gorge Underground Kentucky

Classic Kayak Tours (Guided)

What it is. The classic kayak tour puts you in a traditional kayak where you’ll paddle through dimly lit tunnels and see fascinating rock formations that have formed over the past century. Tandem kayaks are also available. This tour lasts about an hour.
Who it’s for. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants a more authentic cave experience with minimal lighting. Part of this tour does pass through an illuminated area, so you’ll be able to see the rainbow trout swimming beneath the water, but for the most part, the tour is lit by the light of your headlamp.
Price. The classic kayak tour costs $55 for both adults and children Monday through Thursday, with a $10 surcharge on the weekends. Children under 5 years old are not able to participate.
How to book. The classic kayak tour must be booked through The Gorge Underground. You can access their website here.

Crystal Kayak or SUP Tours (Guided)

What it is. The guided crystal kayak tour puts you in a glass-bottomed kayak or a glass-bottomed stand up paddleboard (SUP). You’ll paddle through brightly colored tunnels, lit up by vibrant lights placed in the water, where you’ll see huge rainbow trout swimming beneath your board. Tandem clear kayaks are also available. This tour lasts an hour and a half.
Who it’s for. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants a bright and colorful adventure. If you’re nervous or scared of kayaking underground, the bright and happy lights on this tour will help to ease your mind. The bright colors are also exciting for kids, and the tour allows you to see rainbow trout from start to finish.
Price. The crystal kayak tour costs $75 for both adults and children Monday through Thursday, with a $10 surcharge on the weekends. Children under 5 years old are not able to participate.
How to book. The guided glass-bottomed kayak and SUP tours can be booked through either The Gorge Underground or SUP Kentucky. Prices are the same on both sites. You can access The Gorge Underground website here and the SUP Kentucky website here.

_💣 _{Antisocial Tourist Tip — This tour is often referred to as the “Glow Tour.” When booking through The Gorge Underground, it might seem like the glass-bottomed kayaks and SUPs are separate tours, but they’re actually part of the same experience. If your group wants a mix of both kayaks and SUPs, don’t worry, you can all go on the same tour together.}

Waiting for the tour to start at the Gorge Underground

Unguided Crystal Kayak Tour (No Guide)

What it is. The unguided crystal kayak tour is a new addition to the Gorge! You’ll be put in a glass-bottomed kayak (SUPs are not available for the unguided tour), where you’ll be sent off on your own for two hours to explore the brightly lit caves!
Who it’s for. If group tours aren’t your style, this might be the perfect option for you. The unguided tour is available for those 18 and older, but for safety reasons, you must have at least one other person with you. This means that if you sign up alone and no one else has booked, the tour will be canceled. On the other hand, if you sign up alone and there is another participant, you will be asked to stay together. This tour is only offered on weekends.
Price. The unguided crystal kayak tour costs $100 per adult.
How to book. The unguided glass-bottomed kayak tour can only be booked through SUP Kentucky. You can access the SUP Kentucky website here.

Underground Boat Tour Options and Prices

If you want to explore the underground cave but kayaking isn’t your thing, The Gorge Underground also offers boat tours! This is perfect for families and is open to all ages 3 and up.

Classic Boat Tours (Guided)

What it is. On the classic boat tour, you’ll join a group of up to 20 on a sturdy custom-built boat. During the tour, your guide will give you a brief history lesson of the mine and point out unique rock formations and stalactites as you glide by. This tour lasts 30 minutes.
Who it’s for. This tour is perfect for those who want to explore the cave without using a kayak. It’s also ideal if you’re short on time, as the tour is only 30 minutes. The boat tour takes you through the darker part of the cave, the same area covered by the classic kayak tour.
Price. The classic boat costs $30 for adults (13+) and $25 for children (3 – 12) every day of the week. Children under 3 years old are not able to participate.
How to book. The classic boat tour must be booked through The Gorge Underground. You can access their website here.

What to Expect on the Underground Kayaking Tour

Both the Classic Tour and the Crystal Kayak Tour offer similar experiences, with the main differences being the lighting and kayak style. You can expect the same general adventure, regardless of which tour you choose.

After booking your tour, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to complete waivers for everyone in your group. The process is straightforward, and you can easily forward the link to others so they can fill out their own waivers.

Arriving for the Tour

On the day of your tour, head to 2478 Glencairn Rd, Rogers, KY 41365. When you arrive, take the first left in the parking lot if you’re doing the glass-bottomed tour, and the second left if you’re on the classic or boat tour. The signage is clear, and both buildings are just a short walk apart.

Once parked, head into the office to sign in. Your confirmation email will ask you to arrive 30 minutes early to ensure there’s enough time for everyone in your group to check in and gear up before the tour starts. If you’re running late, it’s a good idea to call the tour company so they can try to accommodate you.

_💣 _{Antisocial Tourist Tip — If you’re doing the glass-bottomed kayak tour, you won’t be allowed to wear your shoes in the kayak. When you check in you can rent slippers to go over your socks. They’re special slippers with thick layers to keep your feet warm and a flat bottom. Of course, you can bring your own thick socks as well.}

Preparing for the Tour

After check-in, you’ll be guided to the gear area where you’ll be fitted with a life jacket and hard hat. Then, you’ll watch a brief safety video covering the basics of paddling, what to expect inside the cave, and important safety protocols. From there, your guide will lead the group on a short walk to the cave entrance.

As you approach, you’ll immediately notice the temperature drop. At the cave entrance, you’ll be assisted into your kayak using a kayak launch, which keeps the kayak stable on a small dock. Once you’re inside, you’ll be gently pushed into the water, minimizing any risk of tipping over.

Going on the Tour

Once everyone is ready, you’ll start paddling through the tunnels. On the Classic Tour, you’ll pass through an area lit with green LED lights, allowing you to see the rainbow trout swimming beneath. After that, the cave is illuminated only by your helmet’s headlamp and the guide’s flashlight. Your guide will point out unique formations and even bats, and at one point, you’ll be asked to turn off all lights to experience total darkness.

On the Crystal Kayak Tour, the tunnels are illuminated by bright, colorful LED lights that light up the water beneath you. You’ll see rainbow trout throughout the entire tour. Your guide will highlight unique rock formations along the way, just like on the Classic Tour, but with the added effect of the vibrant lighting.

As you paddle deeper into the cave, you’ll feel the eerie silence and cool air that make this tour so unique. We found the silence to be incredibly peaceful and unlike anything we had experienced before. Whether you choose the 1-hour or 1.5-hour tour, the time will fly by, and you’ll find yourself wishing it wouldn’t end.

Ending the Tour

When the tour concludes, you’ll loop back to the entrance where you started. The guides will use the same kayak launch to help you exit the kayak, ensuring there’s no chance of falling into the water. After you return your gear, you can tip your guides and browse the gift shop before heading out. The entire experience, from check-in to the end of the tour, is smooth and well-organized.

What to Wear on the Underground Kayaking Tour

The Gorge Underground mine is 50 degrees year-round and it doesn’t get any natural light, so it can feel quite cool. The water temperature is around 40 degrees. We recommend wearing warm clothes, thick socks, and gloves, even on a hot day. Our recommendation for gloves comes from personal experience — our hands were freezing during our tour!

If you’re doing the glass-bottomed kayak tour, keep in mind that shoes aren’t allowed on the kayaks to protect the clear surfaces. Because of this, you’ll want to bring warm socks, and maybe even an extra pair in case they get wet. Alternatively, you can rent extra-thick slippers when you check in for the tour to keep your feet cozy throughout the experience.

FAQs: Underground Kayaking in Red River Gorge

1. What is the weight limit for underground kayaking in Red River Gorge?

The weight limit for underground kayaking in Red River Gorge is 275 lbs for glass-bottomed kayaks and SUPs, 300 lbs for classic kayaks, and 400 lbs for all tandem kayaks. The weight limit for the classic boat tour is 350 pounds per person.

2. What is the age requirement for underground kayaking in Red River Gorge?

Anyone aged 5 and up can join any of the guided underground tours, whether by boat, kayak, or SUP. For the classic boat tour, children as young as 3 can participate. The unguided kayak tour, however, is reserved exclusively for adults.

3. How cold is the Gorge Underground?

The mine maintains a steady temperature of around 50 degrees year-round, while the water stays at about 40 degrees.

4. How deep is the water in the Gorge Underground?

The water in the Gorge Underground is roughly 25 feet deep, though it can vary slightly in different sections of the cave. The LED lights on some tours help you see into the depths, where you might spot rainbow trout swimming below your kayak.

5. How long is the Gorge Underground?

The entire cave system at the Gorge Underground stretches for approximately 4 miles, though the kayaking tour only covers a portion of it. The cave is a vast underground world!

6. Do people ever fall into the Gorge Underground?

Falling into the water during the underground kayaking tour in Red River Gorge is extremely rare, but it has happened. Fortunately, the tour company uses a kayak launch system at the start and finish of the tour that keeps the kayak stable as you get in and out of it. This minimizes the risk of falling into the water. The kayaks used are also wide and feel very stable in the water.

7. Does weather affect the tour?

Weather conditions outside do not affect the underground kayaking tour, as it takes place entirely within the cave. Whether it’s raining, sunny, or windy outside, the cave remains a constant environment, with no impact from external weather. Tours are occasionally rescheduled in the event of severe weather, but it’s rare.

8. Can I bring my own kayak or SUP?

Personal kayaks and paddleboards are now allowed at the Gorge Underground. All visitors must use the provided equipment. The provided equipment is regularly inspected and suited to the specific conditions of the cave.

Final Thoughts: Kayaking at the Gorge Underground

Kayaking at the Gorge Underground is hands down one of the best things to do in Red River Gorge! It’s such a unique adventure, and unlike many other cave kayaking experiences around the world, this one is completely underground.

Underground kayaking in Red River Gorge should absolutely be on your Kentucky bucket list. The experience exceeded our expectations and was fun enough to do again and again. But if you take anything away from this post, let it be to book your tour as early as possible! It’s mind-blowing how far in advance the underground kayaking tours sells out.

Thank you for reading our post! We hope it helps you plan the perfect trip! Check out our other guides here and follow us on Instagram (@AntisocialTourist) or on Facebook to see our latest adventures!