Red River Gorge Backpack and Kayak

This event will be limited to 10 people.

About the park

Red River Gorge is home to numerous geological formations including high sandstone cliffs, rock shelters, waterfalls, and natural bridges. This is one trip we at True North Expeditions, Inc have been waiting to plan since we last visited in fall of 2017!

Event Details

Between Thursday afternoon and Sunday morning we will hike the gorge visiting some of the most famous geological features in the area, including Natural Bridge, Double Arch, Courthouse Rock, and one of the best camping spots we here at True North Expeditions, Inc have had....shhh! This spot is coveted by locals and we are sworn to secrecy of it's location.

All routes will be looped or out and backs. Daily mileage will range from 3-7 miles except for one day which will be approximately 10 miles. This will allow you to carry a lighter pack since you will be able to stage gear in our vehicle-no need to carry multiple days worth of food!

Sunday's hike will be short, we will be exiting the gorge prior to noon to allow us time to get to our next event-underground kayaking!

"The Gorge Underground is unlike any other adventure you have ever been on! Join us as our guides lead you into the darkness of the Gorge Grotto, through the mountainside for a full hour-long adventure under the earth's surface. Paddle your way through the grotto in your own kayak as our guide leads the way while explaining the history of the cavern and how it came to be flooded. Be sure to look out for the newly relocated rainbow trout!" -Thrillsville

Sunday nights lodging will be at Bedrock located in Rogers, KY. Accommodation information can be found below in the "Tickets" section.

To see some pictures from our 2017 RRG event, click here.

Transportation

Leaving early the morning of May 23, 2019 we will depart from the Chicagoland area. Carpooling options will be available along our route, and as always, there is no additional cost when meeting us at one of the predetermined Park and Rides. If you are unsure if you are along our route, please contact us prior to signing up.

We will be returning to the Chicagoland area the morning of May 27.

Ticket Options

2 ticket options are available for this trip.

1. Admission for 1 (Private Room)-Includes sleeping accommodations in a private room at Bedrock. Room sleeps up to 2 people, if you are booking this event with someone you know and want to share a room, please contact us prior to booking. Ticket price is $395 per person.
2. Admission for 1 (Bunk Room/Not Private)- Includes shared sleeping accommodations in an 8 person bunk room at Bedrock. This ticket price also includes the hour long underground kayak trip (tip included in price). Dinner on Sunday and all meals are not included in this price. Ticket price is $345 per person.

Both ticket prices include snacks and water during transportation, fuel, tolls, parking, park permits, lodging for Sunday night and kayak rental from Thrillsville.

This event will be limited to 10 people.

Cancellations

No refunds will be issued for cancellations less than 7 days from the date of the event. All other cancellations are subject to a 50% service fee. Refund will be issued in the form of a check. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing, we will notify you when the refund has been issued. Additional information will be emailed to you after registering.

Gear

Guests are responsible for obtaining their own gear, although we do offer gear rental if you are in need of gear. Gear Rental is $150 for the event and can be selected when checking out.

Gear rental includes the following:

-Osprey Backpack

-River Country Products 1 person tent

-North Face, Eureka or Kelty Sleeping bag

-Klymit Sleeping pad

-Sleeping pillow

-Jetboil Flash backpacking stove

-Sawyer water filter

-Trowel

-Headlamp

-Trekking Poles

-Dry Bag for food storage

Required Gear List

-Backpack (properly fitted)

-Sleeping bag

-Sleeping pad

-Tent

-Stove

-Cookware

-Trowel

-Small Compass

-Appropriate footwear (trail runners or boots)

-Water filter

-25' of paracord (minimum)

-Individual First Aid Kit

-Headlamp (spare batteries)

-Rain Gear (poncho, Frog Toggs, rain suit)

-Toiletry Kit

-Fire starting kit

-Small knife

-Spare set of clothing

-Spare set of socks x 2

-Appropriate backpacking meals for the length of the event

-Emergency blanket

-Hydration system or water bottles

-Whistle

-Quick Dry towel

-Biodegradable soap

-Personal Medications

Optional Items :

-Trekking Poles

-Base layer (during inclement weather)

-Insulation-Jacket, gloves, hat (inclement weather)

-Camp shoes (Crocs or similar)

-Insect repellent

-Earplugs

Donate and Give Back to the Outdoor Community!

We are teaming up with *Gear Forward in an attempt to collect new and unused gear, specifically sleeping bags, tents and backpacks. Illinois resident Scott Gauvin is the founder of Gear Forward, an independent nationwide non-profit that provides gear to non-profit community organizations, youth groups and charities working with young people in the outdoors. If you have one of the above mentioned pieces of gear and would like to donate it, please bring it with. After our fall and winter events, the gear that we collect will be turned over to Gear Forward. Anyone donating equipment will be entered into a raffle. You will be given one raffle entry for each piece of gear. (Raffle will consist of 2 Backpackers Pantry backpacking meals, TNE decal pack, TNE t-shirt and a complimentary ticket to one weekend TNE event in 2019.)

*As stated above, Gear Forward is an independent nationwide non-profit that provides gear to non-profit community organizations, youth groups and charities working with young people in the outdoors. Founded by Scott Gauvin, Gear Forward aims to encourage people to donate unused outdoor gear they no longer want or need. Gear Forward also seeks partnerships with outdoor retailers and manufacturers to encourage donation of unused gear or donations by customers.

The outdoors are our collective greatest treasure and gift that we offer the next generation. Gear Forward, simply is about providing the next generation of stewards, adventurers, Scoutmasters and Girl Scout Leaders the resources they need to get outdoors. No child should be denied access to all the outdoors has to offer because they don't have the necessary equipment. Through the collection of gently used outdoor gear, Gear Forward will work with other youth and outdoor focused organizations to get donated gear into the hands that need it.

Through the donation of outdoor gear, Gear Forward will provide youth in need via various noteworthy organizations the ability to participate in outdoor themed activities such as hiking, camping and backpacking. You can find out more about Gear Forward by visiting their Facebook page or website.