See all 5 routes on North Fork Kentucky River
Kentucky | Eastern Kentucky
North Fork Kentucky RiverHazard City Ramp and Fishing Pier to Perry County Park Ramp
Short public North Fork Kentucky River float through Hazard from the city ramp to Perry County Park. KDFWR documents the 4.8-mile segment and both public launches, while Perry County markets the same reach as the easy North Fork River Trail.
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Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.
Permits, camping and season
Access and shuttle
Launch behind Hazard City Hall and take out at Perry County Park for the short North Fork River Trail float through Hazard. KDFWR gives a good Hazard gauge band of 4.25 to 5.0 ft, while Perry County frames the route as an easy 2-to-3-hour paddle.
Access map
Put-in
Hazard City Ramp and Fishing PierThe Hazard City launch is directly upstream from a low-head dam. Launch efficiently, stay out of boil-affected water, and do not drift back toward the dam while organizing gear.
Take-out
Perry County Park RampPerry County Park is the clean public take-out with parking, restrooms, and family facilities. Do not assume steep or private banks elsewhere are legal exit spots.
Road shuttle
Stage the Perry County Park take-out first, then drive back to Hazard City Hall for the downtown put-in. Both accesses are public and developed, but inspect the launch and landing before committing because riverfront events, maintenance, or muddy conditions can tighten room at the ramp.
Additional access notes
- Below KDFWR's 4.25 ft lower limit at Hazard, expect slower current and occasional scrape-prone shallows. Check the live stage and trend before launch.
More route and safety guidance
- Eastern Kentucky rain can raise the North Fork quickly and push wood into current lines even on this short in-town float.
- Steep or private banks limit easy informal exits outside the named public access points.
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Conditions
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Station details and river cameras
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Measurement notes and coverage
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River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
North Fork Kentucky River at Hazard, KY. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Photos and recent reports
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Recent notes from paddlers
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Sources and methodology
Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | North Fork Kentucky River at Hazard, KY |
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| Preferred range | 4.25 ft to 5.00 ft |
| Low threshold | 4.25 ft |
| High threshold | 5.00 ft |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official data source |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | KDFWR recommended river levels for North Fork Kentucky River at Hazard |
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NotesPublished evidence and verification notes
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Official route segmentHazard City Ramp to Perry County Park Ramp, 4.8 mi
KDFWR lists Hazard City Ramp to Perry County Park Ramp as a 4.8-mile North Fork Kentucky River segment in the access-mileage table.
- Official level band4.25-5.0 ft
KDFWR rates the North Fork Kentucky River at Hazard as Low below 4.25 ft, Good from 4.25 to 5.0 ft, and High above 5.0 ft.
- Put-in accessHazard City Ramp, 37.2513, -83.1962
KDFWR lists the downtown Hazard City Ramp and Fishing Pier as a paved public launch behind city hall with published coordinates, restrooms, and parking.
- Take-out accessPerry County Park Ramp, 37.2783, -83.2088
KDFWR lists Perry County Park Ramp as the downstream public take-out with published coordinates and park amenities around the landing.
- Trail manager contextNorth Fork River Trail, easy, 2-3 hr
Perry County describes the same Hazard City Hall to Perry County Park reach as an easy approximately 5-mile North Fork River Trail and says to allow 2 to 3 hours.
- Gauge check during route review · June 25, 2026USGS 03277500 at 4.17 ft
This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Other routes nearby
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