By Jeremy Patton
This segment of the Rockcastle River is located in Laurel and Rockcastle County, Kentucky.
From US-25, just south of Livingston, turn onto an unmarked gravel road that leads down to the river. It resides less than 1000 feet northeast of Mize-Sand Hill Road and less than 2000 feet southwest of Livingston Fire Department. The road is rough and might not be suited for certain vehicles during wet or icy conditions. There are several undeveloped pull-offs for parking. There is no boat ramp.
Shane, Angie and I paddled on 8/4/18. The river was about 2.5 feet high and flowed at 240 cfs, according to the gauge at Billows. Conditions had been mostly dry for the last few weeks, but we only dragged bottom a few times on our 6-mile float to the I-75 bridge.
This float was beautiful, but boring. There were no significant cliffs or rock formations. We found a few gurgling springs, but no waterfalls. The worse part of the trip was being sandwiched between the railroad tracks and highway. The noise was disappointing.
The water was cleaner than I expected. At the put-in, a weak drainage flowed through a man-made tunnel into the river (the date “194-” was inscribed above the tunnel exit).” I spotted several tiny fish in the drainage. Later, I saw some tires in the shallow river, which always pisses me off. Some bottles also drifted along with about 100 scattered popsicle sticks.
I nodded off numerous times on the lazy current. Angie grew concerned whenever she heard the roar of rapids ahead. I told her not to worry because the conditions were kindergarten level and she could stand up anywhere in the river. I show-boated through one such rapid with my legs dangling out of my kayak. Admittedly, that increased the risk of flipping over, but I needed some excitement.
Critters were out and about, such as turtles sunbathing on bobbing logs. A family of five plopped into the water when we got too close. Later, we ate snacks beneath a shady overhang and spotted a statuesque groundhog in the grass. We also snuck within 20 feet of a blue herring perched on a felled tree. He eyed us suspiciously before flying away. Lots of fish darted by, but none were bigger than “minners,” as Shane called them. He also cursed at the “dog pecker gnats” that frequently swarmed his face. Near the end of the trip, he startled me with a paddle-thrust that deflected a snake near my kayak. The Bearded Dwarf saved my life!
We only encountered a few other kayakers, but discovered how busy the river was when we arrived at the congested I-75 take-out. Local waterways are busier than they used to be, thanks to river “outfitters.” I followed one such group on Buck Creek last week from afar and witnessed a paddler chuck a beer can into the water. Delania and I smelled the beer when we passed by the spot.
I enjoyed the float from Livingston to the I-75 bridge, but will probably not do it again. Whether or not you enjoy it depends on your goals. If you want spectacular scenery and peace and quiet, you will be disappointed. If you want a safe float for your kids, it is perfect, or maybe you just want to make fun of your friends. Aside from the noise, it was a relaxing trip.
There was plenty of shade, but we applied sunscreen liberally. The Pale Pirates sailed again!
Added 8/5/18