Tradewater River, Dawson Springs, KY

Trade water River

Another hidden gem of the Pennyrile Region of Kentucky is Dawson Springs, KY and their 7 mile paddle trail down the Tradewater River.  Don't own your own canoe or kayak? Rent one from Hank over at

 Tradewater Canoe and Kayak

Located right on the river in Dawson Springs off Highway 109. Hank has very reasonable rates and will even shuttle an additional boat not rented from him at no charge. 

We found the paddle trail while searching for hiking trails in the

 Pennyrile State Forest

and instantly began planning a trip. We planned for a couple weeks with our best friend and his girlfriend to paddle all 7 miles of the trail and finally on a gorgeous Saturday morning we loaded up in our Black Chevy extended cab with our Old Town Sarnac XL 146 and headed east of the lakes region to Dawson Springs.
 We arrived to find Hank at Tradewater Canoe and Kayak prepping for a busy day despite the chilly start. Hank advised me the map I had printed off only covered the section of the river through Dawson Springs and not the upper portion and actual start of the trail. Once our friend rented a 14ft Sun Dolphin Canoe from Hank we helped him load the rental and transferred our canoe to the trailer also and headed to McKinney road to catch the start of the paddle trail.
 Our friend, Nick, owns a kayak, but it's for a single person and his girlfriend, Jackie, had never been paddling. Nick decided to rent a canoe from Hank vs. a kayak due to Jackie's novice level. We gave her a few pointers that morning and a reminder her of them again just as we set off.
 We launched the canoes and set off for miles of sernre country and quiet.

High banks of the upper Tradewater

The upper Tradewater with it's high banks didn't allow for much scenery but the wild flowers growing along the edge of the banks sporadically, mixed with knarled roots of old growth trees, and the occasional rock wall or outcropping gave enough interest to make this section worthy of the trip. We navigated past log jams from recent rains that had clearly raised the water level of the Tradewater for a time, but being a natural river it had abated to normal flow before our trip.

 Paddling our way past feeder creeks we found the only rapids of the Tradewater which could hardly be called such. A small dam just below the surface created this little section of rapids and provided a break up of the slow current.

 Rapids of the Tradewater Video

 Once we had paddled an hour or so we came to the first big bluff along the river, Dripping Rock. The massive rock outcropping hung over the Tradewater with ground water dripping from it's high edge.

Dripping Rock

 Due to the recent high water there was a lot of debris in this section but it was navigatabled, after passing Dripping Rock and a small island we looked to our left and spied a Doe standing along the bank.

We continued on, paddling past budding leaves, the ever growing green  of Spring, and under Blue skies only occasionally dotted with a white cloud or two. Happening upon what appeared to be a rather rocky bank and beyond ready to stretch our legs and get off our bottoms, we banked the canoes only to find the rock an illusion of sturdy ground. Our feet sunk several inches into the muddy silt with every step but we paid little mind, desperate to be out of the canoes. After milling about for 15 minutes or so we boarded our canoes and headed down river again. 

   The banks became less steep in this section and afforded views of pastures mixed with more rock outcroppings and the occasional high bluff.

 Thankfully Nick brought along lunch cakes as we had left our cooler with bread, lunch meat, chips, etc. back at the truck and it was taking us longer than we had expected to get back to Tradewater Canoe and Kayaks where we had left the truck.

Our friends paddle past Far Bluff

After rounding a bend we could see another large rock bluff abutting the river and a bridge crossing the river. We recognized the bridge as the one near Tradewater Canoe and Kayaks and knew we were minutes from retrieving the other cooler then finishing the last portion of the trail.

Suddenly a Blue Kayak entered the water at the bridge, followed by two more and finally a fourth. By the time we reached the bridge which now Hank stood on, the Blue Kayaks had paddle on down river.  We made our way to the foot of the stairs and Hank greeted us. I popped out of our canoe, ran up to the truck and grabbed the cooler of food. Once I was again seated and had set a pick up time with Hank at the last take out before the dam, we continued on.

I was starving at this point with little in my belly, I made sandwiches for each of us with the cooler positioned between my calves in the bow of the canoe and used my thigh as a table to assemble the sandwiches. We got the canoes close enough I could pass off a couple sandwiches to our friends as we paddled on and then another sandwhich I passed back to my husband before finally making one for myself. 

Highwya 109 bridge over Tradewater

By the time we reach the bridge that carries Highway 109 across the river we were all filling our bellies and leisurely making our way down river. We had been on the river for 3.5 hours at this point, the sun had gotten high in the sky and the chill was completely gone from the air, the day warming into the mid 70's. 

 The banks of the Tradweater remained less steep and the scenic views continued. Now recharged and almost finished we made our way past Ghost Sign Cliff to Devil's Dining Table where the river opened up a bit, staying right we paddled past a family fishing and lounging upon the banks. On occasion we would catch a glimpse of the Blue Kayaks ahead but had no desire to catch them and continued at our leisurely pace.

Ghost Sign Cliff

Devil's Dining Table

A field came into view on our right, a long rock bluff along its edge a couple hundred yards beyond. It ran diagonal in the field till its edge met the Tradewater.  We paddled on, our arms beginning to feel the days work. I began to wonder if we would ever reach the final take out, my bottom completely numb at this point.

 In my haste to finally get off the water I missed Moonshiners Bend, not realizing so till we reached Chalk Cliffs and now had the railroad bridge in sight which meant we were closing in on the finish of our trip.

Rock outcroppings along the Tradewater

 After paddling underneath the bridge the Bule Kayaks could be seen ahead as well as Hank waiting at the take out. Grateful the end was near despite the beauty of the trip I paddle harder, ready to finally be off my bottom again. The roar of the water flowing over the dam was loud and the local baseball field sat off to our left, Tradewater Pirates blazened across the grandstand.

Ashore we loaded up and headed back toward the place we started off our day, we made a quick stop to drop off the other party whom I found out to be the woman behind Kayak Kentucky on Facebook
 and had the pleasure of meeting. Shara was awesome and it was nice to finally meet someone in person who shares the same passion for the outdoors and inspiring others to get outdoors and explore. You can follow Shara, Kayak Kentucky via her Facebook page or check out Explore Kentucky 
 And Facebook 
 Or even follow #ExploreKentucky

 Back at Tradewater Canoe and Kayak we loaded our Old Town back into our truck and made the drive back home. Overall it was an amazing trip although an additional spot or two to get out and stretch would be an added benefit. We spent a total of 5 hours paddling all 7 miles, quite a bit longer than anticipated but well worth every second.
 Go ahead and Explore Kentucky!

Happy Facebook OOr

Taylor Bay, Lake Barkley

Taylor Bay

Taylor Bay, Lake Barkley

Spring has finally sprung in Kentucky and I wasted no time on our first day above 60°. The bay had been chosen over the Winter, the gear prepped the night before, and dawn finally broke on canoe day. 

As the sun crested over the horizon I could see a patchy fog hung in the air, the temperature had dropped overnight to 40°, and I was still eager to set out.

We layered up on clothing so as the day warmed we could shed layers as needed. Once loaded I wheeled the truck to Land Between the Lakes and down past the Nature Station, and to Taylor Bay. 

Fog rises off Lake Barkley, Taylor Bay.

A chill hung in the morning air but there wasn't a cloud, a single RV was parked at the back country campground, it's generator humming, and the fog hung about the surface of the water. We unloaded the gear and canoe, then portaged the canoe to the water's edge. Once situated I climbed in the bow, my feet stinging in the cold water, and got seated. My husband took his seat in the stern and we set off. 

The views of the morning sun mixed with the rising fog were breathtaking. 

View in Taylor Bay

My feet bordered on numbness but I said nothing as we paddled out into the bay. We tried to paddle to the back of the bay, towards Taylor Creek, but despite the rainfall the water level remained low, thanks to TVA and Barkley Dam. Paddling across the bay to the far side, we began working our way toward a couple islands at the mouth. It was a good warm up and Mother Nature continued to awe us with here beauty in the early morning hours.

The Sun peers over the trees

View from the bow

Video Canoeing Lake Barkley

After leisurely paddling to the island we disembarked to stretch and explore. The ground was fairly rocky but it was a false sense of security as you soon began sinking into the muddy earth. Luckily it was firm enough and not soupy so exploring was still possible. While wandering we heard a barge blowing it's horn every now and again, it made us curious as to the reason. 

Island view looking toward Cumberland River or Lake Barkley

We wandered about and took a few photos before shoving off again. Paddling past the island and toward the adjoining bay of Jake's Fork I found the reason for the barge's horn. A fog bank hung out over the lake, river channel, and other islands.

Fog bank on Lake Barkley

Shore and fog bank from the bow

My husband noted a large bird with White tail feathers to our right and one look told me it was an American Bald Eagle. I watched as it swooped down to the water, snagged a small fish, and then flew toward the neighboring tree line. 

Paddling on we made our way to the far side of Jake's Fork Bay and spotted our Eagle friend again, perched high a top a tree branch, watching the lake for his next meal. Not far down the shore, into the bay, we spotted his nest off some yards into the woods. We took a moment to marvel at the creation and then paddled on into the bay further. 

A loud pair of geese voiced their disapproval of our visit and flew past above our heads, honking the whole way. My husband now spots a Doe in the woods on the ridge line and we watched her silently as we paddled to the back to the bay till the water became to shallow to continue much further. 

Guiding the canoe to the bank we again disembarked to stretch, explore and grab a bite. It had warmed to the mid 50's and we began removing layers. Setting up our picnic we noticed the Doe behind us in the woods, still following the ridge line. She paused to watch us and us her between prepping our food. No alarm was raised, the doe quietly watched us before finally continuing on her way. 

I stood eating a sandwich and wishing I could feel my feet, now completely numb from the cold water. Another boat entered the bay and trolled halfway back before setting a jug line. Brunch in our bellies now we set out again paddling to deeper water then cutting across the bay. As I photographed the Sun and sky to my right my husband spied a Beaver approaching. I quickly switched to video and recorded the swim by. 

Watch video here

We made the final push back to the boat ramp and our trusty Black Chevy. Our arms were feeling the burn from paddling so much but every bit was worth it! 

Happy Paddling & Hiking

Girl's Canoe Day, Lake Barkley, Kentucky

Me and my bestie Nikki

 Girl's Canoe Day

I had told my girlfriend, Nikki, how relaxing and enjoyable I found canoeing. Being an outdoor loving lady also she wanted to go and have a girl's day. We planned for a month for her to meet me near my home early one morning so we could go paddling in a bay on Lake Barkley. 

I made sure Nikki brought everything needed for an enjoyable outing, sandals that can get wet and be comfortable as well as a light jacket for the early morning chill. 

Canoe locked and loaded

I was a bit nervous about taking the husbands truck with the canoe loaded onto the bed extender but then I remembered I could handle such things, that I wasn't a puss, and got my confidence back. Off I went to meet Nikki and get Girl's Canoe Day underway! 

We launched the canoe in one of my favorite bays and began paddling along the shore. The day was beautiful, full sun, only a few cotton ball type clouds, and a slight chill hung in the early Fall air. We soon warmed up enough to remove our jackets and bask in the warmth of the day.

Beautiful day to be on the water!

Enjoying the day

Paddling around the bay for a bit we decided to pull up on shore, stretch our legs, and get off our bottoms for a minute. I love my Sarnac XL but Old Town needs to add more padding on the molded seats. After only an hour or so your but starts to get a bit restless and yes, sore. We found a good spot to pull up, or at least we thought it was a good spot. The bank was gently sloped down to the waters edge but it was muddy and not sandy or rocky like a lot of places. No big deal, we stood on the bank talking girl talk and had a couple deer run up on us before changing directions once they noticed our presence, and ran off over the ridge behind us. 

Once we were stretched and rehydrated we began maneuvering the canoe along the bank to get back in and relaunch. My feet became stuck deep in the mud and I had to pull up quite hard to free them. I pulled my left foot up hard and with a loud sucking sound it came free, as I tried the same with my right I felt my sandal begin to tear. They weren't expensive and were a pair I had for years so no big deal, right? Wrong, the fabric and padded insert that was sewn to the bottom sole of the shoe had come completely apart and ripped near the top. 

Casualty of Girl's Canoe Day

We managed to get the canoe situated, got ourselves back in, and out on the water again. I didn't let the sandal set back bother me, we were out on the water in a canoe, who needs shoes anyway? I'm a Southern Country Girl and avid outdoors woman, I've gone barefoot plenty. We continued on, exploring the back of the bay, a small bridge, and feeder creek. 

Bridge at back of bay at feeder creek
 and Nikki hamming it up

We had paddled the entire bay in just a few hours and were not ready to call it a day yet, so we pulled up on the bank to load back up and head over to another nearby bay. Now is when a good sandal would be useful, I slid my torn sandal back on to portage the canoe back to the truck, but found it flopping this way and that. There was no way to step or walk and keep the darned thing from doing what it wanted. It ended up folded under my foot when carrying the canoe or the sole flopped off to the side of my foot, providing no protection from the ground. 

Finally it popped in my head, I have my husband's truck with toolbox! Surely I could find something to rig my sandal to last the rest of the trip, so I began digging, looking for duct tape, wire, string, twine or anything. Unless I planned to use a ratchet strap, there was nothing of use. I found a small bungee cord type fastening cable, the kind with a hook at each end, lying in the bed of the truck. I took this and looped it around my foot in the sandal and hooked each end together. It worked for one trip to load gear and the fastener cord broke, it was rotted. I finished loading the gear barefooted which might be easy as a kid once you do it for awhile but as an adult who must wear sensible shoes to work every day you become very tender footed, but I sucked it up and got it done.

Gear and canoe loaded we headed down the back roads of Land Between the Lakes to the next bay I notice the canoe bouncing quite a bit and decide to stop the truck to investigate. I hop out, bare feet and all, to find one of the ratchet straps had slipped off the bumper. I secured it again and we were back underway.

Accessing the next bay was a little tricky, the road becomes severely rutted and mostly made of packed dirt just past a small cemetery and requires some skill to navigate. I had forgotten the road condition and became nervous driving my husband's truck down it. Once past a certain point though there is no turning back, literally. The road is narrow, the tree branches occasionally brushing the side of the truck, and there's no where to pull in to turn a truck around, let alone a full sized one with a 14ft canoe hanging out the back. Onward I went, dodging the deep ruts I could only assume a monster truck had made during a monsoon, and managed to make it to the end where it opened up to the forest and shoreline. 

Before we began unloading again I scrambled to find a replacement repair for my sandal, searching now in the cab of the truck, under the back bench seat I found a fish stringer. I know what your thinking and yes I did. Leaving about two inches free on the end of the stringer I wrapped it around my sandal to secure the flopping, flapping thing to my foot. Once wrapped I threaded the sharp pointed metal end through the metal loop on the other end, several times and began to unload the canoe. When returning for the life jackets it came undone so I took the metal spike end and weaved it through the openings in the top of the sandal. I now officially had a lethal weapon on my foot and it was reminiscent of something from the Flintstones. It worked though and allowed us to finish unloading without further issues.

A better place to pull up on shore

Nikki and I launched the canoe again and set about to paddling the shoreline of the bay. We zig-zagged back and forth in the bay, paddling from one side to the other and into smaller inlets searching and exploring the feeder creeks. Finally we had covered the second bay, it was late afternoon now and we were ready to call it a day. We loaded up the canoe and gear with my stone age looking sandal repair holding and made it back to Nikki's SUV without drama. 

Despite the little set back we had an awesome Girl's Canoe Day and can't wait to do it again this Spring. Nikki enjoyed it so much she is now looking for her own canoe or kayak. I'm glad I'm not a drama queen and don't let something small such as the ruined sandal spoil the day. I already purchased new water shoes last year on clearance at Dick's and can't wait to try them out! 

Happy Paddling and Hiking!

Cache River

Cache River, Section 8 Woods

Another gem of The Shawnee National Forest is the Cache River State Natural Area  near Cypress, IL. Bottom land created by glacial runoff created this ancient blackwater swamp. 

Old growth Cypress trees dot the swamp and provide refuge for an array of birds from Eagles, hawks, osprey, and woodpeckers just to name a few. There is a Wetland Center providing an educational experience the whole family can enjoy.

Cache River Wetland

There are several areas within this network of wetlands, Heron Pond near Belknap, IL in the  Little Black Slough Unit provides a boardwalk to explore the swamp and walk amongst the Cypress and Tupelo trees. 

The Lower Cache River Swamps between Karnak and Ullin, IL provides a paddle trail for canoers and kayakers to explore the swamp. Paddle past wildlife, enjoy a bit of birding, and be awe struck by the old growth Cypress trees. 

Section 8 Woods Boardwalk

Glass Hill Management Unit located just north of Cypress, IL boasts a high sandstone knob that is inaccessible and therefore has a realitivly undisturbed upland forest. 

There are 9 different hiking trails as well as a bike trail,  the aforementioned canoe trail and Wetlands Center. Events are hosted year round and include van tours to wildflower hikes.

View from boardwalk

Southern Illinois has some of the most diverse topography and wildlife in the country. You're sure to find a place you can enjoy or in my case many places! 

Happy Hiking! 

Do You Bayou? Turkey Bayou - Shawnee National Forest

Turkey Bayou

Another beautiful place brought to you by The Shawnee National Forest and Friends of the Bayou. Hidden beneath the bluffs that overlook the Mississippi River in Southern Illinois this free campground, yes free, is totally maintained by donations and the graciousness of it's savior.  

Turkey Bayou was slated for closure by the US Forestry Service, a group of passionate people and some help from a politician who actually cared, Turkey Bayou was saved. Friends of the Bayou is now contracted by the US Forestry Service for the upkeep and maintenance of the site. Donations are critical to the upkeep of this free campground, for years it was paid for privately but that well is running dry. 

Turkey Bayou Campground

Turkey Bayou Campground

Located off Route 3 just North of Grand Tower, IL and behind Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir, Turkey Bayou sits under the bluffs and in a bend of the Big Muddy River. Check in at the entrance, obey all laws and regulations posted. We do not need to jepordize the contract afforded to Friends of the Bayou. 

Fog rises off the Bayou

The campground is primitive, no potable water and no facilities. Back country camping with flare would describe it best. The site is well maintained, free of trash and downed limbs. Gravel sites surrounded by grass, fire rings provided, picnic tables, and keep to the shaded spots in warmer months. There are several open spots closer to the bayou edge and these are nice spots for Fall or early Spring but the Sun will be to much any other time of year. Mosiquito spray is strongly advised in warmer months and any other bug repellent. Yes, you will find snakes, it is a bayou, be aware and alert. We camped in the Fall and did not have problems with bugs or snakes, all though it was a cold night for a tent once or twice. There are also some trails from the back sites to the Big Muddy, they are narrow but a kayak or canoe portage is doable. A boat ramp is located just a short walk or drive down the only gravel road in/out. 

I was very pleased with the campground not being one who requires a privy and if can manage to wash up, I'm good to go...for a couple days at least anyway. We had an adventure regarding air mattresses and sleeping arrangements. My mother bought a new mattress that was to large for their use, so we traded. The trade was good till Mom's, my old one, sprung a leak and my parents spent the rest of the trip sleeping in the cab of the truck. Yes, I offered them our tent but a handicap would have made it near impossible for Mom to get up and out of the tent. There are a lot of nights she sleeps in a recliner. It worked, they had heat and stayed fairly comfortable. There's always some hiccup once you're out in the middle of no where but you just have to roll with it and make the best of things. I will say again how cold it was a few nights, upper 30's, but plenty of blankets and layers, it wasn't an issue. The dew was very heavy every morning we were there and the Fall Sun fed winds that thankfully died with the daylight. 

While you're at Turkey Bayou you absolutely must take a drive down Pine Hills Rd, again off Route 3, and you can pick up the start of the road at Wolf Lake, IL or pick it up just South of Grand Tower, IL. This scenic drive will take your breath away. 

View from Pine Hills Rd. 

The bluff from Big Muddy Levy Rd. 

The area is also known for it's ties to Lewis & Clark who passed through with the Corps of Discovery on their way West to the Pacific Ocean. Trail of Tears State Forest is nearby in Jonesboro, IL, it offers plenty of hiking trails over very rugged terrian and all the amenities of a State Park and let's not forget the tragic history of its name. You will also find the Little Grand Canyon to the North and the Pomona Natural Bridge just East of that. Further North lies Johnson Creek Recreation Area with more camping, lake and boat ramp. Turkey Bayou is a central location for your exploration in the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District and a treasure we shouldn't loose for lack of funding. 

Hope you get to go enjoy Turkey Bayou and all The Shawnee National Forest has to offer! 

Happy Hiking!!!