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Pilot Mountain - North Carolina
Red River Gorge Underground Kayaking
and Off-Road UTV Tour
and Off-Road UTV Tour
Perfect for tech minds looking to unplug and reconnect with nature - in the most geek-approved way.
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DifficultyEasy Peasy -
DurationWeekend -
Number of participants6 - 12 -
PriceTBA -
DateNovember 2025 -
LocationKentucky, USA
Red River Gorge Tech Weekend: Underground Kayaking, Off-Road UTV, and Hiking
Join us for a weekend of adventure in Kentucky’s iconic Red River Gorge. It’s the perfect chance to unplug from screens, make new connections, and share unique experiences with like-minded people.
What’s on the plan?
Underground Kayaking
Paddle through the flooded tunnels of a 100-year-old limestone mine, guided by local experts who will illuminate the path. This is not your typical kayak trip - it’s a surreal, glowing world beneath the mountainside. Expect flooded caverns, hidden corners, and a whole lot of “wow.”
Off-Road UTV Adventure
The next day, jump into Polaris RZR UTVs for a real off-road experience. We’ll explore rugged trails and remote parts of the Gorge that you simply can’t access on foot or by car. No prior experience needed - just bring your spirit of adventure.
Natural Bridge State Park Hike
Of course, no trip to Red River Gorge is complete without a hike to Natural Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks in the area. We’ll take the time to enjoy the views, stretch our legs, and grab some great group photos.
A weekend of shared adventure, great conversations, and stepping away from the keyboard - just for a bit.
Join us for a weekend of adventure in Kentucky’s iconic Red River Gorge. It’s the perfect chance to unplug from screens, make new connections, and share unique experiences with like-minded people.
What’s on the plan?
Underground Kayaking
Paddle through the flooded tunnels of a 100-year-old limestone mine, guided by local experts who will illuminate the path. This is not your typical kayak trip - it’s a surreal, glowing world beneath the mountainside. Expect flooded caverns, hidden corners, and a whole lot of “wow.”
Off-Road UTV Adventure
The next day, jump into Polaris RZR UTVs for a real off-road experience. We’ll explore rugged trails and remote parts of the Gorge that you simply can’t access on foot or by car. No prior experience needed - just bring your spirit of adventure.
Natural Bridge State Park Hike
Of course, no trip to Red River Gorge is complete without a hike to Natural Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks in the area. We’ll take the time to enjoy the views, stretch our legs, and grab some great group photos.
A weekend of shared adventure, great conversations, and stepping away from the keyboard - just for a bit.
Adventure Program
Friday
Friday
Arrival and hotel check-in
Saturday
Saturday
Underground cave kayaking & Off-Road UTV Adventure
Sunday
Sunday
Hiking in Natural Bridge State Park
| What is Red River Gorge Underground Kayaking? Red River Gorge Underground Kayaking is a unique adventure through the flooded tunnels of an old limestone mine in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. The History: Over 100 years ago, this area was an active limestone quarry supplying material for construction and industry. After the mine closed, the tunnels gradually filled with crystal-clear groundwater, creating a hidden underground lagoon. In recent years, the site was transformed into an eco-friendly adventure destination, offering kayaking and paddleboarding through the submerged mine. Who Made It Possible? The idea of underground kayaking was brought to life by local adventure tourism enthusiasts. The Gorge Underground launched the first tours around 2016–2017, creating safe, guided routes. Today, it’s one of the most unusual and memorable activities in the Red River Gorge region. |
Adventure Highlights
What’s included?
Does not include:
- Kayak & UTV Guides Services
- 2 nights of hotel accommodation (2 beds rooms)
- Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
- All Equipment
- Custom souvenirs
Does not include:
- Medical insurance
- Optional Dinner
- Optional Guide Tips
FAQ:
It’s 50 degrees underground, so dress in light athletic quick drying layers (you may get a bit damp depending on your paddling skill), extra pair of socks (no shoes allowed in clear kayaks), gloves (great idea) and comfortable shoes. Kids tends to get colder, so dress them warmly. They rent neoprene socks and mitts on the deluxe tours for $2.00 if needed.
For the off-road UTV tour, bring comfortable fall clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
In November, the weather in Kentucky is usually cool, with daytime temperatures around 50°F (about 10°C).
Recommended:
For the off-road UTV tour, bring comfortable fall clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
In November, the weather in Kentucky is usually cool, with daytime temperatures around 50°F (about 10°C).
Recommended:
- Layered clothing for warmth
- A waterproof or windproof jacket
- Durable pants and boots you don’t mind muddying up
- Gloves and a hat for extra comfort
Bring Water, Snacks, Anything else you may need for a day.
The Gorge Underground Kayak and SUP tours are fine for beginners. There is no wind, waves, or current in the mine, so it is a gentle, easy paddle. It is very dark, but everyone will have a helmet with a headlamp, and the guides will have a spotlight to highlight different features of the mine. There will be a quick intro to paddling given for each craft before departure.
Yes
Adventure Highlights
REVIEWS
We told them if they didn’t leave a review, they wouldn’t come down the mountain
Thank you again for the wonderful time yesterday. Landree and I both enjoyed our introduction to outdoor rock climbing and will plan to do it again. I hope to go on more adventures with you in the future!
This wasn’t my first trip with GGP. Since we’ve become family friends with Peter and Vadim. It was awesome spending time together in Lapland. The weather was perfect, letting us enjoy the Northern Lights every single day, we got so lucky. On the last day we were already tossing around ideas about where we could go next together. Can’t wait for more adventures
I'm from Hungary and spent many years living in Budapest, yet I never took the chance to explore the local caves. Going caving with GGP was the perfect way to finally change that, and I have to say I absolutely loved it! I’d highly recommend the experience to anyone. Hopefully, I’ll get to join GGP on more adventures in the future!
Aconcagua was the trip of a lifetime. High altitude mountains are no easy feat, albeit the experience was very fulfilling. I would recommend anyone in good physical condition, with a love for nature and looking for a challenge, to visit. You won't regret it!
I had an incredible experience rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon in Nevada! It was my first time climbing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better adventure. The scenery, climb, and the amazing group of people I got to share it with made it awesome. I highly recommend, if you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity and a chance to meet great people.
I think it is an easy climb if you are not fat. I am fat.
It was a great intro into high altitude mountaineering. The itinerary was great. Maybe an overnight trip sneakjng through the Iranian border would make it more adventurous, but not as legal :)
It was a great intro into high altitude mountaineering. The itinerary was great. Maybe an overnight trip sneakjng through the Iranian border would make it more adventurous, but not as legal :)
It was a good balance between teamwork and individual challenges to complete various gymnastic exercises. I was challenged to test my balance, muscle strength, and running on vertical surfaces to reach the top of the structure. We had fun, supported each other, and collaborated to find the best approach to completing the tasks. I believe this could be a great training for trekking and hiking! I had a fantastic time at the Geeks go Ninja!
It was a great trip, the perfect one for the people who wanted to start their journey with the high altitude climbing.
Going outside with like-minded people instead of just socializing and drinking was a nice setup.
It seems that geekiness and adventure are a good combination, and they allow us to chat and make new friends.
It seems that geekiness and adventure are a good combination, and they allow us to chat and make new friends.
It was great. The trek was straightforward, but altitude made it more difficult and at the end, the weather made it a challenge
I liked that we made stops to swim, by the waterfall and on the last day we were able to visit Ishak Pasha and the baths. The mini 3D-printed Ararat was a nice touch!
I liked that we made stops to swim, by the waterfall and on the last day we were able to visit Ishak Pasha and the baths. The mini 3D-printed Ararat was a nice touch!
My friend Peter invited me to his pre conference ‘Geeks go Peaks’ event, and I immediately accepted because he loves adventure, and his events are never dull. I am complete out of shape and didn’t know anyone going, but I knew it would be fun. In keeping with Peter’s roots in the open source software community. The group was welcoming and cheered me on to try new things! I made some new friends, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this group will grow community and explore opportunities for connection and adventure.
Thank you so much for ogranizing this. It was one of the best trips in my life. Excellent! And so many interesting new people. Waiting for more photos in the shared album :)
Ararat adventure was an experience I’ll never forget! Big thanks to Geeks Go Peaks! The trip was better than I expected. The videos on Youtube do not reflect full wild experience you get during the trip. Before the trip I was a bit nervous, nit sure how I will handle the height and difficulty. After the trip I felt good, because all went well and most of the group achieved summit. I liked the itinerary and good company! I want to say big thanks! Ararat adventure was great and I will have great memories for life.
Climbing Mount Ararat is an opportunity to challenge yourself and enjoy breathtaking views. Personally, I gained emotions not only from the climb itself, but also from the time spent with a great team of like-minded people. I made new acquaintances with wonderful individuals. And Kurdish hospitality evokes nothing but warm feelings. Of course, the nature — you can watch the starry sky endlessly, far from city lights.
The sunrise at the summit during the climb is not only a sight to admire,
but also a hope for the upcoming warmth, meaning my gear held up — I won’t freeze!) Most importantly, such an adventure allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and feel truly connected to yourself — a part of nature!
The sunrise at the summit during the climb is not only a sight to admire,
but also a hope for the upcoming warmth, meaning my gear held up — I won’t freeze!) Most importantly, such an adventure allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and feel truly connected to yourself — a part of nature!
It was an amazing trip with incredible people. Climbing a mountain over 5,000 meters was a first for me, and now I’m craving even more adventures. Looking forward to the next trip!
The trip went by too fast, and I’m already looking forward to the next one. This is a great adventure for techies, and everything was described pretty much as it was. It was a great experience—somewhat hard, but not as challenging as Aconcagua, obviously. Great job!
Activity was nice, i never tried to have SUP, it was good chance to try it out! And I really like to see the people who has similar interest, that made me a nice time!
And yes I got a nice friend there and he is even my colleague now! (I didn't invite him, that's a kind of coincidence though)
And yes I got a nice friend there and he is even my colleague now! (I didn't invite him, that's a kind of coincidence though)
Hey, geeks! Time to ditch the screens and hit the rocks—let’s climb together! Join me for a full day of fresh North Carolina air, Rocky Face views, and good vibes with fellow adventurers before the usual grind kicks back in. Don’t sleep on this chance to stretch those limbs, trade code for chalk, and bond with some awesome folks. Swap your mouse for a harness and let’s make memories that’ll outlast any bug fix!
Peter Zaitsev
Startup pusher
