Benson Creek, |
|
| Usual Difficulty | II (may vary with level) |
|---|---|
| Length | 5.1 Miles |
Mark Miller contributed:
The Benson is one awesome play stream. The put in is above or below the falls. The rule of thumb
here is to not be center while running the drop or you will find a nasty hole just waiting to rip
you out of you boat. There are 3 possible lines. At high water you can run off the left side of
the falls and at low levels you can start center and move left. Or try the river right line by
hugging the bank right at the lip. Missing the line could result in some carnage so have you game
face on for this line. Scout the falls.
About a half mile down the run you will find a riverwide playhole. At high levels righty
cartwheels are possible. After the hole you will come to a long pool and what looks like a dead
end at an island. It is best to run down the first chute to the right as you will encounter much
less wood. Your next rapid will be the dam and is usually run off the river right edge, avoiding
the hole at the base of the dam. This hole is also a very good but shallow playspot. At high
levels things get dynamic but most rides consist of blunts and spins. Go vertical here and you
will tag bottom for sure.
Following the dam is the most dangerous rapid on the creek. You will come to a ledge that has a
hydraulic spanning most of the creek. Run this ledge left-of-center down the big tongue. After
making this move, stay left and avoid the next big hole in the center of the rapid. Be ready to
surf because you are almost right on top of the wave after missing the second hole. This playspot
is named the park and surf. If park and surf is your pleasure you can get to this wave by driving
up Benson Valley Road. Some people choose to take out at the park and surf but I usually take out
at the boat ramp. This makes the run slightly longer and a few rapids, but it adds almost half a
mile of flatwater. Have fun and be safe.
For more information, see Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to KY.
Google Map of Benson Creek
(courtesy of Bardstown Boaters)
Mark Miller contributed:
It often takes over an inch of rain to make this creek runnable. The minimum level is 2 feet and can be easily read on the river right abutment on the KY 1005 bidge. The maximum level should be your opinion,it has been run as high as 7. Anything above 7 normally turns into a log doging contest.
If you would like to know if it is running e-mail me at mrmbase7@aol.com; ask for my phone number so you can call me.
Aaron Koch provides (2005-04-15):
Franklin AFWS is a link to a rain gauge in the Benson Watershed. If this gauge says more than 1 inch in 24 hrs (summer months may take as much as 3 to 4 inches), the creek should be running. This is the best indicator I have found.
| When | River/Gauge | Subject | Level | Reporter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benson Creek [KY] |
Red Bridge
|
n/a | Justin Thompson | |
| Benson CreekKY 1005 to Kentucky R. at Frankfort (5.1 miles) [ ] |
GaryRess Benson Falls
|
n/a | Kyle Nicholson | |
| Benson Creek [KY] |
Mark and Dale on Benson Creek
|
??? | Brian Mattingly | |
| Benson Creek [KY] |
Mark running Benson Falls
|
3.5 ft | Brian Mattingly | |
| Benson Creek [KY] |
Backwards at the Dam
|
n/a | Dale Perry | |
| Benson Creek [KY] |
C1 Smackdown!
|
Over the guage | will lyons | |
| 2y322d22h03m | Benson Creek [KY] |
Benson Falls January 2007
|
4-5 feet | Dale Perry |
| 5y178d22h03m | Benson Creek [KY] |
Jim back-surfing Benson PnP
|
4 ft. | James Gunn |
| 5y179d14h03m | Benson Creek [KY] |
You Gonna Eat Benson Falls?
|
4 ft. | James Gunn |
| 7y131d22h03m | Benson Creek [Ky] |
Surfing Benson
|
n/a | Tyler Cundiff |
| 7y131d22h03m | Benson Creek [KY] |
Mini-boof
|
n/a | Stream Boy |
No guide books for this stream. If you know of a book that describes this stream please contact and advise the StreamTeam member for this run. No Comments
Add a Comment No rapids entered. If you know names, and locations of the rapids please contact and advise the StreamTeam member for this run. River Alert
State News
River Links
NWRI - Benson Creek KY 1005 to Kentucky R. at Frankfort (5.1 miles) (mobile)
