Elkhorn Creek (Kentucky) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elkhorn Creek |
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North Elkhorn Creek in Georgetown, Kentucky.
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of North and South forks in Franklin County 650 ft (200 m) |
| River mouth | Kentucky River in Franklin County 456 ft (139 m) |
| Discharge (location 2) |
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| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 499.5 square miles (1,294 km2) |
Elkhorn Creek is a cool stream in central Kentucky, United States. It's about 18.3 miles (29.5 km) long. This creek gets its name because its main part and two big branches look a bit like an elk's antlers on a map! It's a popular spot for fishing and paddling.
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Exploring Elkhorn Creek
Elkhorn Creek drains a large area of land, about 499.5 square miles (1,294 square kilometers). This means all the rain that falls in this area eventually flows into Elkhorn Creek.
Where Elkhorn Creek Begins
Elkhorn Creek has two main parts: the North Elkhorn Creek and the South Elkhorn Creek. They are like two arms that come together to form the main creek.
North Elkhorn Creek starts near Lexington. It flows for about 75.4 miles (121.3 km) through Fayette and Scott counties. It then reaches Franklin County.
South Elkhorn Creek begins in Fayette County. It flows for about 52.8 miles (85 km). This fork goes through Woodford, Scott, and Franklin counties. It also forms the border between Scott and Woodford counties.
The Forks of the Elkhorn
Both the North and South Elkhorn Creeks meet in Franklin County. This meeting point is called the Forks of the Elkhorn. It's located east of Frankfort. After they join, the water flows north. The creek then empties into the Kentucky River north of Frankfort.
Fish and Fishing
Elkhorn Creek is home to many kinds of fish. You can find catfish, rock bass, and smallmouth bass here. Other fish include largemouth bass, carp, crappie, and bluegill.
The smallmouth bass is a very special fish in Elkhorn Creek. The creek is known for having a healthy number of these fish. If you want to learn more about fishing here, you can check the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website for tips.
Fun on the Water
Elkhorn Creek is a favorite place for outdoor adventures. Many people enjoy kayaking and canoeing here. It's a popular spot not just for people from Kentucky, but also for visitors from other states. The creek offers a great way to explore nature from the water.
Elkhorn Creek in Poetry
Elkhorn Creek is even mentioned in a famous poem! The American poet Walt Whitman wrote about it. His poem "Song of Myself" includes a line about walking in the "vale of the Elkhorn." This shows how well-known and important the creek was, even long ago.
A Southerner soon as a Northerner, a planter nonchalant and hospitable down by the Oconee I live,
A Yankee bound my own way ready for trade, my joints the limberest joints on earth and the sternest joints on earth,
A Kentuckian walking the vale of the Elkhorn in my deer-skin leggings, a Louisianian or Georgian …
