5 Amazing Outdoor Adventures in the Northern Kentucky River Region

State park fishing outings, exhilarating zip lining excursions, extreme mountain biking – Northern Kentucky River Region is made for outdoors lovers. Sitting along the banks of the Ohio River, this Kentucky region is jam-packed with thrilling naturescapes. Come explore the “Top of the South” for your next big adventure.

Williamstown

Ready for an extreme adventure at the Ark Encounter? You heard that right! The Ark Encounter isn’t just the top faith-based attraction in the Commonwealth. It’s also the home of Screaming Eagle Zip Lines and Aerial Adventures. Bring your crew and gear up for some of the longest zip lines in the South. Choose between three zip line levels ranging from 90 minutes to three and a half hours. Visitors will glide along zips up to 2,000 feet long. Then, make your way through different aerial challenges and obstacles while suspended up to 45 feet in the air on the Screaming Eagle aerial course. And if you’re seeking even more thrills, sign up for a Free Fall and leap from a four-story platform for a controlled descent safely back to the ground.

Covington

Escape the urban energy and trek along more than eight miles of mountain biking trails at Devou Park. With a golf course, fishing lakes, a disc golf course, picnic shelters, the Behringer-Crawford Museum, innovative play spaces and an amphitheater, this Covington park is full of amenities, but the Backcountry Trails might be its biggest draw. The park has become one of the state’s best mountain biking destinations. Venture into the woods for long climbs, fast hills and banked turns. Check out the detailed park map to chart your course.

Carrolton

Planning your next fishing trip? Consider Butler Lake at General Butler State Resort Park. This 30-acre lake is prime for catching bass, bluegill, catfish and crappie. You can fish from the shore or launch your non-motorized fishing vessel onto the lake. Be sure to purchase your Kentucky fishing license before your trip, and if you need of gear, the park offers a free fishing loaner program.

Brooksville

Go for the ultimate tree climbing adventure at EarthJoy Village. This unique outing is the perfect way to get back to nature. Learn the ropes of tree climbing with an introductory course or guided climbing session with a master instructor. This 285-acre natural playground also offers over 12 miles of trails to explore. Bring your hiking boots and journey around multiple themed trails, like the Hobbit and Jacob’s Ladder Trails. You’ll encounter fun obstacles and plenty of photo ops along the way. Then, retire to one of the property’s tree houses for a unique glamping experience.

Various Access Points from Carrollton to Maysville

Spend a day paddling the Ohio River Way. The river connects Northern Kentucky. Plan your next river trip and experience the sights and sounds of Kentucky’s riverfront towns. Whether it’s an all-day paddling excursion, a short romp out on the water or a multi-day river trip, paddling enthusiasts of all skill levels are in for an adventure on the Ohio River. Consider planning your visit around Ohio River Paddlefest. Join 2,000 participants in the nation’s largest paddling celebration for a 9-mile outing on the water. If you’re up for a little competition, sign up for one of the Paddlefest races.