Kentucky's Water Wonderland

Kentucky's Water Wonderland

by Ed Councill

Publication Date: June 1999

A number of things make Kentucky unique among states. However, the one most distinguishing feature of "The Bluegrass State" is water. Kentucky has more of it as measured by streambank miles along freshwater, free-flowing streams than any of "the lower 48." Its ten major watersheds from the Mississippi to Tug Fork, from the Cumberland to the Ohio, contain over 18,000 miles of beautiful and diverse water wonderlands, most of which are paddleable.

These free-flowing waterways were instrumental in Kentucky's development from prehistoric native American nomads to the explorations of Daniel Boone, and the eventual settlements that followed the then major transportation routes and energy sources - its rivers and creeks.

Today, these natural resources are still largely undiscovered and undeveloped for modern users. People from other states marvel at the abundance and beauty of our streams. Once the very lifeblood of the pioneer economies, most are overlooked as a source of eco-heritage tourism and mild adventures. This is about to change, since paddlesports is the fastest growing participatory sport in the nation and has been for the past two years.

Including canoeing, rafting and kayaking, people are flocking to the water in record numbers. Many states are making these water resources the centerpiece of their travel and tourism strategy. West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Missouri are among the most aggressive. Kentucky may be next.

Kentucky's canoe liveries and rafting companies have formed a state association as an adjunct to the international Professional Paddlesports Association headquartered in Butler, Kentucky. The nearly two dozen service and equipment providers and manufacturers will give much impetus to the water-based recreation movement. This article will serve to introduce a segment of outdoor enthusiasts to the opportunities that are available in Kentucky.

If the reader is looking to become involved in paddlesports, he or she needs to know where to go and what to expect as they begin a journey to explore Kentucky's rich waterways. Start at the beginning, of course. There are several sources: The official Kentucky Vacation Guide, the Professional Paddlesports Association website, local yellow pages and Chambers of Commerce, Paddle America in your nearby library, or call (800) 255-TRIP and ask for the nearest livery, paddlesports retail outfitter or canoe club.

Once in contact with people who are in the know, decide just what you want to do on the river - fishing, whitewater cruising or playing, eco-tourism, birding, camping, or whatever. Most of the more informed resource people will be able to direct you to the river or outfitter that comes closest to meeting your needs. Keep in mind that particular areas in the state are likely to geographically impact your choices. For example, you can't do whitewater rafting in western Kentucky; don't look for small mouth bass in the deep rivers near the Ohio; and leave your whitewater kayak at home if you go to South Central or Lake Country.

You need to at least be aware of the International Scale of River Difficulty that defines a river's waters by its rapids, stream gradient, technicality, and flows. These factors also define the skill level required for a safe trip. For example, Class I is very mild water requiring little skill in terms of maneuvering one's canoe. At the other extreme, Class VI is like Niagara Falls with no barrel. In between, the need for increasingly adept paddling skill increases with the levels of difficulty. All Kentucky Professional Paddlesports Association members can advise a new paddler about local stream conditions, weather, and other safe boating tips. Also, most will be happy to give at least a streamside lesson to enable you to have the minimum skill level for a fun day on the river. Rest assured that none of us will knowingly allow a novice to be placed in harm's way. Risk management is our association's highest priority; and your healthy return from an adventure is taken quite seriously.

The easy way to get help is to go on-line to: propaddle.com/states/kentucky.htm for the liveries in the Bluegrass State. You would also do well by calling your local canoe club, outfitter, or tourism commission. HAPPY PADDLING!

Ed Counsill is the President of the Kentucky Outdoor Center located in Frankfort, Kentucky.