Jessamine Creek

Frankfort Ford Rd. To 1268 (3.3 miles)(Upper Jessamine)

Difficulty	II(III)
Length	3.3 mi
Avg Gradient	33 fpm
Reach Info Last Updated	April 7, 2018

River Description

This creek needs lots of rain to become runnable. There is no gauge on the creek, and you have to check the Hickman Creek Gauge at Veterans Park to see if this creek is running. Jessamine will be running if you see this gauge jump to at least 2.5 feet. At that level, Jessamine is running low. 5.5 feet at this gauge Jessamine is running medium, and anything above that is a high-level run.

This run offers plenty of play spots at all levels, and at medium and up levels some of the rapids become move into class 3. The main rapids have been named as well as the land-mark rapids. Don't let the list fool you, it is a very constant rapids spread throughout the creek. On this run, you can see deer, river otters, herons, geese, turkeys, and monkeys. Yes, monkeys. About half-way through this run on river left is the Primate Rescue Center and there are many a cage full of monkeys. It is also important that you DO NOT get out and look at the monkeys, you will get prosecuted. Just enjoy the view from the river.

This run also boasts a gorgeous waterfall that comes straight out of a cave. This waterfall is one that you can hike up to and go behind. It is very much worth the stop.

The main take-out for this run also features a lovely stone arch bridge and equally beautiful house. The owner is okay with you taking out at the bridge and hiking up to the road to the parking spot. The parking spot is around the corner from the stone bridge. There is a pull off there by an old quarry and right after a small bridge over a feeder creek. Just make sure you don't loiter. They have had problems before with people damaging their property. So, get out, move on the road, and carry your boats to your vehicle.

There are a couple of alternate take-out points for this run, but they require at least a quarter mile hike to your car up some steep hills. The added miles can be worth it though because you get so

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River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

White House Rapid

Class: IDistance: 0.5 mi (approx.)

This is a fun limestone bottom rapid that is very shallow at low flows. The main line at low flow is far river left.

At medium flows and up there are some killer surfing holes to be had on river right and a nice green wave on river left.

Splash Your Face

Class: IIDistance: 1.33 mi (approx.)

Some fun boogie water that you might be able to get your face splashed with. Pick the line that looks best to you. At higher flows there is a nice play spot that forms here.

Waterfall Rapid

Class: IIDistance: 1.5 mi (approx.)

Waterfall / Large Drop

Just below this small drop is a waterfall that comes straight out of a cave and empties into the creek. Make sure to get out and hike up to it. It is worth it.

Jumping Wave

Class: II+Distance: 1.6 mi (approx.)

This is a series of drops. The top drop has a great ledge hole that is a blast to surf. There is not any eddy service for this ledge but there is an eddy above it on river right that boats can park in to take turns on the ledge.

Just below that, you can see the waves that gives this rapid its name. It has great eddy service on river right and you can stay and play on the wave all day long. You can play in both the first and second wave most days, at the right flows a third wave forms as well.

At higher flows, there is a good boof on river right straight into the eddy. At medium flows Jumping wave can get 3 to 4 feet tall. Also at higher flows the current is fast so make sure to hit the eddy at the top or you will miss it all together.

Look Out for Cars

Distance: 1.75 mi

Access Point

Not much of a rapid just a way point. This is the best visual gauge on the creek. When the white rock on river right is covered or almost covered the creek is running.

This is also the ford for the creek and is fun to drive through and marks the half-way point for the run.

Stone Bridge Rapid

Class: II+Distance: 3.25 mi

This is the last drop before the takeout. At big flows and up this rapid can pack a punch. There are some great surfing waves to be had half-way through this rapid. There are also several nice boof lines to take at high flows.

At high flows this rapid can upgrade to a 3 and will have some nice holes that you will need to avoid or punch through.

Also, make sure to take out before the bridge. After the bridge is a low head dam. When you take out move quick. The land owner is okay with boaters hiking up to the road but does not want them to hang around. I find it best to move off of his property before dropping boats to get cars.

Take Out

Distance: 3.3 mi

Take Out