Rockcastle River
★ Wild & Scenic
Laurel / Rockcastle Co. · 50 mi · Class I–III
79.5CFS/ 6.65 ft
Below Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 300–1500 CFS · USGS #03281100
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Wild & Scenic Study River · Daniel Boone National Forest · Kentucky Wild River
The most beautiful river in Kentucky — the Rockcastle flows through the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest in spectacular sandstone gorge country. Class I–III rapids through dramatic palisades of Pennsylvanian sandstone, with world-class rock climbing on the canyon walls above. The river's clarity is exceptional — and it was Daniel Boone's favorite hunting ground.
Trip sections
Sublimity Bridge to Round Stone — Class I–II, upper gorge
Round Stone to Bee Rock — Class II–III, best whitewater, Clifty Wilderness
Bee Rock to Cumberland River — Class I–II, lower canyon
Outfitters
Sheltowee Trace Outfitters
Rockcastle River guided canoe and kayak trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.