Trip Suggestion:

Madison, Carrollton and KY River

By Jerry Hay, Publisher of the Ohio River Guidebook.

Looking for some ideas upriver from Louisville?

One is to go up to Carrollton, KY, then up the Kentucky River to below Lock #1 and anchor or beach for the night. There are usually fishermen but it is a quiet and pretty spot. I enjoy the sound of the water flowing over the dam.

The second is to call Kathy at the newly remodeled Riverboat Inn at Madison. She will pick you up at Rivercrest Marina and take you back the next morning. This is if you are willing to spend the $$ to leave the boat and stay at the Inn. Neither is cheap.

Link to Jerry's Guidbook

Above, your webmaster takes Jerry up on his suggestion in 2009 for a quick day-trip to the KY River in the runabout.

Your webmaster, Eric, adds:

Check the charts for your exact distances. You’re looking at about 50 miles from the Louisville area up to Carrollton, plus another 4 up to Lock #1. I would suggest calling the Rivercrest Marina in Madison to see if their fuel will be available. Don’t forget to stop on the river for lunch at the Madison Lighthouse Restaurant.

 

Following are some pictures from Eric's 2010 overnight at Lock 1 on the KY River. It is unbelievable how quiet the night is there with no wakes and the constant rush of the water over the spillway.

Above, the entrance to the KY River at Carrolton.

I'm sure there's a story here somewhere!

The morning steam fog off the river.

Lastly, the view headed back down the Ohio from Carrolton.