Not long after the 1756 Big Sandy Expedition, we have heard of countless stories about explorers passing through the Sandy Ridge Gap. We would have to wonder how many hide-stretched canoes made the treacherous journey down the Russell Fork – Sandy Creek many years ago. The photos displayed below showcase the extreme danger to any hide-stretched canoe or modern-day kayak on the water.

The Russell Fork River is a free-flowing stream with 16 miles of great whitewater between Haysi, VA and Elkhorn City, KY. The gorge section is usually runnable 9-10 months of the year (200cfs or more).

The Breaks gorge section of the Russell above 500cfs offers stiff Class V technical creek style whitewater. The run’s unforgiving reputation is well earned. Four separate rapids have claimed lives and serious injury is not uncommon in the gorge. Strong Class IV+ skills are necessary for full flows.

But this is only part of the story. Regional paddlers run the gorge year round at much lower flows, as low as 100cfs. At levels below 375-400cfs, the river loses a lot of its teeth and becomes a good Class IV creek. Because of its pool/drop nature, solid Class III creekers should have the skills to navigate the awesome gorge run at these lower levels.

 

 

 

 

Beginner and Intermediate paddlers don’t have to be left out of the Russell Fork fun in season. The upper section of the Russell is a class II-IV run at release levels with plenty of play spots and technical rapids. Great for the intermediate boater and fun at any level above 400 cfs. Really fun at 2-3,000 cfs. The lower section of the Russell is a great training ground for beginner and intermediate paddlers. It features the Meatgrinder (known locally as the Ledges), a nasty little Triple Drop-like rapid that’s as mean as anything on the upper section. Don’t worry, it’s easy to scout and sneak/carry.

There are a few great creeks in the neighborhood. Check out Grassy Creek(IV) & Elkhorn Creek(II). Both flow into the Russell.

 

 

Getting to the Russell Fork can be almost as challenging as running it. Be aware that very large trucks travel these narrow and winding roads. That fancy new Explorer can be just another grease stain on the road if it crosses a tandem coal hauler. Take it easy. Elkhorn City is located on Route 80, 23 miles southeast of Pikeville. Hays is 17 miles beyond Elkhorn City, also on Route 80. Both towns are accessible from U.S. 460 to the north and U.S. 23 to the south. The Pool Hole River access is located on Rte 80, approximately 2 miles east of Elkhorn City (if you hit the Virginia state line, you’ve gone way too far). The Garden Hole River Access is located on Rte 80, approximately 9 miles east of Elkhorn City and a half mile past the main Breaks Interstate Park entrance, or 8 miles west of Haysi. The road into Garden Hole is a mile of gravel and dirt and requires a four wheel drive in inclement weather (that means snow or rain).

The Bartlick River Access is located on HWY 611, approximately 4 miles off Rte 80 (and about 5 miles beyond the Park entrance or 4 miles from Haysi).

To get to Flanagan Dam River Access, follows the signs from Bartlick (or from Haysi).

The most common route into the Breaks canyon is via the railroad tracks. While much easier than the brutal river trail hike from the main Park, the railroad route offers a high trestle and long tunnels. O yes, and coal trains. You can start on the Elkhorn City end at Pool Point (steep curve just downstream from Ratliff Hole). Follow the path over the hill to the tracks and cross the trestle (quickly). Hike upstream approximately one mile to the state line tunnel (bring a flashlight). hike through the tunnel and another half mile to El Horrendo. From the Garden Hole end, paddle your favorite water craft across the river and hike the tracks downstream. Pass through the tower tunnel (much shorter than the state-line tunnel, but don’t forget that flashlight). Just out of the tunnel and over the hill is the trail to Fist. About 150 yards down the tracks is the path down to triple drop. Another 200 yards to El Horrendo. 

Click on any image to enlarge.