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
1 Comment »

Located in central southern Kentucky, Lake Cumberland is one of the largest man-made bodies of water east of the Mississippi River and boasts more miles of shoreline (1255) than any other lake in the world. Within a days drive of most of Middle America, Lake Cumberland is considered a premier family vacation destination. For those seeking outdoor adventure, scenic vistas and peaceful surroundings, Lake Cumberland truly is the perfect place.

Nationally known for it's bass and trout fishing and host to several annual tournaments, Lake Cumberland is an angler's dream. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass abound, as well as stripers which have been stocked here since 1951. For the trout fisherman, the entire Cumberland River is full of rainbow trout, brown trout and the elusive brook trout. Many of Kentucky's record catches were recorded here, so your trophy is waiting.

In addition to prized fishing, Lake Cumberland  offers house boating and a wide variety of water sports. Lake Cumberland is said to have more luxury houseboats than any other lake in the United States and nearby Monticello is the houseboat manufacturing capitol of the world. There are a host of full service marinas on the lake offering houseboat and pontoon rentals by the day or week. For those desiring a quicker pace on the water, ski boat and powerboat rentals are also available as well a personal watercraft. With over 63,000 acres of water, there is plenty of room for everyone. Cumberland below the falls and Big South Fork offer whitewater adventure that is sure to get your heart pounding. Local outfitters offer rafting as well as canoeing tours and kayakers flock to these rivers for their adrenaline pumping rapids.

Those desiring land recreation will find plenty of activities to choose from. There are many nearby golf courses offering everything from 9 hole par 3 to 18 hole championship courses. Lush vegetation, abundant wildlife, water features and rolling topography are showcased in all their splendor. Golfers of any level are sure to find a course to suit their level and style of play.

For avid hikers or those desiring a casual stroll in the wilderness, Lake Cumberland has an almost limitless network of hiking trails. Numerous trails of all lengths and difficulty levels adorn the shores of Lake Cumberland and the diverse topography of surrounding areas offer breath-taking vistas and panoramic views. The unique geographic features of the area will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Beaver Creek Wilderness Trails, Bee Rock Recreation Area, Rockcastle Narrows Trail, Yahoo Falls Scenic Area and The Daniel Boone Forest are just a few of the areas wilderness attractions. The Big South Fork National River and Recreation area is a 110,000 acre park with over 200 miles of trails and scenic railway. Of noted interest are Eagle Falls Trail, Natural Arch Recreation Area (One of the most scenic locations in the region) and Cumberland Falls State Park (Home to the Niagara of the South, the second largest falls in the United States and the night time Moonbow, one of three worldwide.) This is an absolute must see.

The Lake Cumberland area is steeped in tradition, and there are many sites nearby that are of historical interest. Carefully preserved and painstakingly restored, these destinations hark of days gone by and impart a true sense of nostalgia. In Monticello are the Wayne County Historical Society Museum and the Mill Springs Mill. The world's largest in operation, this three-story grist mill grinds fresh corn meal that is available for sale in their gift shop. It sits above the lake shore with a scenic walk descending to the dock below. In nearby Sterns is the Barthell Coal Mining Camp and the Big South Fork Scenic Railway and outdoor museum. Located in Nancy are the Mill Springs Battlefield Park and the Mill Springs National Cemetery with memorial services open to the public.

An Arts and Crafts mecca, shoppers will find many places for antiquing throughout the area. Flea markets, warehouse salvage, orchards offering fresh produce and local art galleries add to this eclectic mix to provide a shopping experience that is both interesting and unique.

Lake Cumberland- come see for yourself and experience this magnificent vacation wonder!

 

 James Bridges is a Kentucky resident and a Lake Cumberland enthusiast. For your next family vacation come see what Kentucky has to offer.
View their website at: http://www.lakecumberlandvacationrentals.com

Categories: Camping, Boating, Hiking
No Comments »