Hawk Creek RanchLoacation: Laurel County, Ky
Acres: 259
Offered at: $388,500
Status: Available
Downloads |
|---|
Heavily Wooded River Front Property On The Rockcastle River And Hawk Creek, A Wild And Wooly Land Surrounded By The Daniel Boone National Forest, Incredible Solitude And Privacy, Unique Hunting And Fishing Opportunities
Location: ~ 10 Miles West Of London, Ky And 21 Miles East Of Somerset, Ky 259± Acres Deeded Acres Timber Cruse On File | Beautiful Private Setting Ideal Recreation Land
Hawk Creek Ranch is located on the Rockcastle River between London, Kentucky and Billows, Kentucky and is surrounded by land owned by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The property is accessed off Highway 1956 from Highway 80. The area is a recreational wonderland and only a short distance to Laurel River Lake, Lake Cumberland and the Big South Fork River Recreational Area. The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trailhead is only two miles from the Ranch. The Indian Trail Lookout Tower, an old fire tower used by the Forest Service is located adjacent to the south end of the property.
The Hawk Creek Ranch is truly a wilderness property located one mile west of Billows. The land has been in a timber stand improvement program since 2002 and has been crused. The area is pristine and natural with many miles of trails. The forest and wildlife conditions are impeccable providing good hunting opportunities, with a solid presence of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, various small mammals and songbirds. The rugged terrain, high ridge tops, creeks and rock outcroppings produce a diverse and aesthetic quality to the woodlands. Mineral right do not convey but are negotiable.
The habitat of Hawk Creek Ranch supports some of the most diverse wildlife in Kentucky. Thickly forested areas provide innumerable hiding spots for game with the densest forest on the north side of the property. The property sits along the Rockcastle River and Hawk Creek. The Rockcastle River watershed is classified as both a High Quality Water and an Outstanidng Resource Water , having many tributaries. The relatively clean water found in the Rockcastle allows it to host a diverse fish population, such as smallmouth bass and rock bass AND THE OCCASIONAL WALLEYE.
The Rockcastle River whose flow forms the border of Rockcastle and Laurel counties, is one of Kentucky’s best whitewater streams. The river also holds good populations of smallmouth bass and rock bass. It offers something for everyone, whether it’s mild water for anglers and family trips, or challenging whitewater for the kayaker.
The floatable section begins after the confluence of the Middle Fork and South Fork of the Rockcastle at the community of Livingston. The section of the Rockcastle from Livingston to Billows is a good float for anglers, beginners, families and canoe campers.
This middle section features long, gentle pools interspersed with drops. A few of the drops are challenging for canoeists and kayakers, but they serve as good tutorials for basic water reading and boat maneuvering skills.
Anglers should downsize their line and lure selection, as this section of the Rockcastle runs extremely clear in dry weather. The water clarity tends to make the smallmouth bass jumpy.
Small tube lures or curly-tailed grubs in black, pumpkinseed or watermelon rigged on 1/16-ounce leadhead jigs work well for Rockcastle River smallmouth bass. Finesse worms in the same colors also work well. Try 4-pound monofilament or 6-pound fluorocarbon fishing line in summer to avoid scaring fish.
The next section of the Rockcastle gradually picks up gradient and speed after the KY 1956 bridge at Billows. The section from Billows to the KY 192 bridge is designated as a Kentucky Wild River. The scenery grows more gorgeous as you float further into the Rockcastle.
This section is still relatively gentle and offers good smallmouth fishing along with a chance for an occasional walleye. Some small ledges and fast riffles make the paddling interesting. Boaters will travel 10.7 miles before reaching the next take-out, referred to on some maps as the Old Howard Place. It is located at the end of Bolthouse Ridge Road, via Acorn-Ano Road and KY 1675 in Pulaski County.
However, after the Old Howard Place access, the Rockcastle River turns mean. The river picks up speed and gradient to become one of the most challenging whitewater runs in Kentucky. House-sized boulders line the banks and alter the river’s path for the rest of the run.
This section of the Rockcastle is only for experienced boaters with excellent technical and water reading skills. Open boats, such as canoes or sit-on kayaks, are not recommended. Do not float this section alone. Smart boaters will wear helmets and personal floatation devices. Because the Rockcastle’s many blind turns can fool the uninitiated, you must scout rapids before floating them.
The river tumbles over a series of steep ledges known as the Stair Steps, about one mile downstream of the Old Howard Place access. These rapids are rated Class II to borderline Class III. Roughly the next 3-mile stretch of the run holds fairly long pools with some good rapids at the end of each.
The Rockcastle seems to disappear into a garden of boulders - thus begins the hairy part of this adventure. This marks the beginning of the Beech Creek Narrows, a set of Class IV rapids that boaters must scoutbeforehand if they choose to shoot them.
All but the most experienced boaters should use the portage on the right side of the river and bypass the rapid. The river constricts itself through two humongous boulders and drops about four feet with a keeper hydraulic (a standing wave with reverse current) at the end that can trap boats. Set up one of the group with a rescue rope that can reach a trapped boater with one throw before floating this rapid.
The Rockcastle calms for a bit before seemingly disappearing again. The river turns hard to the right and makes a big drop. This marks the beginning of the Lower Narrows, a series of rapids rated up to Class IV. The next mile or so of river is only for the most experienced and skilled whitewater paddlers. The Lower Narrows consists of many twists, turns and large drops that will test the skills of the best paddlers. Boaters must scout each rapid of the Lower Narrows.
A portage trail runs along the left (east) side of the river and most who run this section should use it. After the Lower Narrows, the Rockcastle holds several Class II and Class III rapids that must be scouted. Soon, the river calms down until the take-out at the Bee Rock Boat Ramp at the KY 192 bridge.
The last section of the Rockcastle begins at Bee Rock Boat Ramp and ends at the Rockcastle Campgrounds at the mouth of the river. Lake Cumberland inundates most of this section of the Rockcastle and this 7-mile flat water float is perfect for beginners and families.
