Gasper River in Kentucky

Trip Overview

After the week of hard rain South Central took a beating from, I decided now a better time than ever to tackle the moderate Class 2+/3- river. Typically class 1+/2 at lower water levels; it sometimes requires portage, but this day the Gasper was raging.

This day I put-in at KY 1083 and took out at US 231. Approximately 1 mile downstream from the put in at 1083 a pleasant waterfall trickles on the right and some rock walls begin to be visible. Throughout most of the trip limestone walls line the creeks edges.

Water most intense just before and just after the KY 626 bridge. KY 626 will be the first bridge encountered from 1083. A good class 3 rapid named Barking Dog encountered about a mile after 626.

This trip was approx. 8 miles and took me only 2hr15min with the strong current. I encourage all kayakers in the area to do this run before water goes down.