This Cavern In Kentucky Has Stunning Clear Water & You Can Kayak To An Underground Waterfall

Are you up for a bucket list adventure? The state of Kentucky has an eccentric cave experience that takes things to the next level. We're talking about an underground journey with water as clear as glass.

With SUP Kentucky's majestic Glow Tour in Red River Gorge, you will descend into the depths of an abandoned mining cave filled with crystal-clear water illuminated by LED lights in a clear-bottom kayak or paddleboard so you can see right through to the bottom.

The stone and water come alive with vibrant hues, which you can observe from your crystalline vessel guided by a tour guide, allowing you to explore what's below the surface.

Along the way, you'll see groups of rainbow trout that like to tag along, as well as an underground waterfall.

According to one Tripadvisor review from a Kentucky local, "The lights allowed us to see far down into the water, which was home to loads of giant Rainbow Trout. Seriously one of the most fun family outings we have had — an unforgettable experience."

This is the perfect activity for families, couples, or solo travelers. It allows you to engage both your mind and body while you traverse through the cave's illuminated tunnels. No matter your experience level with kayaking, the LED experience has been labeled as "easy" by novice visitors.

"I was more than a little bit nervous about this activity as I've never kayaked before and am close to 50. I'm not sedentary, but I'm not particularly fit either, so I wasn't sure if this would be too much for me," another Tripadvisor reviewer wrote.

"I shouldn't have worried - Jacob B and Preston W were great guides, helping us all in and out of the crystal kayaks without getting soaked and keeping the pace leisurely enough that it was no concern to keep up, even as a newbie!"

This is an intimate guided tour with a max capacity of eight guests per voyage, but you have an entire hour to paddle around the cave and explore, so there's no need to worry about holding the group up.

The entire duration of the experience is 90 minutes, which consists of an hour of paddling along with 15 minutes of gearing up for the excursion and 15 minutes to take photos to document your travels.

Want to experience the luminous magic of this Kentucky cave? Children ages five and older can tag along for only $25 during the week and $30 on Saturdays. Tickets for teenagers and adults cost $75 per person Sunday - Friday and $85 on Saturdays.

This article has been updated since it was originally published on September 22, 2022.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.