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 2025. 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.
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 2025. 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.
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 2025
March 9, 2025 (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 19 (Saturday)
Elkhorn Creek (North Fork)
Switzer Bridge to The Forks of Elkhorn
7 miles, Class I
Leader: Dave Stawicki, 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 property at the bridge, I will need to limit this trip to 8 boats (solo or tandem).
April 28-May 1 (Monday – Thursday)
Wildlife Viewing at Shawnee National Forest/Lower Cache River Canoe Trail
(Southern Illinois)
On the water 2 days and hiking 2 days
5-8 miles per day, Class I, flat water/hiking 3-5 miles
Leader: Aurora Rubel, wrftrr@sbcglobal.net
The lower Cache River canoe/kayak trail is 6 miles through the cypress/tupelo swamp which is marked with international canoe trail symbols. It is good for wildlife viewing and exceptional for birding both domestic and waterfowl, water flowers, cypress trees. The Illinois State Champion bald cypress is on the trail. There will be another day of paddling on one of the many nearby lakes, most likely Dutchman Lake with birding, cypress, and waterfalls (in wet weather). Two days will be spent hiking (3-5 miles) at Giant City Illinois State Park for wildflower viewing and Garden of the Gods for rock. Schedule is weather dependent; the leader will email a paddle/hike schedule to the participants the week before the cruise.
Camping at Shawnee Forest Campground (Vienna, IL) is convenient and central to all water put-in and hikes. Reservations can be made at their website www.shawneeforestcampground.com. This is a private campground with full utilities. The leader will be camping beginning Sunday night through Thursday night (April 27-May 2).
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 4 (Sunday)
Middle Red River (Red River Gorge)
7 miles, Class I
Leader: Dave Stawicki, 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 will put in at the concrete bridge and will float downstream to the steel bridge. Trip is weather & water dependent so maybe this will be the year we can finally get back on this stretch of water.
May 11 (Sunday)
Mother’s Day Paddle--Lower Elkhorn Creek
(American Whitewater parking lot to Still Waters Campground.)
12 miles, Class I
Leader: Nancy Moore, 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 7 (Saturday)
Elkhorn Creek "Introduction" Paddle
(Main stem of Elkhorn, Knight's Bridge to Kentucky River)
12 miles, Class I
Leader: Dave Stawicki, 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 Kentucky River (fee for parking).
June 21 (Saturday)
Green River, 300 Springs
12 miles, Class I
Leaders: Mike & Cathy Moser, 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 leave Burger King promptly at 10:00 a.m. and car caravan to the put-in.
July 12 (Saturday)
Green River
(Green River Ferry to Houchins Ferry.)
Leaders: Mike & Cathy Moser, cathymoser@ymail.com
12 miles, Class I
Join us as we paddle the Green River inside Mammoth Cave National Park. We will put in at Green River Ferry and paddle about 12 miles to Houchins Ferry. More details to follow on Meetup.
August 9 (Saturday)
Full Moonrise Float
Location TBD
Leader: Monica Stoch, mstoch@uky.edu
The moonrise for the August 9th full moon should be spectacular, with moonrise happening right after sunset. Weather permitting, we will paddle around a bit in the evening, then watch the moon rise while floating in our kayaks. Check back again in June for more details about location and possible overnight camping or lodging opportunities.
September 13 (Saturday)
Kentucky River (Boonesborough State Park to Proud Mary BBQ)
Leader: Kevin Bartell, kevin.bartell66@gmail.com
Approx. 6 miles, Class I
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.
October 6-9 (Monday – Thursday)
Rend Lake (Southern Illinois)
5 miles each day, Class I, flat water.
Leader: Aurora Rubel, wrftrr@sbcglobal.net
October is white pelican migration through the lake. The best way to see thousands of pelicans is in a kayak! Rend Lake has 6 canoe/kayak trails which are mapped but not marked. I have done all the trails and know which ones give the best viewing of the pelicans. This trip is suitable for all levels of paddling skills.
Camping at South Sandusky campground is located close to all put-ins and has the put-in to one of the trails. It is also on the bike trail 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, October 5, and leaving Friday, October 10. There will be 4 days for paddling and pelican viewing on Monday – Thursday (October 6-9).
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 18-19 (Saturday & Sunday; overnight trip)
Annual Kentucky “River Rat Cruise”
Kentucky River, Camp Nelson to Shakertown
Leader: Mike Moser, cathymoser@ymail.com; Ass’t. Leader Virgil Johnson, vjohn@windstream.net
Join us for the 28th 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 1 (Saturday)
Elkhorn Paddler Fall Meeting & Breakfast
Tammy’s Diner, Frankfort, KY, 9:30 a.m.
Contact: Dave Stawicki, davestawicki@yahoo.com
Join us for breakfast at Tammy’s Diner in Frankfort, 9:30 a.m., 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 9, 2025 (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 19 (Saturday)
Elkhorn Creek (North Fork)
Switzer Bridge to The Forks of Elkhorn
7 miles, Class I
Leader: Dave Stawicki, 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 property at the bridge, I will need to limit this trip to 8 boats (solo or tandem).
April 28-May 1 (Monday – Thursday)
Wildlife Viewing at Shawnee National Forest/Lower Cache River Canoe Trail
(Southern Illinois)
On the water 2 days and hiking 2 days
5-8 miles per day, Class I, flat water/hiking 3-5 miles
Leader: Aurora Rubel, wrftrr@sbcglobal.net
The lower Cache River canoe/kayak trail is 6 miles through the cypress/tupelo swamp which is marked with international canoe trail symbols. It is good for wildlife viewing and exceptional for birding both domestic and waterfowl, water flowers, cypress trees. The Illinois State Champion bald cypress is on the trail. There will be another day of paddling on one of the many nearby lakes, most likely Dutchman Lake with birding, cypress, and waterfalls (in wet weather). Two days will be spent hiking (3-5 miles) at Giant City Illinois State Park for wildflower viewing and Garden of the Gods for rock. Schedule is weather dependent; the leader will email a paddle/hike schedule to the participants the week before the cruise.
Camping at Shawnee Forest Campground (Vienna, IL) is convenient and central to all water put-in and hikes. Reservations can be made at their website www.shawneeforestcampground.com. This is a private campground with full utilities. The leader will be camping beginning Sunday night through Thursday night (April 27-May 2).
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 4 (Sunday)
Middle Red River (Red River Gorge)
7 miles, Class I
Leader: Dave Stawicki, 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 will put in at the concrete bridge and will float downstream to the steel bridge. Trip is weather & water dependent so maybe this will be the year we can finally get back on this stretch of water.
May 11 (Sunday)
Mother’s Day Paddle--Lower Elkhorn Creek
(American Whitewater parking lot to Still Waters Campground.)
12 miles, Class I
Leader: Nancy Moore, 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 7 (Saturday)
Elkhorn Creek "Introduction" Paddle
(Main stem of Elkhorn, Knight's Bridge to Kentucky River)
12 miles, Class I
Leader: Dave Stawicki, 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 Kentucky River (fee for parking).
June 21 (Saturday)
Green River, 300 Springs
12 miles, Class I
Leaders: Mike & Cathy Moser, 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 leave Burger King promptly at 10:00 a.m. and car caravan to the put-in.
July 12 (Saturday)
Green River
(Green River Ferry to Houchins Ferry.)
Leaders: Mike & Cathy Moser, cathymoser@ymail.com
12 miles, Class I
Join us as we paddle the Green River inside Mammoth Cave National Park. We will put in at Green River Ferry and paddle about 12 miles to Houchins Ferry. More details to follow on Meetup.
August 9 (Saturday)
Full Moonrise Float
Location TBD
Leader: Monica Stoch, mstoch@uky.edu
The moonrise for the August 9th full moon should be spectacular, with moonrise happening right after sunset. Weather permitting, we will paddle around a bit in the evening, then watch the moon rise while floating in our kayaks. Check back again in June for more details about location and possible overnight camping or lodging opportunities.
September 13 (Saturday)
Kentucky River (Boonesborough State Park to Proud Mary BBQ)
Leader: Kevin Bartell, kevin.bartell66@gmail.com
Approx. 6 miles, Class I
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.
October 6-9 (Monday – Thursday)
Rend Lake (Southern Illinois)
5 miles each day, Class I, flat water.
Leader: Aurora Rubel, wrftrr@sbcglobal.net
October is white pelican migration through the lake. The best way to see thousands of pelicans is in a kayak! Rend Lake has 6 canoe/kayak trails which are mapped but not marked. I have done all the trails and know which ones give the best viewing of the pelicans. This trip is suitable for all levels of paddling skills.
Camping at South Sandusky campground is located close to all put-ins and has the put-in to one of the trails. It is also on the bike trail 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, October 5, and leaving Friday, October 10. There will be 4 days for paddling and pelican viewing on Monday – Thursday (October 6-9).
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 18-19 (Saturday & Sunday; overnight trip)
Annual Kentucky “River Rat Cruise”
Kentucky River, Camp Nelson to Shakertown
Leader: Mike Moser, cathymoser@ymail.com; Ass’t. Leader Virgil Johnson, vjohn@windstream.net
Join us for the 28th 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 1 (Saturday)
Elkhorn Paddler Fall Meeting & Breakfast
Tammy’s Diner, Frankfort, KY, 9:30 a.m.
Contact: Dave Stawicki, davestawicki@yahoo.com
Join us for breakfast at Tammy’s Diner in Frankfort, 9:30 a.m., 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.