Elkhorn Creek
Frankfort, Kentucky

Hi Gang, (2001-09-14)
Here are some photos from the Kentucky camp/canoe/brew in August 2001. I think all of us could use the brightening that friendships and fun memories can bring, especially following the devastation and shock of the past few days... I apologize that my camera skills leave something to be desired (that 4-H photo class I took as a kid sure didn't help me any)! I think you can at least tell by hats, clothing, and body shapes who everyone is!... ; ) Enjoy.

Wishing you all peace & love,
~kristel~

http://www.canoeky.com/Old_outposts.htm

Attending:
Scott
Ed & Laura
Matt & Kelly
Brian & Kristel
Todd & Elyse
Liz
Chris & Emily

FORKS OF ELKHORN TO THE KENTUCKY RIVER.

Northeast of Frankfort at Forks of Elkhorn, the two forks of the creek come together. Here begins the most popular and scenic of the Elkhorn's many offerings; six miles of lively Class-I and Class-II whitewater. Runnable from late fall to early summer, this six-mile stretch is a perfect training ground for the novice whitewater paddler. Running through a deep gorge with exposed rock walls sometimes reaching 200 feet in height, the rapids, riffles, and ledges are almost continuous. In all there are four legitimate Class-II rapids on this run with perhaps eight additional high Class-I or borderline Class-II's. Several islands punctuate the stream, all except the first of which (at the very beginning of the run) are normally run on the right side. At low water the run is technical and helpful in developing water reading skills. At high water (3 feet) large standing waves predominate. Access is good. Dangers to navigation include a dam (mandatory portage) adjacent to the Old Grand-Dad Distillery, low-hanging branches, spring logjams, and a huge, uprooted tree trunk in the middle of a rapid as one approaches the railroad bridge about a half mile below the dam.

Downstream of the whitewater section, the Elkhorn continues swift and beautiful, flowing over a rock bed as it moves towards its rendezvous with the Kentucky. This final section clears the rocky gorge and drops into an intimate valley. Ledges, riffles, and small rapids persist, as do some more, fairly large islands. The stream's width fluctuates widely in this section from a constricting 35 feet to a broad and shallow 90 feet. Access is good and dead falls and log jams are the only navigational dangers.
The level of difficulty is Class I.

Serving up the state's best paddling streams! Offers training, rentals, and retail, serving the floating public. Its 10 mini-livery locations provide direct access to 12 of Kentucky's best, most exciting, scenic yet safe streams. Plan an expedition down the Elkhorn Creek Corridor! Visit our website at canoeky.com. Frankfort is located approximately 50 miles east of Louisville via I-64 or US 60 and 25 miles west of Lexington via I-64, US 60, US 421 or scenic Old Frankfort Pike. Travel time to the Lexington Bluegrass Airport via US 60 is approximately 25 minutes and to the Louisville International Airport is approximately 1 - 1 1/2 hours via I-64/I-264.

Directions: to Peaks Mill HQ: take Exit 53 off I-64 at Frankfort and proceed north on US 127, following our "CANOE KENTUCKY" signs for the 14 miles from the interchange to routes 1900 and 1262 north to our Shop. Please drive safe! Country roads can and do have sharp curves!

Six miles north of Frankfort, features electric and water hookups, primitive camping, bathhouse, 25ft. barbecue pit, two shelter houses, cable TV, RV supplies, propane gas, sewer hookups to all camp sites, Kentucky River boat ramp, fishing, playground and laundry facilities. Wheelchair Accessible