Live float conditions for 37 Kentucky rivers
Every river below is monitored through its USGS streamflow gauges, refreshed every 15 minutes and rated in plain language for kayak, canoe, raft and tube. Select a river for the live dashboard with current flow, trend, weather and community reports.
Cumberland River (Wolf Creek Dam Tailwater)
Cumberland River (Wolf Creek Dam Tailwater) is a large river in the South-Central Tailwater region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Cumberland River At Burkesville gauge runs roughly 3,600–21,500 cfs. Rafts want at least ~5,500 cfs. Tubing is best 2,500–15,000 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: South-Central Tailwater · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Cumberland River at Burkesville
Live Cumberland River (Wolf Creek Dam Tailwater) conditions →
Elkhorn Creek
Elkhorn Creek is a small river in the Central Bluegrass region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Elkhorn Creek Near Frankfort gauge runs roughly 100–1,200 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–600 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Bluegrass · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Elkhorn Creek near Frankfort
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Green River
Green River is a mid-sized river in the South-Central region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Green River At Munfordville gauge runs roughly 440–7,400 cfs. Rafts want at least ~770 cfs. Tubing is best 310–4,100 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: South-Central · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Green River at Munfordville, Green River at Mammoth Cave
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Red River (Gorge)
Red River (Gorge) is a small creek in the Eastern (Gorge) region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Red River Near Hazel Green (Upper Gorge) gauge runs roughly 55–120 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 40–55 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern (Gorge) · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Red River near Hazel Green (upper Gorge), Red River at Clay City (lower)
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Rockcastle River
Rockcastle River is a small river in the Eastern (Appalachian) region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rockcastle River At Billows gauge runs roughly 110–1,500 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 75–710 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern (Appalachian) · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Rockcastle River at Billows
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Barren River
Barren River is a large river in the South-Central region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Barren River At Bowling Green gauge runs roughly 430–8,800 cfs. Rafts want at least ~780 cfs. Tubing is best 300–4,000 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: South-Central · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Barren River at Bowling Green
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Ohio River
Ohio River is a big-water river in the Big-River Border region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Ohio River At Markland Dam Near Warsaw (Northern) gauge runs roughly 34,500–244,000 cfs. Rafts want at least ~53,000 cfs. Big, trafficked water — not a tubing river. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Big-River Border · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Rafting · USGS gauges: Ohio River at Markland Dam near Warsaw (northern), Ohio River at Louisville (Falls of the Ohio)
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Kentucky River
Kentucky River is a large river in the Central Bluegrass region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Kentucky River At Lock 8 Near Camp Nelson (Upper) gauge runs roughly 580–13,000 cfs. Rafts want at least ~1,100 cfs. Tubing is best 410–6,700 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Bluegrass · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Kentucky River at Lock 8 near Camp Nelson (upper), Kentucky River at Lock 4 at Frankfort (lower)
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Licking River
Licking River is a large river in the Northern region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Licking River At Catawba (Lower) gauge runs roughly 370–12,500 cfs. Rafts want at least ~750 cfs. Tubing is best 260–5,600 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northern · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Licking River at Catawba (lower)
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Dix River
Dix River is a small river in the Central Tailwater region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Dix River At Dix Dam Near Burgin gauge runs roughly 100–1,100 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–770 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Tailwater · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Dix River at Dix Dam near Burgin
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Floyds Fork
Floyds Fork is a small creek in the Central / Louisville region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Floyds Fork Near Pewee Valley, Ky gauge runs roughly 95–210 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 65–95 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central / Louisville · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Floyds Fork Near Pewee Valley, Ky, Floyds Fork At Fisherville, Ky, Floyds Fork Near Mt Washington, Ky
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Cumberland River (Above the Falls)
Cumberland River (Above the Falls) is a mid-sized river in the Southeastern region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Cumberland River At Williamsburg (Upper) gauge runs roughly 360–4,100 cfs. Rafts want at least ~590 cfs. Tubing is best 250–2,300 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Southeastern · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Cumberland River at Williamsburg (upper), Cumberland River at Cumberland Falls (lower)
Live Cumberland River (Above the Falls) conditions →
South Fork Licking River
South Fork Licking River is a small river in the Central Bluegrass region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the South Fork Licking River At Cynthiana gauge runs roughly 100–1,200 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–420 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Bluegrass · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: South Fork Licking River at Cynthiana
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Levisa Fork
Levisa Fork is a mid-sized river in the Eastern (Big Sandy) region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Levisa Fork At Pikeville (Upper) gauge runs roughly 280–2,400 cfs. Rafts want at least ~460 cfs. Tubing is best 200–1,400 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern (Big Sandy) · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Levisa Fork at Pikeville (upper), Levisa Fork at Paintsville (lower)
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Salt River
Salt River is a small creek in the Central / Louisville region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Salt River At Glensboro (Below Taylorsville) gauge runs roughly 230–560 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 160–230 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central / Louisville · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Salt River at Glensboro (below Taylorsville), Salt River at Shepherdsville (lower)
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Nolin River
Nolin River is a small river in the South-Central region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Nolin River At White Mills, Ky gauge runs roughly 140–890 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 100–540 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: South-Central · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Nolin River At White Mills, Ky, North Fork Nolin River At Hodgenville, Ky
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Little Sandy River
Little Sandy River is a small creek in the Northeastern region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Little Sandy River Below Grayson Dam Near Leon, Ky gauge runs roughly 240–430 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 170–240 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northeastern · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Little Sandy River Below Grayson Dam Near Leon, Ky, Little Sandy River At Grayson, Ky
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Beech Fork
Beech Fork is a small river in the Central / Louisville region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Beech Fork At Maud, Ky gauge runs roughly 100–1,400 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–470 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central / Louisville · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Beech Fork At Maud, Ky, Beech Fork At Bardstown, Ky
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Drakes Creek
Drakes Creek is a small river in the South-Central region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Drakes Creek Near Alvaton, Ky gauge runs roughly 170–1,200 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 120–650 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: South-Central · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Drakes Creek Near Alvaton, Ky, West Fork Drakes Creek Near Franklin, Ky
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Rolling Fork
Rolling Fork is a mid-sized river in the Central / Louisville region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rolling Fork Near Boston, Ky gauge runs roughly 150–3,100 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 100–1,300 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central / Louisville · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Rolling Fork Near Boston, Ky
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Eagle Creek
Eagle Creek is a small creek in the Northern region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Eagle Creek At Sadieville, Ky gauge runs roughly 40–80 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northern · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Eagle Creek At Sadieville, Ky, Eagle Creek At Glencoe, Ky
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Tygarts Creek
Tygarts Creek is a small river in the Northeastern region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Tygarts Creek Near Greenup, Ky gauge runs roughly 100–600 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–240 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northeastern · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Tygarts Creek Near Greenup, Ky
Live Tygarts Creek conditions →
Buck Creek
Buck Creek is a small creek in the Southeastern region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Buck Creek Near Shopville, Ky gauge runs roughly 200–530 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 140–200 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Southeastern · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Buck Creek Near Shopville, Ky
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North Fork Kentucky River
North Fork Kentucky River is a small creek in the Eastern (Appalachian) region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the North Fork Kentucky River At Whitesburg, Ky gauge runs roughly 70–120 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 50–70 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern (Appalachian) · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: North Fork Kentucky River At Whitesburg, Ky, North Fork Kentucky River At Hazard, Ky, North Fork Kentucky River At Jackson, Ky
Live North Fork Kentucky River conditions →
Stoner Creek
Stoner Creek is a small creek in the Central Bluegrass region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Stoner Creek At Water Plant At Paris, Ky gauge runs roughly 230–700 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 160–230 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Central Bluegrass · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Stoner Creek At Water Plant At Paris, Ky
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Clarks River
Clarks River is a small creek in the Western (Jackson Purchase) region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Clarks River At Almo, Ky gauge runs roughly 95–150 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 65–95 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Western (Jackson Purchase) · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Clarks River At Almo, Ky
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Tradewater River
Tradewater River is a small creek in the Western Coalfield region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Tradewater River At Olney, Ky gauge runs roughly 210–680 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 150–210 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Western Coalfield · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Tradewater River At Olney, Ky, Tradewater River Near Providence, Ky
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Middle Fork Kentucky River
Middle Fork Kentucky River is a small river in the Eastern (Appalachian) region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Middle Fk Kentucky River At Hwy28 Nr Buckhorn, Ky gauge runs roughly 110–780 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 75–430 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern (Appalachian) · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Middle Fk Kentucky River At Hwy28 Nr Buckhorn, Ky, Middle Fork Kentucky River At Tallega, Ky
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Russell Creek
Russell Creek is a small creek in the South-Central region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Russell Creek Near Columbia, Ky gauge runs roughly 220–400 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 150–220 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: South-Central · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Russell Creek Near Columbia, Ky
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South Fork Kentucky River
South Fork Kentucky River is a small river in the Eastern (Appalachian) region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the South Fork Kentucky River At Booneville, Ky gauge runs roughly 140–1,700 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 100–750 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern (Appalachian) · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: South Fork Kentucky River At Booneville, Ky
Live South Fork Kentucky River conditions →
Blaine Creek
Blaine Creek is a small creek in the Eastern (Big Sandy) region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Blaine Creek Near Blaine, Ky gauge runs roughly 80–180 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 55–80 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern (Big Sandy) · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Blaine Creek Near Blaine, Ky
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Martins Fork
Martins Fork is a small creek in the Southeastern region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Martins Fork Near Smith, Ky gauge runs roughly 130–260 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 90–130 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Southeastern · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Martins Fork Near Smith, Ky, Martin'S Fork Near Harlan, Ky
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Johns Creek
Johns Creek is a small creek in the Eastern (Big Sandy) region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Johns Creek Near Meta, Ky gauge runs roughly 50–110 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 35–50 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Eastern (Big Sandy) · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Johns Creek Near Meta, Ky
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Little River
Little River is a small creek in the Western (Jackson Purchase) region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the S Fk Little River At Hwy 68-80 Nr Hopkinsville, Ky gauge runs roughly 40–95 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Western (Jackson Purchase) · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: S Fk Little River At Hwy 68-80 Nr Hopkinsville, Ky
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North Fork Licking River
North Fork Licking River is a small creek in the Northern region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the North Fork Licking River Near Mt Olivet, Ky gauge runs roughly 270–1,200 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 190–270 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northern · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: North Fork Licking River Near Mt Olivet, Ky
Live North Fork Licking River conditions →
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is a small creek in the Southeastern region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Beaver Creek Near Monticello, Ky gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Southeastern · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Beaver Creek Near Monticello, Ky
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Pond River
Pond River is a small creek in the Western Coalfield region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Pond River Near Apex, Ky gauge runs roughly 150–460 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 100–150 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Western Coalfield · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Pond River Near Apex, Ky
Live Pond River conditions →