Events
(ĕlk’hôrn păd’ler) n. 1. A person, or group, interested in promoting “quiet water” stream cruising, FUN, safety and river etiquette
Each spring, the Elkhorn Paddlers plan the “cruise” schedule for the year. Below is the cruise schedule for 2022. Members and non-members are welcome to participate.
Also check out our MeetUp site for new & additional listings throughout the year. Go to www.meetup.com , to check the Elkhorn Paddlers current trips.
April 13 (Saturday)
Elkhorn Creek - North Fork
Switzer Bridge to The Forks of Elkhorn
7 miles, Class I
Leader: Dave Stawicki, 859-293-0712, davestawicki@yahoo.com
Shake off the ice & cold to take advantage of early spring water levels and enjoy this scenic stretch of the North Elkhorn. Water levels at this time of year are pretty favorable and the leaves and flowers are often just beginning to bloom. Sign up early to get a spot on this trip; there is a charge for parking at the takeout.
NOTE: Due to changes in ownership of the property at the bridge, I will need to limit this trip to 8 boats (solo or tandem)
May 4 (Saturday)
Middle Red River (Red River Gorge)
7 miles, Class I
Leader: Dave Stawicki, 859-293-0712 davestawicki@yahoo.com
See the Red River Gorge from water level, floating along the recreational section of this National Wild & Scenic River, meandering past swimming holes, hiking trails, picnickers and scenery. We put in at the concrete bridge and will float downstream to the steel bridge. Circumstances have plagued this trip over the past few years, hopefully the fifth time is the charm.
May 12 (Sunday)
Lower Elkhorn Creek (American Whitewater parking lot to Still Waters Campground.)
12 miles, Class I
Leader: Nancy Moore, 502-226-0985, Nancy753@live.com
Mother's Day trip on Elkhorn Creek. Easy rapids and riffles. Bring lunch, water, snacks, etc. PFDs required. Parking fee at takeout: $10. Bring small bills to share fee. This trip dependent on water levels; we will switch to a lake if water levels too low.
June 1 (Saturday)
Elkhorn Creek "Introduction" Paddle (Main stem of Elkhorn, Knight's Bridge to KY River)
12 miles, Class I
Leader: Dave Stawicki, 859-293-0712 davestawicki@yahoo.com
11th annual guided trip of Elkhorn Creek, specifically for those new to paddling or first time on Elkhorn Creek. Join experienced Elkhorn Paddlers as we navigate one of Central Kentucky's treasures at the peak of late spring paddling. Canoes and Kayaks both and did I mention NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Bring your boat or rent from Canoe Kentucky and join us on the creek. We plan to takeout at Still Waters Campground near the mouth of Elkhorn on the KY River (fee for parking).
June 15 (Saturday)
Green River, 300 Springs
12 miles, Class I
Leaders: Mike & Cathy Moser, 502-821-5423, cathymoser@ymail.com
There are 3 waterfalls cascading from springs down an 80-foot bluff. This is one of the most bio-diverse places in the nation because of the ferns and the mollusks. We will meet in Elizabethtown at the Burger King at exit 94. This will give us an opportunity to possibly change the put-in due to water levels. We will car caravan to the put-in and we will leave promptly at 10:00 am.
July 27 (Saturday)
Green River (Length of trip and section of river to be determined based on water levels.)
12 miles, Class I
Leaders: Mike & Cathy Moser, 502-821-5423, cathymoser@ymail.com
Join us as we paddle a section of the Green River. Details to follow on Meetup.
September 21 (Saturday)
Kentucky River (Boonesborough State Park to Proud Mary BBQ)
Approx. 6 miles, Class I
Leader: Kevin Bartell, 865-963-2800, kevin.bartell66@gmail.com
Join us as we paddle down the Kentucky River and enjoy the scenery with a side trip on Boone Creek (level dependent). We’ll come off at Proud Mary BBQ and Eat/Drink/BeMerry while listening to the band play music.
NOTE: If the conditions are favorable, we will be paddling on the Licking River.
October 26-27 (Friday & Saturday; overnight trip)
Annual Kentucky “River Rat Cruise” Kentucky River, Camp Nelson to Shakertown
21 miles, Class I
Leader: Mike Moser, 502-821-5423, cathymoser@ymail.com
Join us for the 27th annual Kentucky “River Rat Cruise”! Enjoy the fall colors through the spectacular Palisades, honoring Elkhorn Paddlers founder, Harold Jeffers. More details to be provided on MeetUp.
November 9 (Saturday)
Elkhorn Paddler Fall Meeting & Breakfast
Contact: Dave Stawicki, 859-293-0712, davestawicki@yahoo.com
Join us for breakfast in Frankfort followed by our fall meeting agenda. Weather permitting, we will take time to paddle on or near the Elkhorn, or enjoy a crisp fall hike at a Frankfort park.