How Ancient Limestone Created Kentucky's Wildest Adventures | The Rock Record

Kentucky just became one of my new adventure obsessions! I kayaked through a 100-year-old flooded limestone mine, ziplined through the largest man-made cave system in North America, and discovered how 400-million-year-old geology makes both bourbon and underground adventures possible.

Who knew that beneath Kentucky's famous Red River Gorge lies a network of repurposed limestone mines offering some of America's most unique adventures?

GEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
The Red River Gorge showcases 340-million-year-old Corbin Sandstone formations containing over 150 natural arches—more than anywhere east of the Mississippi River! Beneath these sandstone cliffs lies even older limestone from the Cincinnati Arch formation, a massive geological dome stretching from Ohio to Tennessee that formed 450 million years ago during ancient mountain-building events.

📍 VISITOR INFORMATION:
• Gorge Underground: Crystal Kayak Tours year-round, 1.5 hours, ages 5+, groups limited to 8 people, 55°F constant temperature
• Louisville Mega Cavern: Multiple adventure options, 58°F year-round, no experience required
• Best times to visit: Spring/fall for surface activities, underground adventures perfect year-round
• Flying: Louisville for cheaper flights, Lexington for Red River Gorge proximity

Chapters:
00:00 - I let the internet choose my vacation
01:07 - Geology of the Red River Gorge & Natural Bridge State Resort Park
03:10 - Gorge Underground Crystal Kayak Tour
08:13 - Louisville Mega Cavern Zipline Adventure
11:15 - Kentucky Limestone's Bourbon Connection
13:08 - Practical Visitor Information & Planning
17:17 - Thanks for watching! ⚒