This 5,000-Foot Kentucky Lazy River Has Summer Written All Over It

A summer day in Kentucky is best enjoyed near the water, or better yet, in the water, cooling off on a hot day. There are many places to do this in the Bluegrass State, whether you want to relax poolside, hang out on a sandy beach, or take on a water adventure. If you're looking for a great combination of relaxation and adventure, Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort offers the right excursion with river tubing in this scenic area of Kentucky. With this fun-filled company, you can tube down a portion of the Big South Fork River on this 5,000-foot natural lazy river in Kentucky. It's among the best river tubing in Kentucky. This exciting and unique activity has summer written all over it.

Why the Big South Fork River is So Unique

When the temperatures begin to rise, nothing is quite as refreshing as a day spent out on the water. The Big South Fork River in Kentucky is arguably the most scenic body of water in our state. As it winds through rocky cliffs and beautiful forests, this river is a magical place to explore in Kentucky. The river has flowed through the Cumberland Plateau for thousands of years, and today you can admire the dramatic sandstone cliffs, arches, and overlooks. You can do this in a number of ways—by train, by hiking trail, etc.—but why not get right out there on the water? That's exactly what Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort offers, and this experience has summer written all over it.

Why This Tubing Adventure Is Perfect For Summer

Tubing offers us so much of what we love about summertime in Kentucky: sunshine, beautiful views, community, and some time on the water. It's a lovely way to spend time in the great outdoors without needing to exert so much energy. The cool water of the Big South Fork River is wonderfully refreshing, and the gentle current is relaxing enough to keep you cool without making the adventure feel sleepy.

When you book with Sheltowee, you can enjoy a lazy river experience in Kentucky right on the river. The scenic float trips last anywhere from one to two hours. The trips will meet directly behind the Cumberland Regional Mall. Single and double tubes are available, and riders must be 7 years old to ride a single and 4 years old to ride along in a double. Life jackets are required for all tubers. The route covers about one mile of the river. While much of the float is calm and relaxing, there are a few narrow chutes that will add a bit of excitement to the trip.

Other River Adventures

Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort offers several other excursions that take you out on the water. Take a raft right up to Cumberland Falls and enjoy a leisurely riverboat cruise for lunch, among others. In fact, did you know you can also go whitewater rafting in Kentucky? The resort offers this, as well. For a true whitewater rafting experience, check out the spring trip on the Big South Fork River. There are also summer and fall trips to Cumberland Falls that are just as scenic as you can imagine. If talk of whitewater and rapids seems intimidating, there are plenty of calmer choices for getting out on the water. Take a kayak or canoe trip along a quiet stretch of the river. They also offer stand-up paddle boarding—another way to get right up next to Kentucky's largest waterfall.

If you don't live near these tubing and river adventures, Sheltowee Trace offers several overnight accommodations. Try something unique like spending the night in a covered wagon. You can also do more traditional camping in a rented cabin or bring your own tent or RV.

There are many opportunities to get out and experience the scenic rivers in our state, just be sure to always make safety the number one priority, with fun as a close second. A great way to do this is to tube down this natural lazy river at Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort for a safe, exciting, and relaxing excursion this summer. Have you been to the best river tubing in Kentucky? If not, share this article with a buddy and begin planning your float trip today! For more information, visit the official Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort website. Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at our official guide to spending summer in Kentucky.