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The Rockcastle River, whose flow forms the border of Rockcastle and Laurel counties, is one of Kentucky’s best whitewater streams. The river also holds good populations of smallmouth bass and rock bass. It offers something for everyone, whether it’s mild water for anglers and family trips, or challenging whitewater for the kayaker.
The floatable section begins after the confluence of the Middle Fork and South Fork of the Rockcastle at the community of Livingston. The section of the Rockcastle from Livingston to Billows is a good float for anglers, beginners, families and canoe campers. All boaters should wear a life vest while floating Rockcastle River, or have enough on board for every person.
This middle section features long, gentle pools interspersed with drops. A few of the drops are challenging for canoeists and kayakers, but they serve as good tutorials for basic water reading and boat maneuvering skills. This section includes two day-long floats.
To begin this section, launch at the old Wilderness Road Ford, located south of Livingston, just off U.S. 25. The launch site is visible from the main road. This is a 6-mile float to the take-out under the I-75 bridge, off KY 1329. The next section is a 10.6-mile run from the I-75 bridge to the KY 1956 bridge at Billows.
Anglers should downsize their line and lure selection, as this section of the Rockcastle runs extremely clear in dry weather. The water clarity tends to make the smallmouth bass jumpy.
Small tube lures or curly-tailed grubs in black, pumpkinseed or watermelon rigged on 1/16-ounce leadhead jigs work well for Rockcastle River smallmouth bass. Finesse worms in the same colors also work well. Try 4-pound monofilament or 6-pound fluorocarbon fishing line in summer to avoid scaring fish.
Wear drab clothes that blend in with the background and make long casts. Target undercut banks and the base of boulders where fish lurk.
The next section of the Rockcastle gradually picks up gradient and speed after the KY 1956 bridge at Billows. The section from Billows to the KY 192 bridge is designated as a Kentucky Wild River. The scenery grows more gorgeous as you float further into the Rockcastle.
This section is still relatively gentle and offers good smallmouth fishing along with a chance for an occasional walleye. Some small ledges and fast riffles make the paddling interesting. Boaters will travel 10.7 miles before reaching the next take-out, referred to on some maps as the Old Howard Place. It is located at the end of Bolthouse Ridge Road, via Acorn-Ano Road and KY 1675 in Pulaski County.
Boaters should use four-wheel-drive vehicles with high ground clearance to reach the Old Howard Place access. It also serves as the put-in for the whitewater section of the Rockcastle River.
However, after the Old Howard Place access, the Rockcastle River turns mean. The river picks up speed and gradient to become one of the most challenging whitewater runs in Kentucky. House-sized boulders line the banks and alter the river’s path for the rest of the run.
This section of the Rockcastle is only for experienced boaters with excellent technical and water reading skills. Open boats, such as canoes or sit-on kayaks, are not recommended. Do not float this section alone. Smart boaters will wear helmets and personal floatation devices. Because the Rockcastle’s many blind turns can fool the uninitiated, you must scout rapids before floating them.
The river tumbles over a series of steep ledges known as the Stair Steps, about one mile downstream of the Old Howard Place access. These rapids are rated Class II to borderline Class III. Roughly the next 3-mile stretch of the run holds fairly long pools with some good rapids at the end of each.
The Rockcastle seems to disappear into a garden of boulders - thus begins the hairy part of this adventure. This marks the beginning of the Beech Creek Narrows, a set of Class IV rapids that boaters must scout beforehand if they choose to shoot them.
All but the most experienced boaters should use the portage on the right side of the river and bypass the rapid. The river constricts itself through two humongous boulders and drops about four feet with a keeper hydraulic (a standing wave with reverse current) at the end that can trap boats. Set up one of the group with a rescue rope that can reach a trapped boater with one throw before floating this rapid.
The Rockcastle calms for a bit before seemingly disappearing again. The river turns hard to the right and makes a big drop. This marks the beginning of the Lower Narrows, a series of rapids rated up to Class IV. The next mile or so of river is only for the most experienced and skilled whitewater paddlers. The Lower Narrows consists of many twists, turns and large drops that will test the skills of the best paddlers. Boaters must scout each rapid of the Lower Narrows.
A portage trail runs along the left (east) side of the river and most who run this section should use it. After the Lower Narrows, the Rockcastle holds several Class II and Class III rapids that must be scouted. Soon, the river calms down until the take-out at the Bee Rock Boat Ramp at the KY 192 bridge.
The last section of the Rockcastle begins at Bee Rock Boat Ramp and ends at the Rockcastle Campgrounds at the mouth of the river. Lake Cumberland inundates most of this section of the Rockcastle and this 7-mile flat water float is perfect for beginners and families.
Get out and enjoy one of Kentucky’s most overlooked whitewater floats this summer. The scenery and the outdoor adventure rival anything found in the eastern United States.
Ruby and Doyle Huskey at Rockcastle Adventures Canoe Livery rents canoes and runs shuttles for boaters. Bee Rock Campground and Rockcastle Campground offer camping pads, toilets, water and other amenities.
Rockcastle Adventures Canoe Livery: (606) 305-7576 or rockcastle.adventures@outlook.com
Bee Rock Campground: (606) 865-4163
Rockcastle Campground: (606) 864-4163 or (606) 864-5225