Copperas Creek Canoe Launch
Copperas Canoe Launch is located near Osborne Bend Trailhead in the Red River Gorge and provides access to the lower section of the Red Wild and Scenic River. In 1993, a 19.4-mile segment of the Red River, stretching from KY 746 to the ford below Schoolhouse Branch, was designated a National Wild and Scenic River.
Most visitors prefer to experience the Red Wild and Scenic River by floating downstream from the Copperas Creek Canoe launch. This mostly class I section is great for beginners, but also provides enough sandbars, riffles and small ledges to make paddling interesting for everyone. This 10.5 mile (16.89 km) section takes about 6 hours to complete and averages 55°F-60°F (12.7°C-15.5°C) water temperature in April. The Wild and Scenic River designation ends at the Schoolhouse Branch confluence.
General Information
Open year-round
Day use only: open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
No fees are required for this site
Address: 2375 KY 801 South Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: 606-784-6428
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.819972
Longitude: -83.575056
Directions
From Slade, travel west on KY 11/15 for approximately 1.4 miles to KY 77 on the right. Follow 77 through Nada Tunnel and across the Red River to KY 715. Follow 715 for 8 miles to the parking lot just before the one-lane bridge across the Red River. The canoe launch is on the opposite side of the road from the parking area. Vehicles can use this access road to drop boats off at the river but are not allowed to park there.
From Pine Ridge, take exit 40 off the Mountain Parkway and head west on KY 15. Turn right onto KY 715 and continue approximately 5.5 miles, making a sharp turn to the right when Sky Bridge Road intersects with 715. Continue downhill and over the Red River on a one-lane bridge. The parking area is on the right side of the road after crossing the bridge. The canoe launch is on the opposite side of the road from the parking area. Vehicles can use this access road to drop boats off at the river but are not allowed to park there.
Parking
The parking area is on the right side of the road after crossing the bridge.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Vault toilet at parking area meets accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
