Big Bone Creek in Kentucky

Trip Overview

We put the kayak in the water somewhere along the SW edge of Big Bone Lick State Park (off of Boat Dock Road) at about 12:30pm and almost immediately had to get out for the first of a half-dozen or so portages. The last and worst portage was at the Bender Road bridge, as it was dammed up with debris from recent flooding.

If we were to do this again, we'd start at the Bender Road bridge, because after that, there were no obstructions, just a smooth lazy paddle with nice stretches of shade and sky.

We ended up at the boat ramp at Jane's Saddlebag-- what a GREAT place, with great food, and the proprietor, Nancy, is a fantastic lady. The trip was about 4 miles and it took us 2 hours, portages included; YMMV.

There is no obvious place to park where we put in (or where we should have put in, at the bridge), so you're best off having someone drop you off at the bridge and meeting them at the boat ramp.

Accommodations:

No ramp or dock where you put in, but there are docks and a ramp at the end.

Fees:

None that we know of...

Directions:

Exit 175 off of I-71/75; follow Rt. 338 (and the signs) to Big Bone Lick State Park. After you PASS the entrance to BBLSP, hew left onto State Route 1925, a.k.a., Boat Dock Road. Proceed on 1925 and turn left on Bender Road. Shortly after turning onto Bender Rd, you'll come to that bridge. Put in there and have your driver go back to Boat Dock Rd., turn left, go down to Jane's Saddlebag, and wait for your arrival.