Float with Us!

Join us on the river in our pontoon boat.

Journey Down the River with Friends

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.

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!

Kentucky River Pontoon Cruise

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 Coast Guard license so your group of up to 6 can sit back and enjoy the scenery while enjoying a picnic or you can pitstop along the way for a paddle or a swim (river conditions permitting.

Pricing at a glance

Shorter cruise

2 - 3 hours

Starting at $275

Most popular

4 hours

$475

Full river run

5-6 hours

$675

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

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary & Floracliff Nature Preserve flank the banks mid-route.

Valley View Ferry — est. 1785

The oldest continuously operating ferry in North America marks the end of the full run.

Eat + Drink

Bring a picnic or grab carry-out from Waterfront Grill just a few doors down from Three Trees. 

Paddle a Tributrary

Add paddleboards to your trip to enjoy side quest adventures into the adjoining tributaries.

Take a Dip

When the water is just right, guests can take a refreshing dip in one of the creeks.

Kentucky River Fishing Boating

Ready to Cast Off?

Use the links below to send a booking request or if you have more questions, feel free to email us for more details. We look forward to hearing from you!

Side note: The river boat will be changing ownership in the fall of 2026. While we hope the new owners will continue offering tours on the river, we will no longer be taking reservations after this season.