Class III Red River, KY

The Red River in its headwaters doesn’t look capable of carving through time one of the most scenic and geologically unique areas in the United States. It is a small, intimate stream not much wider than many Kentucky creeks. However, the river’s westward journey from the Cumberland Plateau through the Pottsville (or Cumberland) Escarpment leaves in its wake a boulder strewn valley with natural stone arches, rock shelters, soaring cliffs and scenery that leaves visitors spellbound. The sheer grandeur of the Red River inspired Congress to designate National Wild and Scenic River status to the 19.4 mile section from the KY 746 bridge downstream to the mouth of Schoolhouse Branch. The Red is the only National Wild and Scenic River in Kentucky. (KYFWR) rivers.gov