I can’t think of a better place to visit on Memoral Day than Rockhouse Bottom.  Some people refer to the Rockhouse as the Creelsboro Natural Bridge but everyone around here calls it the Rockhouse.  Growing up in Russell County I remember hearing of this elusive place as a small child, however the first time I remember visiting was when I was around 15 or 16 years old but it is on my short list of favorite places in southern Kentucky.  This massive limestone structure sites on the Cumberland River approximately 7 miles downstream of Wolf Creek Dam.  Most natural arches are sandstone so this one is unique for sure because of the material that makes up the arch, limestone.  The arch spans a little over 100 feet across (I’ve heard 104 to 106 feet) and is about 60 feet high inside.  There is a small creek (Jim Creek) that runs through the arch and into the river but today it was pretty much dried up.  The river level varies a great deal downstream of the Wolf Creek Dam depending on their generating schedules, today the water was as low as I remember seeing it in a long time. 

Upon arriving at the Rockhouse I parked and got of the vehicle and I immediately smelled someone cooking food and could hear them talking.  I assume it was campers that were there for the long holiday weekend.  I proceeded to walk down the little creek looking path to enter the channel that goes back to the arch only to be welcomed by someone from Fish and Wildlife.  They are doing a fish survey on the river and these poor guys and girls have to go out there and fish for 8 hours a day.  Some people just have all the luck what I would give to have that job. 

After stopping to look at the massive entrance to the Rockhouse I continued on inside, typically the river is up in the back of the arch but not today.  I strolled through and looked around a bit, the place has been vandalized a bit I assume by kids since there is spray paint all over the place.  I continued on toward the water and noticed a couple of guys waded out in the river fly fishing so I had to stop and watch for a few minutes while I admired the beauty of this place.  If fishing is your thing the river is constantly stocked with trout from the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery located just below Wolf Creek Dam.

I decided to make the hike up to the top of the arch for a better view.  The trail is short and very steep but it’s an absolute must if you visit to go up there and look at the view.  When you get to the top you can sit on the rocks or take the trail on out past the little clearing area where the power lines come thru, today I continued on the trail for about 100 yards to admire the view and soak up some sun.

 There are lots of things to do at the Rockhouse; there is some great fishing there, camping and hiking.  Another activity of this place is rappelling.  It’s not uncommon to see people hanging off their ropes and coming down the backside of the arch toward the river.  When the water is up in the arch they rappel off of the face toward the parking area and road.  This is the favorite rappelling site for the newly crowned Miss USA and Russell County native Tara Conner and you may just see her hanging off of a rope if you go there.

This place is a definite must see if you are in the area visiting and looking for something to do, if you are coming to camp bring everything you need with you because Creelsboro is a ghost town and you will have to travel about 30 minutes into town for supplies.

Directions to the site are as follows:

GPS Coordinates: N 36° 53.031 W 085° 14.202

From Jamestown take Hwy 127 south to Hwy 55 and turn right continue for approx 2 miles or so and turn left onto KY-1058 continue on this road until you see where KY-379 turns to the right.  There is an old store there on the corner (welcome to CreelsboroJ) continue out 379 for about 2 miles and when you will start to see the river on the left side of the road you are getting close.  There is a small gravel lane that turns off to the left and goes down a hill to a parking area.  Welcome you have made it to the Rockhouse. 

There are many other ways to get to this site but this is probably the simplest way to get there and not get lost, another option if you have a boat is launch the boat at the Wolf Creek Dam and head down river about 7 miles to the Rockhouse. 

Come on out and enjoy this place and be sure to watch this site and see where we end up at next.  Click here for pictures of Rockhouse.

Categories: Camping, Boating, Hiking