Frankfort Ford Rd. To 1268 (3.3 miles)

This creek needs lots of rain to become runnable. There is no gauge on the creek, and you have to check the Hickman Creek Gauge at Veterans Park to see if this creek is running. Jessamine will be running if you see this gauge jump to at least 2.5 feet. At that level, Jessamine is running low. 5.5 feet at this gauge Jessamine is running medium, and anything above that is a high-level run. This run offers plenty of play spots at all levels, and at medium and up levels some of the rapids become move into class 3.  The main rapids have been named as well as the land-mark rapids. Don't let the list fool you, it is a very constant rapids spread throughout the creek. On this run, you can see deer, river otters, herons, geese, turkeys, and monkeys. Yes, monkeys. About half-way through this run on river left is the Primate Rescue Center and there are many a cage full of monkeys. It is also important that you DO NOT get out and look at the monkeys, you will get prosecuted. Just enjoy the view from the river. This run also boasts a gorgeous waterfall that comes straight out of a cave. This waterfall is one that you can hike up to and go behind. It is very much worth the stop. The main take-out for this run also features a lovely stone arch bridge and equally beautiful house. The owner is okay with you taking out at the bridge and hiking up to the road to the parking spot. The parking spot is around the corner from the stone bridge. There is a pull off there by an old quarry and right after a small bridge over a feeder creek. Just make sure you don't loiter. They have had problems before with people damaging their property. So, get out, move on the road, and carry your boats to your vehicle. There are a couple of alternate take-out points for this run, but they require at least a quarter mile hike to your car up some steep hills. The added miles can be worth it though because you get some great drops. Just be aware that if you make it all the way to the KY river you have an 8-mile paddle up or down the river to a take-out. If you see that this creek is running make sure to jump on it. You are in for a treat. Just remember to check for strainers and wood, heavy storms have been known to deposit both in the creek.