Journey Down the River with Friends
Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Ky River Palisades between the historic Fort Boonesboro and Valley View Ferry.
Our 30-foot pontoon can accommodate up to 6 participants for a sightseeing tour on the Kentucky River between Fort Boonesborough State Park and Valley View Ferry. The pace of the excursion will depend on your group, weather, and conditions of the river. Pricing is based on the length of the trip.
We currently board from the dock at Three Trees Canoe & Kayak (behind the RV Park) where passengers can take advantage of their parking lot and restrooms before boarding the boat. We also have an on-board privvy (for LIQUID deposits only) as well as a handwashing sink.
You can choose how you’d like to spend to your time such as:
- Bring a picnic or grab a carry-out order from Waterfront Grill just a few doors down from the campground. We have removable tables and a sink for hand-washing. You are also welcome to bring a cooler and your favorite beverages.
- We have two kayak/SUP hangers on the boat if you want to paddle up any of the tributaries. You can bring your own or rent our two inflatable SUPs in advance.
- Depending on the water level, we can anchor off at our favorite swimming spot for a refreshing dip. We test this water several times a year to ensure it is safe for swimming.
Some of the highlights of this section of river include the Lock and Dam at Fort Boonesboro, an active rock quarry (can be dusty during business hours), limestone cliffs with caves, an ironside sternwheel shipwreck (the Brooklyn), two nature preserves, a heron rookery, and the Valley View Ferry – the oldest continuously running ferry operation since 1785. If you want to cruise the entire 19-mile length between the Fort and the Ferry, you’ll want to plan for a 6-hour excursion (we have an onboard privy available for LIQUID deposits).
We want this trip to be enjoyable for YOU so we can cater to your needs (within reason) – just let us know what your ideal experience would include. Please keep in mind that we are at the mercy of the river so it might not be possible to participate in certain activities if the water conditions are less than ideal.
If you want to book outside our listed availability schedule, just contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Guests that also book select lodging with us at HomeGrown HideAways get a discount on boat rides!
Cruise the Kentucky River Palisades between Fort Boonesborough State Park and Valley View Ferry — one of the most scenic stretches of river in the state.
Captain Nathan earned his official license so your group of up to 6 can sit back and let the river do the work. Board at Three Trees RV Park, where parking and restrooms are available before departure.
The pace is yours to set. Bring a picnic, drop kayaks off a tributary, anchor at a swimming hole, or simply watch the limestone cliffs roll by.
Lock and Dam at Fort Boonesboro
Historic river infrastructure right at the start of the run.
Limestone palisades and caves
Dramatic cliffs line the river — some with visible cave openings.
The Brooklyn — ironside sternwheel shipwreck
A ghostly piece of river history visible along the bank.
Great blue heron rookery
One of the most active rookeries on this stretch — a wildlife highlight.
Two nature preserves
Protected land flanking the river banks mid-route.
Valley View Ferry — est. 1785
The oldest continuously operating ferry in North America marks the end of the full run.
Pricing at a glance
Shorter cruise
2 - 3 hours
Starting at $275
Most popular
4 hours
$475
Full river run
5-6 hours
$675
Eat + Drink
Bring a picnic or grab carry-out from Waterfront Grill just a few doors down from Three Trees.
Paddle a Tributrary
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Take a Dip
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Ready to Cast Off?
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Other Outdoor Activities
We also highly recommend a few of the following excursions:
Get Outside Ky - Canoe, kayak, SUP, paddleboat, and e-bike rentals. Fishing & hunting licenses, bait.
Owsley Fork Reservoir - 8 miles away. Rent a canoe or kayak from Get Outside Ky and hit the water.
Boone Creek Outdoors - 34 miles away. Zipline tours, guided hikes, angler's club.
Rockcastle Outdoor Company - 36 miles away. Stand-up paddleboard rentals, motorcycle tours, river tubing.