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USDA Forest Service
Daniel Boone
National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391

Phone: 859-745-3100
FAX: 859-744-1568

The Red River on Cumberland Ranger District

The Red River tumbles through huge boulders in a narrow, twisting, and largely inaccessible hemlock gorge. Originating in Wolfe County, the Red River runs through Powell County and empties into the Kentucky River south of Winchester. The 9.1-mile segment from the KY 746 bridge to the mouth of Swift Camp Creek has been designated a Kentucky Wild River, and features some of the most spectacular canoeing water in the Eastern United States. The 19.4-mile segment from KY 746 to the ford below Schoolhouse Branch was designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1993.

Upper Red River

Big Branch to "Concrete Bridge" (KY 715)

This 10.8 mile section of the river is a Class II to III whitewater stream of unparalleled beauty. The put in point is at Big Branch; 1.7 miles downstream from the put in point you cross under the KY 746 bridge, the former put in point for this segment. The first 3 miles below the KY 746 bridge are scenic Class I water with a good current. Below the mouth of Stillwater Creek the gradient increases with a technical, Class III rapids. For a half mile below Pecks Branch the Red River twists through a series of 3 borderline Class III rapids, popularly know as the "Narrows of the Red". Generally the run is a Class II, runnable from late December to late May in years of average rainfall. At low water the run can turn into a hike. At very high water the Red is extremely dangerous. The best time to run the Red is in the morning because of the afternoon sun that shines directly in your eyes after 2:00 p.m.

Middle Red River

KY 715 "Concrete Bridge" to KY 77 "Iron Bridge"

This 8.5 mile section begins at KY 715 and twists and turns through the center of the Red River Gorge Geological Area, past Sky Bridge Arch, Tower Rock and Chimney Top Rock. This section is Class I throughout, but numerous sandbars, riffles, and small ledges make the paddling interesting. The middle section is runnable from late fall to early summer most years. The take out will be on the right under the KY 77 bridge.

Lower Red River

KY 77 to Schoolhouse Branch

This is an approximately 2 mile Class I section that remains very scenic as it winds along then finally runs out of the Red River Gorge. The take out is on the right, at an old ford below Schoolhouse Branch.

Title: Red River
Last Updated: August 13, 2008