Class II Kentucky River, KY

Deep in the geologic past, the rocks under the Inner Bluegrass Region lifted up and fractured. The uplift forced the ancestral Kentucky River into the breach. The waters flowed against and cut down into the rocks, forming the Kentucky River Palisades. The oldest exposed rocks in Kentucky occur at the foot of these incredibly scenic cliffs that run along the Kentucky River from Boonesborough to Frankfort. A float on Pool 9 of the Kentucky River, just south of Lexington, is the best way to experience the unique, towering beauty of the Kentucky River Palisades. You can also catch some muskellunge, black bass, crappie and bluegill on this 19-mile stretch of river. The first float begins at the Ft. Boonesborough State Park boat ramp via KY 627 at exit 95 on I-75 in Madison County. This half day float concludes roughly 6 miles downstream at the Clays Ferry boat ramp, off KY 2328 (Old U.S. 25/421) in Fayette County beside the Riptides Restaurant and Bar. The former Clay’s Ferry Boat Ramp and Marina, located just downstream of the I-75 bridge, is no longer open to public use. In summer, the Kentucky River runs placid and tranquil, perfect for beginning paddlers, families and fishing. (KYFWR)