Beech Fork facts for kids
The Beech Fork River is a cool waterway in central Kentucky, United States. It's about 112 miles (180 km) long! This river is like a smaller stream that feeds into the Rolling Fork of the Salt River. From there, its waters travel all the way to the mighty Ohio River and then finally to the huge Mississippi River.
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Where the River Flows
The Beech Fork River starts its journey in eastern Marion County. It then flows northwest into Washington County. Here, another river called the Chaplin River joins it.
After that, the Beech Fork turns southwest. It winds its way through Nelson County. The river's adventure ends near a town called Boston. That's where it meets the Rolling Fork of the Salt River.
Fun on the River
The Beech Fork is a winding river, perfect for water adventures! Many people enjoy whitewater rafting, kayaking, and canoeing here.
Most of the river is pretty calm, known as "Class I" rapids. This means it's great for beginners and families using canoes or kayaks. There's one exciting spot, though! Just a bit past the US 31E bridge, there's a collapsed boulder dam. This creates a "Class III+" rapid, which is a bit more challenging. It has a drop of about five feet, so it's best for experienced paddlers.
Historic Bridges
The Beech Fork River is also home to some interesting old bridges.
Beech Fork Bridge
The Beech Fork Bridge, Mackville Road is a very old bridge. It's a truss bridge, which means it's built with a strong framework of connected triangles. This bridge has been spanning the river since 1884! It's about 124 feet (38 meters) long. Because it's so old and important, it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect special places in the country.
Mount Zion Covered Bridge
Another cool bridge over the Beech Fork is the Mount Zion Covered Bridge. Covered bridges are special because they have roofs and sides, like a tunnel. This helps protect the wooden parts of the bridge from weather, making them last longer.
