Big Brushy Creek

The first three rapids consist lie within a mile of the put in. The first one Johnny's Surprise is around 5' with the next two around 3' and 4' respectively. Run all three drops on the right or you'll land on rocks. Watch out for barbed wire fences below each of the two bridges you pass under. We've had some close calls with these and there's another just downstream from bridge #2 that will sneak up on you. Portage them even though you'll be tempted to just go beneath the wire. Don't do this! There's often another section of fence just below the surface that'll pin you bad. The portage(s) are easy and quick.

Hazards also include numerous trees and branches down in the creek at many locations throughout the run. Scout all the blind curves in the creek! Some of the deadfalls get swept away with floods and others appear randomly so almost each time there will be new and exciting strainers. Some you can work your way through and others involve portaging.

The creek also offers some amazing good playspots along the run. The best one is at the junction of Pennington Flats Road and KY Route 32. It is one of the friendliest playholes around and has great eddies on both sides. It's roadside and a great park n play. Deep enough for cartwheels and friendly enough to let you out when you want a break. From there it's a short paddle with more strainers but spectacular scenery and wave trains galore till the takeout, which has another great park n play just behind the church takeout on Cranston Road.

Enjoy and scout!

It's hard to catch with enough water but well worth the time if you can. It usually runs 3-4 times per year and the run is short enough to do multiple laps with tons of great playspots throughout. The park n play is really fun too!