Cincinnati to Louisville down the Ohio

Cincy Aquaholic

Cincy Aquaholic

Active Member
Mar 15, 2009
1,329
Cincinnati
Boat Info
290 SS - 2016 Ford F250 Powerstroke
Engines
Twin 5.7 with Bravo 1's
We are planning a trip down the Ohio River from Cincinnati to Louisville. Any tips, suggestions or warnings for the route would be appreciated. We have a slip in Louisville and we have overnight accomodations for our group. I've only locked through Markland Dam and haven't gone much further. I know my way around Cincinnati but am interested in knowing if there are any good ramps around Lawrenceburg, IN to launch.
 
the tanners ramp may be too shallow for your boat. Mostly bass boats and runabouts launch from there. Trade-winds may allow a launch (between Aurora and L-burg) but getting from their ramp, out of the marina and out to the river is very tricky. as for the journey past Markland, it's not as deep of a pool as the Cincy pool so be sure to stay in the channel. Where are you staying in Louisville? I've gone down there a few times and stayed at Captain's Quarters. It's up Harrod's Creek and very nice. There is also a public dock just before the Damn in downtown but there is no electric and surrounded by some rather questionable neighborhoods. Enjoy you journey, the Ohio is beautiful down that way..
 
Sounds like a good trip. Once you get below Markland, stay in the channel as there are some shallow spots like Craigs Bar.

I'd suggest you take a side trip up the KY River at Carrolton, maybe even spend the night there at the first lock (no longer in use). Here are some pics:

http://www.portky.com/articles/tripkyrvr.html

Madison is nice. This weekend is their Chautauqua of Arts, so you may want to check with Rivercrest Marina to see if they have any slips. From there, it's not too far from town. Also in Madison, try the Lighthouse restaurant on the water (can't miss it).

Once you get to the Louisville area, I'd suggest River's Edge Marina (Mile 585) for an ethanol-free fill-up. Tell them Eric sent you.

Here is a link to a website with all things Louisville Boating:

http://www.PortKY.com

When you get to Louisville, the most popular restaurants are Captain's Quarters (nicest) and Cunninghams (bar food), both on Harrods Creek. If you're heading all the way to downtown, check out Tumbleweed SW Grill. There is a number on the above website w/ overnighting information down there.

Sounds like a fun trip. Let us know when you're coming and maybe we'll see you out there!
 
It's my understanding that it went to weekends only some time ago, operated by volunteers, and was subsequently closed down. I think that occurred a few years ago. The boaters in Frankfort, KY who used to go down to Madison are stuck in their pool on the KY River. I last heard there were about 40 large boats up there.
 
There used to be barge traffic on the KY river moving mostly gravel/sand. I put in once at Frankfort and planned to lock through #3 and #2 and stop at Perry Park but lock #2 had a big log in it and couldn't be closed. had to get pulled out on a gravel ramp at lockport.

I used to run to Madison on a regular basis for business. I loved that drive along the river.
 
Kameroo said:
Sounds like a good trip. Once you get below Markland, stay in the channel as there are some shallow spots like Craigs Bar.

I'd suggest you take a side trip up the KY River at Carrolton, maybe even spend the night there at the first lock (no longer in use). Here are some pics:

http://www.portky.com/articles/tripkyrvr.html

Madison is nice. This weekend is their Chautauqua of Arts, so you may want to check with Rivercrest Marina to see if they have any slips. From there, it's not too far from town. Also in Madison, try the Lighthouse restaurant on the water (can't miss it).

Once you get to the Louisville area, I'd suggest River's Edge Marina (Mile 585) for an ethanol-free fill-up. Tell them Eric sent you.

Here is a link to a website with all things Louisville Boating:

http://www.PortKY.com

When you get to Louisville, the most popular restaurants are Captain's Quarters (nicest) and Cunninghams (bar food), both on Harrods Creek. If you're heading all the way to downtown, check out Tumbleweed SW Grill. There is a number on the above website w/ overnighting information down there.

Sounds like a fun trip. Let us know when you're coming and maybe we'll see you out there!
Click to expand...

Thanks! Are you Captain Eric from the portky.com site? I've looking at it and its full of good information. My biggest concern is with the shallower depths past Markland. Fair to say the channel is wide and well marked? I need to check on the charts on my Garmin to see how detailed they are. I wonder if I should pick up some paper charts?

We are planning to hit Captains Quarters and stay the night at the slips at the Waterfront development.

Apparently, there is a party cove/quarry across from Captains Quarters to hang out for the day?

We should be getting into Louisville around mid afternoon if you want to swing by.
 
Cincy Aquaholic said:
Are you Captain Eric from the portky.com site?...My biggest concern is with the shallower depths past Markland...We should be getting into Louisville around mid afternoon if you want to swing by.
Click to expand...

Yep, that's my baby. It's been fun putting it together and trying to incorporate all things river in there.

Don't worry about the depths if you stay in the channel. I like the charts because you'll know before you get there where you need to be.

Which afternoon/evening??? Would love to pick your brain about some Cinci info. BTW, be sure to try out the "banana planks" at CQ. Best deep fried banana peppers in the area!

Kurt, would you like to tell him about the cove?
 
Sorry! October 2nd. My birthday cruise! Thanks again for the info. More than happy to help on Cincy info.
 
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