FAQ's
Water Conditions
What is meant by "Low Water Condtions"?
What is meant by "High Water Conditions"?
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.
What are the ideal levels on Elkhorn Creek?
What trips are offered when low water conditions allow for Kentucky River trips only?
When the water on the creek is too low to offer trips, we move our operations to the Kentucky River. During the week we offer trips in Pool 3 on the Kentucky River, launching at Kentucky River Campground and offering a pool paddle. Guests still come to our Peaks Mill location for these trips. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday we move operations to Kentucky River View Park. From there, we are able to offer point A to point B trips on the Kentucky River. Guests should arrive directly at the park for these trips.
How does this process all work?
How do we reserve a boat(s)?
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Click on the date you're wanting to visit us.
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Select the number of boats you're wanting to reserve.
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Find the shuttle time you'd like to be on and click "Add To Cart"
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Review the boats you are looking to reserve, and if everything is correct, click the green "Checkout" button.
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Enter your information, including the Discount Code if you're booking a reservation for a group of 10 or more people. Click "Continue" once done.
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Enter in your payment method. All reservations are prepaid IN FULL to ensure that we have the boat(s) reserved for your party. Only pre-paid reservations are guaranteed the boats they would like, at their desired shuttle departure time.
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Once everything is done, your reservation will be confirmed. You will receive an email from us with a receipt of your reservation, as well as a link to the digital waivers that must be filled out BEFORE your arrival. One link will be for the individual who booked/paid for the reservation, the other link will be for emailing to the others in your party for them to fill out on their computer/phone/tablet.
What time should I arrive for my reservation?
Why do you require pre-payment on reservations?
We have about 12 weeks during the spring and summer months to make the bulk of our yearly income. We need to make them count! When an individual or group pre-pays on a reservation, we hold the boat(s) they have reserved for their trip, not allowing anyone else to rent them. During our busy months, we can't have boats set aside for someone, just for them to not show up, when they could have been rented out! This pre-payment makes sure our customers are committed to using the boat(s) they have reserved, and that they dont go un-rented!
Is a reservation necessary?
Yes, due to COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing, reservations are required. They can be made online or over the phone allowing electronic waivers to be signed and the watching of the safety video prior to arrival.
Do you accept walk-ins, meaning those without reservations?
Unfortunately, no. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing, reservations are required. They can be made online or over the phone allowing electronic waivers to be signed and the watching of the safety video prior to arrival.
Where do we arrive for our canoe/kayak/raft reservation?
Your Elkhorn Creek reservation will start at our main shop location on Peaks Mill Road! The address for our location is 7323 Peaks Mill Road, Frankfort, KY., 40601.
Where do we arrive for our KY River SUP reservation?
The Stand-Up Paddleboarding reservations are done at a different location from our main shop on the Elkhorn Creek. The SUP rentals are done on the Kentucky River, launching from River View Park Boat Dock in downtown Frankfort. The address to the park is approximately 660 Wilkinson Blvd, Frankfort, KY., 40601
What is your inclement weather policy if I already have a reservation?
Canoe Kentucky will run rain or shine, however, we do not operate in the case of any warnings, like a severe thunderstorm, tornado, or flood warning. We also understand that it is not as enjoyable to paddle in heavy rain. For this reason, if there is a certain chance of rain, that means a 70% chance or better for rain in the Frankfort area, we will allow pre-paid reservations to Rain Check their trip for a later date. We do not offer any refunds for inclement weather. #embracetherain
What are the trips like?
Generally, what kind of wildlife can I hope to see?
The Elkhorn Creek is a gorgeous body of water with a lot to offer when it comes to scenery. Wildlife is abundant on any of the trips that we offer. While we can't guarantee that you'll see any of these on your trip, as these are wild animals and they come and go as they please, it's not uncommon to see:
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Deer
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Raccoon
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Minks
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Beaver
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Otter
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Snakes
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Turtles
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Fox
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Turkey
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A huge variety of insects
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Great Blue Heron
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Geese
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Ducks
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Bald Eagle
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Vulture
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Hawks
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Orioles
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Frogs
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Much more!
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Smallmouth Bass
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Largemouth Bass
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Spotted/Kentucky Bass
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Freshwater Drum
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Carp
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Gar
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Shad
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Golden Redhorse
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Sunfish
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Bluegill
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Rock Bass
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Sculpins
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Catfish
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Crappie
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Sauger
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Minnow
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Crayfish
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Darters
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Snails
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Mussels
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Clams
Generally, what kind of scenery can I expect / hope to see?
What is the current / flow like on the Fun Float?
What is the current / flow like on the All Day Adventure
What is the current / flow like on the Whitewater Hairraiser
What should/can we bring on our trip?
What are some things we should bring?
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Sunblock!
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A change of clothes to leave in the car
-Avoid paddling in jeans or heavy clothing. Quick dry synthetic clothing is recommended.
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Close-toed shoes, or shoes that strap together behind your heels. *Avoid flip flops!
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Water/snacks
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Sunglasses
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A Dry Bag/Dry Box (we sell many different types here at the shop)
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A trash bag for any garbage
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A fun mood!
Can I bring lunch with me on the trip?
You're more than welcome to bring a cooler, preferably soft-shelled, that you can pack sandwiches/lunch items into, as long as it's not too large. Coolers can greatly effect the balance of a canoe/kayak, so please make sure you don't bring more than what's absolutely necessary! Glass containers are PROHIBITED!
Am I allowed to bring beer/alcohol on the trip?
NO! We are an alcohol and drug free facility. Alcohol, by law, is not allowed on the creek itself, and for the safety and consideration of our customers and staff, we do not allow any form of alcohol or drugs on the creek. Law Enforcement Officials from Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife regularly patrol the Elkhorn Creek for violations and have every right to search your cooler!
What all is included in the price of my rental?
Your rental includes:
How should we dress?
Dress to get wet! We recommend that anyone looking to get on the water, should be dressed to get in the water. This means quick-drying materials (not cotton), close-toed shoes, and sun protection. Avoid wearing jeans or shoes that may fall off easily such as flip-flops.
How many people can fit in each boat?
How many people can fit in a canoe?
Canoes are made to fit 2 adults, maximum. Because of the capacity of the boat, and insurance, we limit 2 adults per canoe. We can allow one 3rd person to ride along in the canoe, as long as it's a child under the age of 13, and under the weight of 85 lbs. 3-person canoe must be rented.
How many people can fit in a kayak?
We have two different kinds of kayaks available for rent through Canoe Kentucky.
How many people can fit in a raft?
Rafts have the advantage of being able to accomodate more people than canoes or kayaks. A raft can generally hold 4-6 individuals. We require a minimum of 3 people per raft, as they are too difficult to maneuver and paddle with any less than 3 people. Rafts are a type of boat we generally cannot rent during the summer season, because we usually don't have enough water on the creek to support a raft.
How many people can fit on a stand up paddle (SUP) board?
SUP boards are made to accomodate one person at a time.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, when the water levels are below 4.5 feet. All dogs must be kept on a leash in and around the shop with a pet fee of $10.
If the dog has never been on a canoe or kayak, we do not recommend bringing them.
How long will my trip last?
How long does the Fun Float trip last?
The Fun Float trip generally takes about 2-3 hours to paddle. This depends on how many times you stop during the trip and the water level.
How long does the All Day Adventure last?
The All Day Adventure gives you about 4-5 hours worth of paddling, depending on the height and flow of the creek the day you come out! Your trip launches from the same location as the Fun Float. You stop in at the shop, which is the halfway point for your trip, and then continues downstream for the second half where we pick you up with our shuttle.
What are the rules on fishing during my rental?
Can I fish from my canoe/kayak/raft?
Yes! The Elkhorn Creek is a very healthy fishery with many different species that can be targeted by anglers. You need to make sure that you have a VALID Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Fishing License. These can be purchased at the shop, or online here.
What kind of fish does the Elkhorn Creek have?
The Elkhorn is a very diverse ecosystem! There are hundreds of species of fish, crustaceans, animals, and birds that rely on the Elkhorn. The fish that are most popular with anglers are members of the Black Bass family, which includes Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Spotted Bass. You can also catch Catfish, Gar, Carp, Freshwater Drum, Bluegill, Bream, and Crappie on the creek.
Do you sell fishing licenses?
Yes! We sell them at the shop and they can be purchased at the time of your trip. A fishing license is required.
Do you offer a Shuttle Service for private boaters?
How does the Shuttle Service work?
As of May 21, 2020, we no longer offer private boat shuttles and do not allow private boaters to take out at the CKY shop. Private boaters will need to utlize the public access points.
Are there Free Public Access points on the creek that we can utilize instead of paying for shuttle service or access fees?
Can we park at a public access, paddle to your shop, take out and walk or hitch hike back to our vehicle?
Do you all offer paddle rentals and lifejacket/ PFD rentals?