State routes

Kentucky Rivers

Compare 112 tracked Kentucky paddle routes with route links, water-level context, difficulty, and access planning details.

103 routes support live scores. 9 planning-only routes provide trip details and source links without a live route score.

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112 routes20 rivers15 regions44 beginner routes

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Coverage snapshot

Explore supported Kentucky rivers

Scan the highlighted river network from above, then use the route guides and access markers to find a supported reach.

112 route markers15 multi-route rivers44 beginner routes

Supported riverSelected reachAccess-point connectionStrong conditionsGood conditionsWatch closelySkip

Eastern Kentucky 28 Louisville Metro 21 South-Central Kentucky 19 Daniel Boone Country 16 Western Kentucky 9 Pulaski County 6 Cumberland Plateau 4 Mammoth Cave 2

Live conditions

Best Kentucky routes today

Loading current scores, gauge reads, and weather signals.

--Live

South-Central Kentucky

Barren River

Barren River Lake Tailwater to Martinsville Ford / Claypool Ramp

Easy | About 17.2 mi | About 5.5 hr to 8.5 hr, longer with low-water dragging, headwind, or fishing stops | Live score supported

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--Live

South-Central Kentucky

Barren River

Barren River VPA #3 to Martinsville Ford / Claypool Ramp

Easy | About 3.9 mi | About 1 hr to 3 hr, longer in low water or with fishing stops | Live score supported

View trip details

--Live

South-Central Kentucky

Barren River

Barren River VPA #3 to Potter/Combs Ramp

Moderate | About 27.9 mi | About 8 hr to 11 hr, longer in low water, wind, or with fishing stops | Live score supported

View trip details

--Live

South-Central Kentucky

Barren River

Beech Bend Campground Ramp to James R. Hines Boat Landing Ramp

Easy | About 4.6 mi | About 1.5 hr to 3.5 hr, longer with upstream wind, fishing stops, or higher water caution | Live score supported

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Current scores load here when available. You can still open the route links to check details and sources if this update fails.

Best route options

Good starting points in Kentucky

Ranked from route metadata, source support, difficulty, and logistics.

The Barren River passes beneath road and railroad bridges in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Kentucky routeSouth-Central KentuckyBarren RiverBarren River Lake Tailwater to Martinsville Ford / Claypool RampShorter options: 3.9–13.3 miLaunch below Barren River Lake and finish at Martinsville Ford for the longer tailwater continuation on the lower Barren. Use the Finney stage gauge and...

Route facts

Easy | About 17.2 mi | About 5.5 hr to 8.5 hr, longer with low-water dragging, headwind, or fishing stops | Live score supportedofficial source support

Kentucky routeSouth-Central KentuckyBarren RiverBarren River VPA #3 to Martinsville Ford / Claypool RampLaunch at Barren River VPA #3 and take out at Martinsville Ford / Claypool Ramp for a short lower-Barren float. Use the Finney stage gauge and expect sh...

Route facts

Easy | About 3.9 mi | About 1 hr to 3 hr, longer in low water or with fishing stops | Live score supportedofficial source support

Kentucky routeSouth-Central KentuckyBarren RiverBeech Bend Campground Ramp to James R. Hines Boat Landing RampLaunch at Beech Bend Campground Ramp and finish at James R. Hines Boat Landing Ramp for the official 4.6-mile lower-Barren segment. Use the Bowling Gree...

Route facts

Easy | About 4.6 mi | About 1.5 hr to 3.5 hr, longer with upstream wind, fishing stops, or higher water caution | Live score supportedofficial source support

Kentucky routeSouth-Central KentuckyBarren RiverJames R. Hines Boat Landing Ramp to Lonnie White Boat RampLaunch at James R. Hines Boat Landing Ramp and finish at Lonnie White Boat Ramp for the official 6.7-mile lower-Barren segment. Use the Bowling Green ga...

Route facts

Easy | About 6.7 mi | About 2 hr to 4.5 hr, longer with low-water scraping, fishing stops, or upstream wind | Live score supportedofficial source support

Kentucky routeSouth-Central KentuckyBarren RiverState Street Bridge Access to Beech Bend Campground RampLaunch at State Street Bridge Access and finish at Beech Bend Campground Ramp for the official 3.1-mile lower-Barren segment. Use the Bowling Green gaug...

Route facts

Easy | About 3.1 mi | About 1 hr to 2.5 hr, longer with higher current, scouting, or upstream wind on broad pools | Live score supportedofficial source support

Kentucky routeSouth-Central KentuckyBarren RiverState Street Bridge Access to James R. Hines Boat Landing RampLaunch at State Street Bridge Access and finish at James R. Hines Boat Landing Ramp for a mid-length lower-Barren city route. Use the Bowling Green gaug...

Route facts

Easy | About 7.7 mi | About 2.5 hr to 5 hr, longer with low-water scraping, fishing stops, or upstream wind | Live score supportedofficial source support

Beginner routes

Kentucky beginner routes

These routes are tagged easy in the route data. Today's water can still change the call.

Barren RiverBarren River Lake Tailwater to Martinsville Ford / Claypool RampSouth-Central Kentucky | About 17.2 mi Barren RiverBarren River VPA #3 to Martinsville Ford / Claypool RampSouth-Central Kentucky | About 3.9 mi Barren RiverBeech Bend Campground Ramp to James R. Hines Boat Landing RampSouth-Central Kentucky | About 4.6 mi Barren RiverJames R. Hines Boat Landing Ramp to Lonnie White Boat RampSouth-Central Kentucky | About 6.7 mi Barren RiverState Street Bridge Access to Beech Bend Campground RampSouth-Central Kentucky | About 3.1 mi Barren RiverState Street Bridge Access to James R. Hines Boat Landing RampSouth-Central Kentucky | About 7.7 mi Big South ForkBlue Heron Canoe Ramp to Alum FordCumberland Plateau | About 12.2 mi Big South ForkBlue Heron Canoe Ramp to Worley Canoe AccessCumberland Plateau | About 2.5 mi

Showing 8 of 44 beginner routes. Use the Easy difficulty filter below to see the full set.

Weekend planning

Routes with practical logistics

Use the live weekend board for score-based recommendations.

Barren RiverBarren River VPA #3 to Martinsville Ford / Claypool RampAbout 3.9 mi | About 1 hr to 3 hr, longer in low water or with fishing stops Barren RiverBarren River VPA #3 to Potter/Combs RampAbout 27.9 mi | About 8 hr to 11 hr, longer in low water, wind, or with fishing stops Barren RiverBeech Bend Campground Ramp to Lonnie White Boat RampAbout 11.3 mi | About 3.5 hr to 6.5 hr, longer with pooled finish drag, wind, or above-band caution stops Barren RiverJames R. Hines Boat Landing Ramp to Lonnie White Boat RampAbout 6.7 mi | About 2 hr to 4.5 hr, longer with low-water scraping, fishing stops, or upstream wind Barren RiverMartinsville Ford / Claypool Ramp to Potter/Combs RampAbout 24.0 mi | About 7 hr to 10 hr, longer with low-water scraping, upstream wind, or fishing stops Barren RiverState Street Bridge Access to James R. Hines Boat Landing RampAbout 7.7 mi | About 2.5 hr to 5 hr, longer with low-water scraping, fishing stops, or upstream wind

Browse coverage

Rivers and regions

Expand a river or region to browse its routes.

By river

Floyds Fork21

Barren River10

Barren River hub Barren River Lake Tailwater to Martinsville Ford / Claypool Ramp Barren River VPA #3 to Martinsville Ford / Claypool Ramp Barren River VPA #3 to Potter/Combs Ramp Beech Bend Campground Ramp to James R. Hines Boat Landing Ramp Beech Bend Campground Ramp to Lonnie White Boat Ramp James R. Hines Boat Landing Ramp to Lonnie White Boat Ramp Martinsville Ford / Claypool Ramp to Potter/Combs Ramp State Street Bridge Access to Beech Bend Campground Ramp State Street Bridge Access to James R. Hines Boat Landing Ramp State Street Bridge Access to Lonnie White Boat Ramp

Upper Cumberland River10

Upper Cumberland River hub 4 Mile Ramp to Artemus Rock Access 4 Mile Ramp to Barbourville Ramp Artemus Rock Access to Barbourville Ramp Varilla Ramp to 4 Mile Ramp Varilla Ramp to Artemus Rock Access Varilla Ramp to Barbourville Ramp Williamsburg Ramp to Cumberland Falls Carrydown Williamsburg Ramp to Long Bottom Access Williamsburg Ramp to Redbird Ramp Williamsburg Ramp to Thunderstruck Ramp

Levisa Fork9

Levisa Fork hub Airport Ramp to Levisa Fork Boat Ramp Cedar Creek Ramp to Thompson Road Ramp Island Creek Ramp to Cedar Creek Canoe Access Island Creek Ramp to Thompson Road Ramp Jubilee Christian Church Ramp to Cedar Creek Canoe Access Jubilee Christian Church Ramp to Island Creek Ramp Jubilee Christian Church Ramp to Thompson Road Ramp Prestonsburg Ramp to Airport Ramp Prestonsburg Ramp to Levisa Fork Boat Ramp

Tradewater River9

Tradewater River hub Bellville Road Access to Fishtrap Bridge Ramp Bellville Road Access to Montezuma Bridge Ramp Bellville Road Access to VFW Bridge Ramp Fishtrap Bridge Ramp to Granger Landing Ramp Fishtrap Bridge Ramp to VFW Bridge Ramp Montezuma Bridge Ramp to Fishtrap Bridge Ramp Montezuma Bridge Ramp to Granger Landing Ramp Montezuma Bridge Ramp to VFW Bridge Ramp VFW Bridge Ramp to Granger Landing Ramp

Green River8

Green River hub Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry Green River Ferry to Houchins Ferry Green River Lake Tailwater to Greensburg City Ramp Green River Lake Tailwater to Roachville Ford H.H. Wilson Park Ramp to Stovall Park Ramp Houchins Ferry to Brownsville City Park Lynn Camp Creek Ramp to Rio Carrydown Access Rio Carrydown Access to H.H. Wilson Park Ramp

Buck Creek6

Buck Creek hub Bent Road Fishing Access to Poplarville Road Fishing Access KY-1675 Fishing Access to Bent Road Fishing Access KY-1675 Fishing Access to Poplarville Road Fishing Access Rainey Road Fishing Access to Bent Road Fishing Access Rainey Road Fishing Access to KY-1675 Fishing Access Rainey Road Fishing Access to Poplarville Road Fishing Access

Cumberland River6

Cumberland River hub Long Bottom Access to Cumberland Falls Carrydown Long Bottom Access to Thunderstruck Ramp Redbird Ramp to Cumberland Falls Carrydown Redbird Ramp to Long Bottom Access Redbird Ramp to Thunderstruck Ramp Thunderstruck Ramp to Cumberland Falls Carrydown

Kinniconick Creek6

Kinniconick Creek hub Leatherwood Branch Park Access to Garrison Ramp Leatherwood Branch Park Access to McDowells Creek Park Access Leatherwood Branch Park Access to Mill Pond Creek Access McDowells Creek Park Access to Garrison Ramp McDowells Creek Park Access to Mill Pond Creek Access Mill Pond Creek Access to Garrison Ramp

Goose Creek5

Goose Creek hub Dump Hollow Ford to Laurel Branch Road Access Jacks / Bowling Branch Bridge Access to Dump Hollow Ford Jacks / Bowling Branch Bridge Access to Laurel Branch Road Access Jacks / Bowling Branch Bridge Access to Tobacco Road Bridge Ramp Tobacco Road Bridge Ramp to Dump Hollow Ford

North Fork Kentucky River5

North Fork Kentucky River hub Douthitt Park Ramp to Roy Spencer Ramp Hazard City Ramp and Fishing Pier to Perry County Park Ramp Roy Spencer Ramp to Beattyville Ramp Watts Ramp to Hazard City Ramp and Fishing Pier Watts Ramp to Perry County Park Ramp

Big South Fork4

Big South Fork hub Blue Heron Canoe Ramp to Alum Ford Blue Heron Canoe Ramp to Worley Canoe Access Blue Heron Canoe Ramp to Yamacraw Yamacraw to Alum Ford

Russell Creek4

Russell Creek hub Hatcher Road / Todd Ford Road Access to Milltown Road Bridge Access Hatcher Road / Todd Ford Road Access to Russell Creek Road Access Milltown Road Bridge Access to Russell Creek Road Access Russell Creek Road Access to Green River-Russell Creek VPA

South Fork Kentucky River2

South Fork Kentucky River hub Rocky Branch Road Access to Fish Creek Boat Ramp Rocky Branch Road Access to Kay Wood Road Access

Upper Salt River2

Upper Salt River hub Dry Branch Road Access to Salt River Ramp 3 Access Rice Road Ford Access to Drydock Road Access

Drakes Creek1

Romanza Johnson Park to Phil Moore Park

Elkhorn Creek1

Elkhorn Creek VPA #3 to American Whitewater Access

Slate Creek1

Lions Club Park to Old Slate Furnace Park

South Fork Licking River1

Lair Ramp to Terry Dam Ramp

Tygarts Creek1

Olive Hill Depot Trailhead and Campground Access to Carter Caves State Park

By region

Anderson County1

Upper Salt River: Rice Road Ford Access to Drydock Road Access

Bluegrass Region1

Elkhorn Creek: Elkhorn Creek VPA #3 to American Whitewater Access

Cumberland Plateau4

Big South Fork: Blue Heron Canoe Ramp to Alum Ford Big South Fork: Blue Heron Canoe Ramp to Worley Canoe Access Big South Fork: Blue Heron Canoe Ramp to Yamacraw Big South Fork: Yamacraw to Alum Ford

Daniel Boone Country16

Cumberland River: Long Bottom Access to Cumberland Falls Carrydown Cumberland River: Long Bottom Access to Thunderstruck Ramp Cumberland River: Redbird Ramp to Cumberland Falls Carrydown Cumberland River: Redbird Ramp to Long Bottom Access Cumberland River: Redbird Ramp to Thunderstruck Ramp Cumberland River: Thunderstruck Ramp to Cumberland Falls Carrydown Upper Cumberland River: 4 Mile Ramp to Artemus Rock Access Upper Cumberland River: 4 Mile Ramp to Barbourville Ramp Upper Cumberland River: Artemus Rock Access to Barbourville Ramp Upper Cumberland River: Varilla Ramp to 4 Mile Ramp Upper Cumberland River: Varilla Ramp to Artemus Rock Access Upper Cumberland River: Varilla Ramp to Barbourville Ramp Upper Cumberland River: Williamsburg Ramp to Cumberland Falls Carrydown Upper Cumberland River: Williamsburg Ramp to Long Bottom Access Upper Cumberland River: Williamsburg Ramp to Redbird Ramp Upper Cumberland River: Williamsburg Ramp to Thunderstruck Ramp

Eastern Kentucky28

Goose Creek: Dump Hollow Ford to Laurel Branch Road Access Goose Creek: Jacks / Bowling Branch Bridge Access to Dump Hollow Ford Goose Creek: Jacks / Bowling Branch Bridge Access to Laurel Branch Road Access Goose Creek: Jacks / Bowling Branch Bridge Access to Tobacco Road Bridge Ramp Goose Creek: Tobacco Road Bridge Ramp to Dump Hollow Ford Kinniconick Creek: Leatherwood Branch Park Access to Garrison Ramp Kinniconick Creek: Leatherwood Branch Park Access to McDowells Creek Park Access Kinniconick Creek: Leatherwood Branch Park Access to Mill Pond Creek Access Kinniconick Creek: McDowells Creek Park Access to Garrison Ramp Kinniconick Creek: McDowells Creek Park Access to Mill Pond Creek Access Kinniconick Creek: Mill Pond Creek Access to Garrison Ramp Levisa Fork: Airport Ramp to Levisa Fork Boat Ramp Levisa Fork: Cedar Creek Ramp to Thompson Road Ramp Levisa Fork: Island Creek Ramp to Cedar Creek Canoe Access Levisa Fork: Island Creek Ramp to Thompson Road Ramp Levisa Fork: Jubilee Christian Church Ramp to Cedar Creek Canoe Access Levisa Fork: Jubilee Christian Church Ramp to Island Creek Ramp Levisa Fork: Jubilee Christian Church Ramp to Thompson Road Ramp Levisa Fork: Prestonsburg Ramp to Airport Ramp Levisa Fork: Prestonsburg Ramp to Levisa Fork Boat Ramp North Fork Kentucky River: Douthitt Park Ramp to Roy Spencer Ramp North Fork Kentucky River: Hazard City Ramp and Fishing Pier to Perry County Park Ramp North Fork Kentucky River: Roy Spencer Ramp to Beattyville Ramp North Fork Kentucky River: Watts Ramp to Hazard City Ramp and Fishing Pier North Fork Kentucky River: Watts Ramp to Perry County Park Ramp South Fork Kentucky River: Rocky Branch Road Access to Fish Creek Boat Ramp South Fork Kentucky River: Rocky Branch Road Access to Kay Wood Road Access Tygarts Creek: Olive Hill Depot Trailhead and Campground Access to Carter Caves State Park

Hart County1

Green River: Lynn Camp Creek Ramp to Rio Carrydown Access

Louisville Metro21

Mammoth Cave2

Green River: Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry Green River: Green River Ferry to Houchins Ferry

Mammoth Cave / Edmonson County1

Green River: Houchins Ferry to Brownsville City Park

Mercer County1

Upper Salt River: Dry Branch Road Access to Salt River Ramp 3 Access

Northeastern Kentucky1

Slate Creek: Lions Club Park to Old Slate Furnace Park

Northern Kentucky1

South Fork Licking River: Lair Ramp to Terry Dam Ramp

Pulaski County6

Buck Creek: Bent Road Fishing Access to Poplarville Road Fishing Access Buck Creek: KY-1675 Fishing Access to Bent Road Fishing Access Buck Creek: KY-1675 Fishing Access to Poplarville Road Fishing Access Buck Creek: Rainey Road Fishing Access to Bent Road Fishing Access Buck Creek: Rainey Road Fishing Access to KY-1675 Fishing Access Buck Creek: Rainey Road Fishing Access to Poplarville Road Fishing Access

South-Central Kentucky19

Barren River: Barren River Lake Tailwater to Martinsville Ford / Claypool Ramp Barren River: Barren River VPA #3 to Martinsville Ford / Claypool Ramp Barren River: Barren River VPA #3 to Potter/Combs Ramp Barren River: Beech Bend Campground Ramp to James R. Hines Boat Landing Ramp Barren River: Beech Bend Campground Ramp to Lonnie White Boat Ramp Barren River: James R. Hines Boat Landing Ramp to Lonnie White Boat Ramp Barren River: Martinsville Ford / Claypool Ramp to Potter/Combs Ramp Barren River: State Street Bridge Access to Beech Bend Campground Ramp Barren River: State Street Bridge Access to James R. Hines Boat Landing Ramp Barren River: State Street Bridge Access to Lonnie White Boat Ramp Drakes Creek: Romanza Johnson Park to Phil Moore Park Green River: Green River Lake Tailwater to Greensburg City Ramp Green River: Green River Lake Tailwater to Roachville Ford Green River: H.H. Wilson Park Ramp to Stovall Park Ramp Green River: Rio Carrydown Access to H.H. Wilson Park Ramp Russell Creek: Hatcher Road / Todd Ford Road Access to Milltown Road Bridge Access Russell Creek: Hatcher Road / Todd Ford Road Access to Russell Creek Road Access Russell Creek: Milltown Road Bridge Access to Russell Creek Road Access Russell Creek: Russell Creek Road Access to Green River-Russell Creek VPA

Western Kentucky9

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Kentucky paddling FAQ

How does Paddle Today choose Kentucky paddle routes?

Paddle Today lists source-backed routes with reviewed access and trip information. This page includes 103 routes with live-score support and 9 planning-only routes across 20 rivers. Planning-only routes do not have a live route score.

Are these Kentucky river conditions live?

Scored routes show the latest available conditions, subject to data availability. Planning-only routes provide trip information and source links without a live route score. Check update times and missing-data notices, and verify conditions with the linked managers before leaving.

Can I request another Kentucky route?

Yes. Use the request form to send the river, reach, access points, and any source links. Requests help prioritize useful additions with verified public access and route evidence.