Link to Corp. of Engineer Licking River release information.
Car top Kayak/Canoe Rentals
Cave Run Outdoor Center has a variety of kayaks/canoes for rent. You can rent either for the entire day or just half a day. Rental fee includes boat, personal flotation device, paddle, and blocks and straps for car top rentals.
Tandem Kayak and Canoes -- $30 per half day (4 hours or less) and $40 per full day (up to 8 hours).
Single kayaks -- $25 per half day (4 hours or less) and $35 per full day (up to 8 hours).
Touring Kayaks -- $35 per half day (4 hours or less) and $45 per full day (up to 8 hours).
Multi-day, overnight, and after hour drop offs can be arranged..
3-mile River Trip
This trip is designed for a leisurely paddle/float down the Licking River. This is an ideal trip for fishing, picnicking on the river, young children, and swimming along the way. The trip will take anywhere from 45 minutes to 4 hours. Your choice!
For this trip we meet you at the take out, where you park your car, then we drive you and the boats to the put in. When you reach the take out just place your boat at the designated location and place the paddles and personal flotation devices in the boat. Then you are done. We do all the rest.
Trips leave at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30. Note that boats need to be off the river by 5:30pm.
Cost is $20 per single kayak and $25 per canoe or tandem kayak.
8-mile River Trip (Available when river and take-out conditions allow)
This trip is recommended for more experienced paddlers who want to spend between 3 to 6 hours on the river. The trip time is depended on water level and the paddlers speed. For this trip we meet you at the take out, where you park your car, then we drive you and the boats to the put in. When you reach the take out just place your boat at the designated location and place the paddles and personal flotation devices in the boat. Then you are done. We do all the rest.
Last trip puts on the water at 2:00 pm.
Cost is $25 per single kayak and $35 per canoe or tandem kayak.
Group Rentals
We offer a discount for group rentals of 5 or more boats. We suggest reserving boats in advance for groups to ensure there are boats for everyone to enjoy.
Rent five (5) to ten (10) canoes or kayaks get $2.00 off per boat.
Rent eleven (11) or more boats and get $3.00 off per boat.
Reservation Procedures
To reserve boats and trips, contact us at info@caverunbikeshop.com.
Deposit
A 50% deposit is required to hold the boats and scheduled trip.
Cancellation policy
If you must cancel your trip or boat reservation, let us know 3 days in advance and a deposit will be refunded. The best way to cancel is to e-mail us at info@caverunbikeshop.com.
No Rainy Day Refunds
Rain checks will be given only in unsafe storm conditions.
Suggestions for a more enjoyable trip
Wear sun screen.
Take water and snacks.
Bring a change of clothes.
Sandles or old tennis shoes work well for footwear (flip flops are not recommended for getting in the water).
Sunglasses.
If you wear glasses, an eyeglass cord or "Chums".
A trash bag. We support Leave No Trace Practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does the river flow? The Licking River below the Cave Run Lake is controlled by the Cave Run Dam and Corp of Engineers. We run river trips when the dam is releasing 500 cfs or less. At these release volumes the river flow is slow to moderate. At minimum release levels there are places on the river where some people have to exit or unweight the boat briefly to continue.
Do you accept credit cards? Yes, we accept Mastercard and Visa.
Can we bring a dog? Yes, We are dog friendly. However, we ask that you only bring dogs that are friendly towards other people.
What are the age limits for children? We encourage people to bring their children. You as a parent know what your children are capable of doing. We have a limited number of personal flotation devices (aka. lifejackets) for children that weigh between 50 - 90 pounds as well as 20 - 40 pounds. If your children have never been in a canoe or kayak we recommend car topping or the 3 mile trip.
Near by (HWY 801) places to stay and eat
Comfort Inn 606-780-7378.
Twin Knob Campground 606-780-7818.
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Kayak and Canoe Clinics Information
Note: The reservation and cancellation policy is the same as the rental policies.
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| Paddlers on Lake with Bald Eagle in the Background |
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Nature Tours
Enjoy the natural beauty of the area with an experienced guide and naturalist. The trips include guide, transportation, boats, paddle, personal floatation device, light snack and water. Although this trip is a kayak/canoe nature trip you will want to be prepared to get in and out of your boat -- in short your feet may get wet and dirty. The trips will take place on a three mile section of the Licking River. The cost of Nature Tours are $30 per person. Minimum size of 4 people and a maximum of 10 people.
Kayak/Canoe Clinics
THE BELOW CLINICS CAN BE SCHEDULED BY EMAILING US at (info@caverunbikeshop.com).
Beginners Kayak/Canoe Clinic. This 2-3 hour course gives you an opportunity to learn the basics of boating as well as an opportunity to try out a variety of boats in a flatwater environment. The instructor will go over the parts of the boats, getting in and out of your boat, and basic paddle stokes. The fee for this course is $35 per person (for 4 or more) or $75 per person (1 to 3 people). This includes boats, personal flotation device, paddles, transportation of the boats, and snacks.
Advanced Flatwater Paddling. In this 2 hour course, we will review the topics covered in the beginners clinic then performance paddling, wet exit, and getting back into your boat. The fee for this course is $40 per person (for 4 or more) or $75 per person (1 to 3 people). This includes boats, personal flotation device, paddles, transportation of the boats, and snacks.
Beginners Moving Water Clinic. In this 2- 3 hour course, we will review the topics covered in the beginners clinic then advance to currents, hazards, ferrying, and more paddle stokes. The fee for this course is $40 per person (for 4 or more) or $75 per person (1 to 3 people). This includes boats, boat transportation, pick up at take out, personal flotation device, paddles and snacks.
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| Paddler on Licking River |
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| Paddler on lakeshore |
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