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 2026. Members and non-members are welcome to participate.
Be sure to check the new Elkhorn Paddlers Facebook page for updates to scheduled trips and
short-notice “drop-ins” (trips that are scheduled based on water levels and/or favorable
weather conditions).
If you are interested in a trip, be sure to contact the leaders so they can keep you informed of any updates or changes. Note that some trips limit the number of participants, so sign up early!
Each spring, the Elkhorn Paddlers plan the “cruise” schedule for the year. Below is the cruise schedule for 2026. Members and non-members are welcome to participate.
Be sure to check the new Elkhorn Paddlers Facebook page for updates to scheduled trips and
short-notice “drop-ins” (trips that are scheduled based on water levels and/or favorable
weather conditions).
If you are interested in a trip, be sure to contact the leaders so they can keep you informed of any updates or changes. Note that some trips limit the number of participants, so sign up early!
Paddle trips 2026
March 1, 2026 (Sunday)
Spring Meeting/Cruise Planning/Potluck
Winchester, KY
Contact: Dave Stawicki, 859-293-0712, davestawicki@yahoo.com
This is our beginning of season get together to socialize, do club business and plan our paddle events for 2025. All our welcome to attend and participate. This is a 'dry land' event in late afternoon/early evening so boats won't be needed, but I am sure they will take up a lot of the talk time. Contact is above for more information.
April 12 (Sunday)
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)
April 20 -23 (Monday – Thursday)
Wildlife Viewing at Reelfoot Lake (Tiptonville, TN)
5-8 miles per day, Class I, flat water
Leader: Aurora Rubel, 859-749-8099, wrftrr@sbcglobal.net
There are 3 canoe/kayak trails through the swamp which are marked and good for wildlife viewing beaver, turtles, snakes, eagles, egrets, herons, waterfowl, water flowers, cypress trees. There are several cutouts through the swamp which are trenches/ditches between the large basins (open water). Camping at Reelfoot Lake Tennessee State Park South Campground is convenient to all water trails put-ins. The leader will be camping beginning Sunday night through Thursday night (April 19-24).
NOTE: In order not to overwhelm the wildlife, the number of paddlers will be limited. Contact the leader via email to get additional information about the trip and camping/lodging.
May 2 (Saturday)
Derby Day Paddle, 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. This trip is weather & water dependent so maybe this will be the year we can finally get back on this stretch of water.
May 10 (Sunday)
Lower Elkhorn Creek (American Whitewater parking lot to Still Waters Campground.)
12 miles, Class I
Leader: Nancy Moore, Nancy753@live.com 502-226-0985
Mother's Day trip on Elkhorn Creek. Easy rapids and riffles. Bring lunch, water, snacks, etc. PFDs are required to be worn. Parking fee at takeout, bring small bills to share fee.This trip is dependent on water levels; we will try a lake if water levels too high or low.
June 6 (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
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 20 (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 biodiverse 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 18 (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. 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. Details to follow on the new Facebook page.
October 5-8 (Monday – Thursday)
Rend Lake (Southern Illinois)
5 miles each day, Class I, flat water.
Leader: Aurora Rubel, 859-749-8099, wrftrr@sbcglobal.net
October is white pelican migration through the lake. The best way to see thousands of pelicans up close is in a kayak! Rend Lake has 6 canoe/kayak trials which are mapped but not marked. Ihave done all the trails and know which ones give the best viewing of the pelicans. This trip is suitable for all levels for paddling skills.
Camping at South Sandusky campground is located close to all put-ins and has the put-in to one of the trials. It is also on the bike trial and close to the beach. Reservations are through www.recreation.gov and can be made 6 months in advance. I plan on making reservations at the South Sandusky campground for the second week in October as soon as the dates open on www.recreation.gov . The leader will be arriving at the campground on Sunday and leaving Friday, October 4-9. There will be 4 days for paddling and pelican viewing on Monday - Thursday.
NOTE: This paddle will be restricted in numbers due to keeping the pelicans happy and not getting alarmed by too many approaching. If interested in attending, contact the leader by early September. The leader will then contact those interested with the details.
October 24-25 (Saturday & Sunday 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; Ass’t. Leader Virgil Johnson, vjohn@windstream.net
Join us for the 29th 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 the new Facebook page.
November 7 (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.
March 1, 2026 (Sunday)
Spring Meeting/Cruise Planning/Potluck
Winchester, KY
Contact: Dave Stawicki, 859-293-0712, davestawicki@yahoo.com
This is our beginning of season get together to socialize, do club business and plan our paddle events for 2025. All our welcome to attend and participate. This is a 'dry land' event in late afternoon/early evening so boats won't be needed, but I am sure they will take up a lot of the talk time. Contact is above for more information.
April 12 (Sunday)
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)
April 20 -23 (Monday – Thursday)
Wildlife Viewing at Reelfoot Lake (Tiptonville, TN)
5-8 miles per day, Class I, flat water
Leader: Aurora Rubel, 859-749-8099, wrftrr@sbcglobal.net
There are 3 canoe/kayak trails through the swamp which are marked and good for wildlife viewing beaver, turtles, snakes, eagles, egrets, herons, waterfowl, water flowers, cypress trees. There are several cutouts through the swamp which are trenches/ditches between the large basins (open water). Camping at Reelfoot Lake Tennessee State Park South Campground is convenient to all water trails put-ins. The leader will be camping beginning Sunday night through Thursday night (April 19-24).
NOTE: In order not to overwhelm the wildlife, the number of paddlers will be limited. Contact the leader via email to get additional information about the trip and camping/lodging.
May 2 (Saturday)
Derby Day Paddle, 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. This trip is weather & water dependent so maybe this will be the year we can finally get back on this stretch of water.
May 10 (Sunday)
Lower Elkhorn Creek (American Whitewater parking lot to Still Waters Campground.)
12 miles, Class I
Leader: Nancy Moore, Nancy753@live.com 502-226-0985
Mother's Day trip on Elkhorn Creek. Easy rapids and riffles. Bring lunch, water, snacks, etc. PFDs are required to be worn. Parking fee at takeout, bring small bills to share fee.This trip is dependent on water levels; we will try a lake if water levels too high or low.
June 6 (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
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 20 (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 biodiverse 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 18 (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. 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. Details to follow on the new Facebook page.
October 5-8 (Monday – Thursday)
Rend Lake (Southern Illinois)
5 miles each day, Class I, flat water.
Leader: Aurora Rubel, 859-749-8099, wrftrr@sbcglobal.net
October is white pelican migration through the lake. The best way to see thousands of pelicans up close is in a kayak! Rend Lake has 6 canoe/kayak trials which are mapped but not marked. Ihave done all the trails and know which ones give the best viewing of the pelicans. This trip is suitable for all levels for paddling skills.
Camping at South Sandusky campground is located close to all put-ins and has the put-in to one of the trials. It is also on the bike trial and close to the beach. Reservations are through www.recreation.gov and can be made 6 months in advance. I plan on making reservations at the South Sandusky campground for the second week in October as soon as the dates open on www.recreation.gov . The leader will be arriving at the campground on Sunday and leaving Friday, October 4-9. There will be 4 days for paddling and pelican viewing on Monday - Thursday.
NOTE: This paddle will be restricted in numbers due to keeping the pelicans happy and not getting alarmed by too many approaching. If interested in attending, contact the leader by early September. The leader will then contact those interested with the details.
October 24-25 (Saturday & Sunday 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; Ass’t. Leader Virgil Johnson, vjohn@windstream.net
Join us for the 29th 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 the new Facebook page.
November 7 (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.