Pitman Creek, KY

Parkers Mill Rapid run

Parkers Mill Rapid run
Photo of Jason Foley by Duane Cottle taken 12-16-05 @ low

River Description

Classic Kentucky Creeking, a hybrid of sorts. Pittman Creek has the shelf rock ledges as well as the occasional boulder rapid. Many rapids are typical of Kentucky shallow rocky creeks while others are the same as the rock shelf ledges of Madison County. The first mile or so of the run is basic class II downriver fun. Once you see a pipe on the left from the water treatment plant and the drain affectionately known by local boaters as the Somerset poop chute you begin the fun. Immediately down stream on the other side of the riverwide strainer is the first surfing rapid appropriately named Turd Surfers. A sharp turn in next bend below the cliff wall is a sign the rapids will start their continuous nature.

The first rapid you come to after the cliff wall is split by an island. The left side is probably the best surfing spot on the river at lower levels while the right side, while currently strained out, is the most creeky with a good 4 foot creek style drop on rocks.

After that a couple of class II rapids brings you into the best playspot out there, named Kiddy Pool it is a great slide hole for 360s and surfs. On down stream is the best stuff where the old Parkers Mill used to be is the best rapid on the river. Tagged "gnarr" by the locals it is a technical Class III with some manuevering needed, but the danger level is increased by the undercut rock walls at the bottom on the right. Down stream is the take out.

In December of 2006 there was a run made at low water while the lake was down for Dam repairs and several (5-6) rapids. Once again the rapids were rock strewn and somewhat technical. The "Mud Canyon" was the most bizzare sight as the creek had carved out a narrow, fast moving path through the sediment. Most of the technicality of this run goes away at higher water levels but uncovered is one of the most playful creeks in Kentucky. With its too numerous play waves and holes this run is comparable to Otter creek in Madison county.

by Duane Cottle:

Pitman flows into Lake Cumberland near Burnside. You cross it when traveling on US 27. It's C1-2 for most of its 99 mile journey and does its dropping in the last 1-2 miles.

We put in at a bridge on Route 1247, which is a left-hand turn off southbound 914 Bypass, that connects E 80 and 27 S. With the lake at summer pool (~720 ft.) we take out right about where the creek meets the lake and hump up the ridge trail. At lower lake levels, we paddle a mile of flat water to Somerset Yacht Club off of Boat Dock Road. There are pics: but none do it justice... yet.