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Rivers





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  Kentucky
 River
County
Reach
Length (miles)
Description
Potential Classification
ORVs
Watershed (HUC Code 8)
Year Listed/ Updated
Other StateBad Branch
Letcher
From the headwaters on Pine Mountain to the confluence with Poor Fork of the Cumberland.
3
Very scenic headwaters stream in deep gorge with 45' waterfall; hiking opportunities in State Nature Preserve; numerous federal and state-listed threatened and endangered species; excellent water quality.
Wild
Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife, Other
Upper Cumberland
1995Barren River
Warren, Allen
Barren River Lake to above Bowling Green
46
Broad stream with banks of various steepness; lush vegetation; islands common.

Fish, Recreational, Scenic
Barren
1982Barren River
Butler, Warren
Below Bowling Green to confluence with Green River
34
Broad stream with banks of various steepness; lush vegetation; islands common.

Fish, Recreational, Scenic
Barren
1982Beaver Creek
McCreary
From headwaters to backwaters of Lake Cumberland
7
Very scenic stream in National Wilderness Area within Daniel Boone National Forest. Harbors federally listed blackside dace throughout. Very primitive and isolated. State-designated outstanding resource water.
Wild
Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife, Other
Upper Cumberland-Lake Cumberland
1995Boone Creek
Fayette, Clark
Headwaters one mile below I-64 to confluence with Kentucky River
18
Scenic stream with vertical rock walls; gorge area, and waterfalls.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic
Lower Kentucky
1982Buck Creek
Pulaski, Lincoln
0.5 mile above Pulaski/Lincoln County line to confluence with Cumberland River and KY 762 bridge
53
Scenic topography including gorge area; outstanding cliffs and numerous caves--Blowing Rock.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Upper Cumberland-Lake Cumberland
1982Cumberland River
Monroe, Cumberland, Clinton, Russell
US 127 bridge over Wolf Creek Dam to one mile below town of Vernon Bottom
76
Extensively wooded, high bluffs, remote and rugged; corridor area excellent for canoeing, hiking and camping; within uppermost reach, a 16 mile segment within Daniel Boone National Forest, designated State Wild River; Cumberland Falls State Park.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Upper Cumberland
1982Cumberland River
Livingston, Crittenden, Lyon
Lake Barkley to confluence with Ohio River
29
Extensively wooded, high bluffs, remote and rugged; corridor area excellent for canoeing, hiking and camping; within uppermost reach, a 16 mile segment within Daniel Boone National Forest, designated State Wild River; Cumberland Falls State Park.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Upper Cumberland
1982Cumberland River
Whitley
Two miles downstream of I-75 bridge to confluence with Camp Creek
29
Extensively wooded, high bluffs, remote and rugged; corridor area excellent for canoeing, hiking and camping; within uppermost reach, a 16 mile segment within Daniel Boone National Forest, designated State Wild River; Cumberland Falls State Park.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Upper Cumberland
1982/ 1993Cumberland River, Big South Fork
McCreary
TN State line to KY 92 bridge
15
Outstanding whitewater stream in highly scenic, rugged, and forested corridor area; spectacular gorge area.

Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
South Fork Cumberland
1982Cumberland River, Little South Fork
McCreary, Wayne
Tennessee state line to confluence with Big South Fork of Cumberland River
44
Canoeing and fishing. Diversity of wildlife and fauna populations. Rare species of mussels in stream.
Recreational
Recreational, Wildlife
South Fork Cumberland
1982/ 1993Cumberland, Martins Fork
Harlan, Bell
Headwaters in Cumberland Gap National Park to confluence with Rough Branch
10
Unusually steep stream with swift current in beautiful pristine scenic mountain setting; contains state's only Coosa bass fishery.

Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Upper Cumberland
1982Eagle Creek
Grant, Owen, Scott
Pokeberry Road to Petitt Pike bridge
54
Deeply entrenched stream with forested hillsides.

Fish, Recreational, Scenic
Lower Kentucky
1982Elkhorn Creek
Franklin, Scott
Confluence with North Elkhorn Creek to confluence with Kentucky River
18
Extremely popular recreational stream with beautiful scenery.

Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Lower Kentucky
1982Gasper River
Warren, Logan
Headwaters northwest of Auburn to confluence with Barren River
39
One of western Kentucky's most beautiful rivers; flows through small scenic gorge area.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Barren
1982Green River
Edmonson, Hart, Green
Greensburg to Lock No. 6 on the eastern edge of Mammoth Cave National Park
100
Designated Kentucky Wild River; habitat for numerous rare or endangered species; abundance and variety of wildlife; most productive muskellunge fishery in State.

Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Upper Green
1982Harrods Creek
Jefferson, Oldham
KY 53 bridge to confluence with Ohio River
23
Highly utilized pristine stream; affords quality recreational opportunities; covered bridge.

Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Silver-Little Kentucky
1982Horse Lick Creek
Jackson
From headwaters to the confluence with Rockcastle River.
21
Very scenic creek within Daniel Boone National Forest. Listed as one of Nature Conservancy's "Last Great Places". Harbors two federally listed T&E mussel species. The Nature Conservancy owns much of the land along the stream. It is also a State-listed Outstanding Water Resource.
Scenic
Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife, Other
Rockcastle
1995Jessamine Creek
Jessamine
KY Highway 29 to the confluence with the Kentucky River.
14
Harbors rare plant species; Much acreage protected by The Nature Conservancy; Fine example of Kentucky River Pallisades Limestone Gorge, very scenic.
Recreational
Fish, Geologic, Scenic, Wildlife, Other
Lower Kentucky
1995Kentucky River, South Fork
Clay, Lee, Owsley
River mile 44 about 1/2 mile downstream from bridge on KY 1482 near Oneida, KY to confluence with Kentucky River
44
Boating and warm water fishery. Scenic float stream rich in history and archaeology; within Daniel Boone National Forest.
Recreational
Recreational
South Fork Kentucky
1982/ 1993Kinniconick Creek
Lewis
Headwaters southwest of Petersville to one mile above McDowell Creek Road bridge
46
Flows through sparsely populated and relatively undeveloped scenic country; one of best muskellunge fisheries in State.

Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Ohio Brush-Whiteoak
1982Licking River
Pendleton, Bracken, Harrison, Robertson, Nicholas, Bath, Fleming, Rowan
Three miles below I-64 bridge to confluence with South Fork
112
Wide, deep, free-flowing, well-entrenched stream that traverses scenic rolling valley; variety of unusual flora and riverine species.

Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Licking
1982Licking River, South Fork
Pendleton, Harrison
Bourbon County line to confluence with Licking River
61
Flows through steep mud banks lined with water maple and sycamore; generally hilly and forested corridor area.

Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
South Fork Licking
1982Little River
Trigg
KY 272 (Caledonia Road) bridge to backwaters of Lake Barkley
12
Winding, tree-lined stream with stands of giant, virgin timber.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Lower Cumberland
1982Little River, Muddy Fork
Trigg
Adams Mill Road bridge below I-24 to backwaters of Lake Barkley and KY 778 bridge
7
Inviting intimate stream with steep, profusely shaded banks.

Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Lower Cumberland
1982Marsh Creek
McCreary
River mile 15 to the confluence with the Cumberland River
15
Contains Cumberland Bean Pearly mussel, Federally listed threatened and
Recreational
Recreational, Wildlife
Upper Cumberland
1982/ 1993Nolin River
Edmonson
Nolin River Dam to confluence with Green River
8
Flows through attractive forested shoreline and backcountry woodlands of Mammoth Cave National Park; especially scenic with high exposed bluffs; plentiful and diverse wildlife.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Upper Green
1982North Elkhorn Creek
Franklin, Scott
Fayette County line to confluence with Elkhorn Creek
51
Extremely popular recreational stream with beautiful scenery.

Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Lower Kentucky
1982Otter Creek
Meade
Hardin County line to confluence with Ohio River
17
Swift and scenic Class II whitewater stream.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Blue-Sinking
1982Red River
Logan, Simpson
TN State line to TN State line
30
Relatively remote, undeveloped, and deeply entrenched stream; possesses recreational, educational, and esthetic potential.

Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Upper Kentucky
1982Red River
Clark, Estill, Powell, Menifee, Wolfe
Headwaters at river mile 78 to river mile 68.9
9
Supports high quality warm water fishery including species of darter found only in Kentucky. Unusual preservation of organic materials due to potassium nitrate found in local sandstone. Diversity of flora and fauna.
Wild
Cultural, Geologic, Scenic, Other
Upper Kentucky
1982/ 1993Red River
Clark, Estill, Powell, Menifee, Wolfe
River mile 68.9 to river mile 57, confluence with Clark Branch
12
Supports high quality warm water fishery including species of darter found only in Kentucky. Unusual preservation of organic materials due to potassium nitrate found in local sandstone. Diversity of flora and fauna.
Recreational
Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife, Other
Upper Kentucky
1982/ 1993Red River
Clark, Estill, Powell, Menifee, Wolfe
Clark Branch junction to Highway 76 bridge. Then from confluence with the Schoolhouse Branch to mouth at the Kentucky River
56
Wilderness habitat for rare and endangered species; whitewater flowing

Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife, Other
Upper Kentucky
1982/ 1993Red River, Elk Fork
Todd
Southeast of Elkton to TN State line
19
Excellent karst topography; numerous sinkholes and caves; supports important habitat for black bass and panfish; unique wildlife.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Red
1982Red River, South Fork
Logan
TN State line to confluence with Red River
8
Small pastoral stream lined with hardwoods.

Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Red
1982Red River, West Fork
Christian, Todd
Headwaters west of Tabernacle to RM 14, TN State line
34
Recreational and aesthetic potential.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Red
1982Rock Creek
McCreary
Kentucky-Tennessee Border to White Oak Creek confluence
18
High quality of water. Camping, picnicking, hiking, and fishing.
Recreational
Recreational, Other
South Fork Cumberland
1982/ 1993Rockcastle River
Pulaski, Laurel, Rockcastle
KY 192 bridge to US 25 bridge and Laurel County line.
31
Within Daniel Boone National Forest; spectacular gorge area; supports excellent game fishery.

Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Rockcastle
1982/ 1993Russell Fork
Pike
KY/VA state line to confluence with Levisa Fork at Millard
17
Class IV-VI whitewater stream that flows through 1600 foot deep gorge area; thundering vertical drops and numerous intensely complex rapids.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Upper Levisa
1982Salt River
Bullitt, Spencer, Nelson, Anderson
Junction of Spencer, Nelson, and Anderson Counties to two miles east of Shepherdsville city limits
47
Idyllic, winding, pastoral stream dotted with dozens of small islands.

Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Salt
1982Salt River, Floyds Fork
Bullitt, Jefferson
Oldham County line to confluence with Salt River
46
Flows swiftly through steep hills, ridges, fields, and pasture land.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic
Salt
1982Shillalah Creek
Bell
Headwaters in Cumberland Gap National Park to KY 217 bridge
5
Flows through spectacular gorge area for approximately four miles.

Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Upper Cumberland
1982Sinking Creek
Breckenridge
Headwaters southeast of Graysville to above confluence with Ohio River
36
Extremely scenic stream with numerous caves, sinkholes, and springs.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Blue-Sinking
1982South Fork Harrods Creek
Jefferson, Oldham
I-71 bridge to confluence with Harrods Creek
5
Highly utilized pristine stream; affords quality recreational opportunities; covered bridge.

Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Silver-Little Kentucky
1982Station Camp Creek
Estill, Jackson
River mile 32 near Privett, KY to river mile 14 at Alumbaugh, KY
7
Scenic with biotic diversity; penetrates Daniel Boone National Forest.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Upper Kentucky
1982Station Camp Creek, South Fork
Jackson
Headwaters to confluence with Station Camp Creek
27
Fishing, cave exploring, hiking, and limited canoeing.
Recreational/Scenic
Recreational, Scenic
Upper Kentucky
1982/ 1993Stoner Creek
Bourbon, Clark
Headwaters five miles southeast of Winchester to confluence with South Fork of Licking River
73
Interesting scenery with numerous grass islands and steep banks.

Cultural, Fish, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
South Fork Licking
1982Tygarts Creek
Carter
One mile below I-64 bridge to Greenup County line
24
Most scenic stream flowing through magnificent gorge area and Carters Cave State Park; unique assemblage of flora and fauna.

Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Little Scioto-Tygarts
1982War Fork
Estill, Jackson
River mile 32 (if War Fork and Station Camp Creek were combined) near Privett, KY to confluence with Station Camp Creek
17
Scenic with biotic diversity; penetrates Daniel Boone National Forest.

Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife
Upper Kentucky
1982
 Last updated: November 30, 2016
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