After researching and scouting several streams and rivers in Kentucky, I have decided to try the Licking River for the OHCRA March 15/16 trip. It seems most streams are very water level dependent and campgrounds in KY do not open until April. Perhaps we can plan some other streams for a future trip during better weather periods. I think we may be pushing it to try to do a trip this time of year. Hopefully, weather and water will cooperate and we won't have to cancel.
The Licking river dumps into the Ohio at Cincinnati, but long before it gets there it is big and mostly slack water backing up from the Ohio. And we know how much I love to paddle slack water (or lakes). So, we will try to do an area much further upstream in the Falmouth, KY area. This is where the North and South Forks of the Licking join to form the Main Licking. Based on what I've learned if the water level is too high to do the Main it makes for a good trip on the South Fork. If water level is lower or more normal we can do the Main Fork.
We are going to plan on staying at Thaxton's Canoe and Paddlers Inn (gopaddling.com). Thaxton's is located near Butler, KY on the northwest side of the US 27 bridge that crosses the Licking (859-472-2000). They have an area near the Livery to camp, which should allow access to restrooms, and they have cabins for about $60/night for 2 people, if open due to weather. They may hold a couple more for an additional $10 ea. They also have primitive camping upstream of the Livery. Camping would be ~$4/per. As time grows closer we can choose our option for camping and canoeing, based on weather and water level. If we choose the primitive area to camp I will provide directions later.
For travel time consideration, Thaxtons is at least 40 minutes from Cincinnati. Perhaps, for some, a more direct route may be from Portsmouth, OH, which is about 2 hours. Check your own best route from your location for estimated travel time.
If anyone has questions, suggestions or preferences please let me know. Also, if I could get a feel for who all (how many) are thinking of making this trip, please let me know?
Thanks!
Ted Spradlin