If you’re looking to have some summer fun on the water, but also want to escape the crowds, then come to this beautiful remote river in Kentucky where you can swim, fish, kayak, and more! Kentucky is replete with gorgeous rivers, and many of them attract tons of visitors who want to enjoy their beauty. Rockcastle River is nestled in the more remote areas of Daniel Boone National Forest and is the perfect place for summer fun in the water!

Rockcastle River is an excellent place for remote fun on the water as it has areas with calm water for fishing and swimming as well as rushing rapids for kayaking and canoeing -- some of them quite challenging.
Flora Zuniga/AllTrails
Remote areas in Kentucky like this take more effort to get to than the more well-known places, but they're generally less crowded and always worth the trip! There are two trails that lead to the river and the trailheads are a short walk from each other and accessible from The Narrows Road.
Caitlin Worth/AllTrails
The first trail is the Rockcastle Narrows Trail which is a 5.6-mile loop trail that is moderately challenging, but gorgeous and as remote as can be.
Julie Warren/AllTrails

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The other is the Winding Stair Gap Trail, which is significantly shorter at 3.8 miles. There are no bad choices here: the views will be well-worth it, whichever trail you choose.
Tammy Gibbs/AllTrails
When you arrive at the river, you’ll find placid waters in which you can fish or swim and cool off after your hike in scenic and verdant surroundings.
Bobby Bartholomai/AllTrails
If you’re here for whitewater rafting, the trails end up at calm spots from which you can launch and paddle your way to the rapids. It’s best to bring a guide who knows them as they’re known to be challenging.
David Miracle/AllTrails
If it’s fishing that you’re here for, you’ll find rock bass, smallmouth bass, and a few walleye. Whatever you do here, enjoy the sounds of the water, the breeze in the trees, and the singing of birds rather than the noise of crowds of people while you play, relax, and take in the beauty of this remote river in Kentucky.
Caitlin Worth/AllTrails

Have you ever been to Rockcastle River before? Let us know all about your experiences in the comments. Whatever trail you take to get there, be sure to be prepared with some hiking essentials. There are many gorgeous natural wonders to behold within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Get outside this summer and see all you can!

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The Narrows Road, The Narrows Rd, Kentucky, USA