Rentals
Closed for the season
Re-open April 3rd 2024

In the summer time, when the weather is hot and the rain is sporadic, we can experience low water conditions on the creek. Canoe Kentucky will continue to offer trips on the Elkhorn, however, since the Elkhorn is a rocky bottom, shallow water stream, the experience is significantly different than higher levels. When the water is low you can expect to have to get out and help your boat over the shallow spots. How many times you have to get out depends on how well you read the water, but on average, you will get stuck 8 to 10 times. There are many deep pools to keep the paddling fun, but low water can make for a longer day on the water with more work involved. Please inquire about water conditions when the creek gets lower. We like to communicate exactly what the experience will be like so that there are no surprises for your group. We know what the experience will be like by relaying what the customers the day before told us. Know that guests still have a wonderful time on the creek at lower levels, it is just a "different" experience. Here is a post from Trip Advisor from a family who joined us at a lower water level to give guests an idea what the trip can be like: "Despite low water conditions we had an epic day at Canoe Kentucky. Don't let low water stop your plans to visit there. Yes, it did get a little tiring to pull kayaks over rocks but the scenery, serenity and tons of family laughter was worth it without question. The staff is extremely courteous and knowledgeable. The rental gear is very well maintained. The shop carries a plethora of equipment. Can't believe this gem of a business is right in our own backyard. It was delightful to see two teens enjoying themselves immensely despite the absence of cell phones, ipods and game systems! We found that by occasionally drifting and staying quiet we could see quite a bit of water life next to our kayaks like bass and turtles. We also "beached" our kayaks and splashed around in the creek's deeper sections. By going on a weekday it was less crowded for both kayakers and fishermen. I'm glad we each packed bottled water and snacks (put in zip lock bags) in small soft-sided coolers. There was plenty of room on the back of our kayaks to lash down the coolers. You may want to bring your own thin bungees or rubber cord. Also make sure to take along a small digital camera in a watertight case because there are tons of beautiful photo opportunities on Elkhorn Creek. I forgot my case but thankfully Canoe Kentucky sold them in various sizes. Would also recommend not wearing tennis shoes. If you don't have "water shoes" Canoe Kentucky carries them for a reasonable price. As my son soon found out, tennis shoes get heavy and uncomfortable when wet. All in all this is a gem of business and you won't (or shouldn't be) disappointed."

We are a completely rain-dependant creek. Sometimes we have too little or too much water. Higher water conditions can be great for the more experienced boater, but they may be a bit pushy for those with less boat handling experience. Anything above 4 feet on the gauge listed on our "Water Conditions" page should be considered high conditions and we would recommend at least some intermediate paddling experience. We do stop providing rentals at 5 Feet, according to the USGS gauge at Knight's Bridge.

Using the USGS gauge at Knight's Bridge, the best overall levels on our creek are between 3 feet and 4 feet. This can also be seen as between 200 cfs and 1,000 cfs. These levels are good for all skill levels. The lower the water, the more time you will hit the creek bed, but the fishing is better and there are not nearly as many hazards. High levels blow out the fishing, and the moving water makes it easier to flip or run into trees and strainers. Judgement is needed at higher levels, so call us to inquire about your skill versus the water conditions.