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Dix River facts for kids

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Dix-River-Brodhead-ky
The Dix River near its headwaters in Brodhead

The Dix River is a river in central Kentucky, United States. It's about 79 miles (127 kilometers) long. The Dix River flows into the Kentucky River, which is a bigger river.

The Dix River: A Kentucky Waterway

Where Does the Dix River Start and Go?

The Dix River begins in western Rockcastle County. This is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of Mount Vernon. The river then flows mostly northwest. It twists and turns a lot, like a snake.

It passes north of Stanford and east of Danville. Near Danville, a large dam called the Dix Dam holds back the river's water. This creates a big lake called Herrington Lake. The river then flows for about 2 miles (3 kilometers) more. Finally, it joins the Kentucky River near High Bridge. This spot is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southwest of Lexington. It's in a beautiful area known as the Kentucky River Palisades.

What's Special About the Dix River?

The Dix River is a popular place for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy fly fishing here, especially for different kinds of bass fish. Sometimes, you might see people kayaking or canoeing on the river. The water levels are usually calm, like Class I+, but can sometimes have small rapids, like mild Class II. This means it's generally safe for beginners but still fun.

The Dix River's Surroundings

The land around the Dix River is mostly farmland. It has rolling hills and is made of limestone rock. Near Danville, the river's average water flow is about 480 cubic feet (13.6 cubic meters) per second. This measurement tells us how much water moves past a certain point each second.

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