Canoe Kentucky

Perfect day on the water!
Hubby and I are still novice canoers. This past Sunday we had a great time on the Elkhorn Creek. The weather was perfectly balmy. The creek was calm with just a few gentle rapids to remind us why we must keep the life jackets on. The Elkhorn is a lot wider than Floyds Fork. We were not worried about being swept into the roots and branches of trees. The creek was only about 2−3ft deep on this Sunday. It is just what we want as novice paddlers. There were a few places where we knew we have to carry the canoe rather than getting stuck on the rocks. The guy did mention that we should get out at a place called «The Claw», survey the water and proceed with caution. We followed his advice and chose a route wisely. We did not flip over once! Although I don’t think it will be so bad if we did fall in the water. The temperature was warmer than I had thought. I saw a few people, including little kids swimming in the creek.
There are many nice locations to stop and have a picnic or fish on the banks. Everyone we encountered on the creek were friendly and courteous. We finished the Fun Float in just over 2 hr. Hubby and I both agreed that it was worth the drive and we will be back!

Great staff and very nice set up… Lots of locals on the river that runs along roads which kind of kills the out in the wilderness feeling at times.
Not that long of a ride on the river. Only takes about 2 hours to get back to the dock from drop off. If you do the long trip you can go another 1 or so. Took us 4 hours to do the «long ride» and we got out twice and took pictures and stopped for lunch. Cost a bit more than comparable companies. Just don’t go in with high expectations.

We hired kayaks and did the 6 mile ride back to their shop
The good:
* the creek/​river is very scenic and peaceful
* there are some very gentle rapids which make it interesting without getting dangerous
* the guy giving the initial talk was engaging
The bad:
* we’d have preferred sit in kayaks but they only had the sit on board ones. The ones they had are safer/​easier for beginners, but less maneuverable and slower.
* assuming we’re beginners (which their range of boats does!) they should check we set off OK. The van driver drove off while we were still getting off the shore. We were fine, but everywhere else I’ve kayaked they make sure you’re floating down the river before they leave.
* $ 80 for two for a paddle downstream wasn’t cheap. Nearby red-​river-​adventures charges less, has better Unilocal reviews, appears to rent sit-​in kayaks and has a more challenging course, next time I’m in Kentucky I’d try them.

I was pleasantly surprised in the level of enjoyment of my trip down Elkhorn Creek. The shop is really neat, and I liked how they offer a safety video before you venture out on the river. I feel it’s informative for paddlers with less experience. The river was very shallow, but I enjoyed the challenge of picking the right route to not get hung up on the rocks. The river is very quiet and peaceful. A few other river trips I’ve been on were next to roads, pretty noisy.
All in all, I will be back again soon. Hopefully bring a bigger group and the water level will be up a bit.
PS — BRING YOUR PETS! They’re cool with it.

The staff here is really easy going and friendly, and very helpful.
Very good for beginners, especially rafting. Our waters were supposed to be a little bit choppy, but in all honesty the ride was pretty boring and we probably could have survived canoeing instead.
Anyways, the canoes and kayaks can be sent out with a guide alongside you, which is recommended if you aren’t familiar with how to do it.
Overall, a really great time in KY. I’d come again!