River guide
River story
History, landscapes and river context
Fishing
Species, water and places to explore
Boating
Paddling, boating and access
Live data
Current USGS gauges along the river
LIVE CUMBERLAND RIVER DATA
Cumberland River levels, gauges and monitoring stations
Check the live river overview or open an individual USGS gauge for current streamflow, gauge height, trends and historical context.
EXPLORE THE RIVER
Follow the Cumberland River
Trace the Cumberland from southeastern Kentucky through Lake Cumberland and Tennessee to its confluence with the Ohio River.
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River path derived from U.S. Geological Survey NLDI hydrography.
FISHING
Fishing the river
The Cumberland supports several very different fisheries. The upper river offers smallmouth bass and warmwater fishing, while the tailwater below Wolf Creek Dam is nationally known for trout. Farther downstream, the river broadens into a large-river fishery through Tennessee.
Fish you may encounter
Smallmouth Bass
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Brook Trout
Walleye
Striped Bass
Channel Catfish
Blue Catfish
Crappie
Where the river changes
FISHING AREA
Upper Cumberland River ↗The river above Cumberland Falls offers smallmouth bass fishing through a mix of shoals, pools and broad flowing water.
FISHING AREA
Cumberland Falls reach ↗The river around Cumberland Falls combines scenic gorge water, smallmouth habitat and technically demanding boating conditions.
FISHING AREA
Wolf Creek Dam tailwater ↗The Cumberland below Lake Cumberland is one of the Southeast's best-known trout fisheries, supporting rainbow and brown trout as well as striped bass.
FISHING AREA
Rockhouse and Rainbow Run ↗The tailwater around Rockhouse Natural Bridge and Rainbow Run contains productive trout water, shoals and wading opportunities when generation conditions allow.
FISHING AREA
Tennessee Cumberland River ↗The lower river through Tennessee supports a broad mix of warmwater species and large-river fishing near Nashville and downstream.
Before you fish
- Fishing regulations differ between Kentucky and Tennessee and may include special size or harvest rules on particular reaches.
- Kentucky lists special regulations for walleye and smallmouth bass on portions of the Cumberland above Lake Cumberland.
- Tailwater levels can change rapidly when Wolf Creek Dam begins generating. Check current conditions before wading or launching.
BOATING & PADDLING
On the water
The Cumberland ranges from beginner-friendly paddling water to serious whitewater, large reservoirs and a major navigable river. The character of the river changes dramatically by reach.
Upper Cumberland River ↗
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife describes several public-access floats upstream of Cumberland Falls, including long stretches through the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Kayaking Canoeing Fishing
Redbird to Cumberland Falls ↗
This roughly 17-mile section includes shoals, mild whitewater and increasingly dramatic gorge scenery approaching Cumberland Falls.
Kayaking Canoeing Fishing
Below Cumberland Falls ↗
This is serious whitewater. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife describes Class II and III rapids, with Last Drop becoming Class IV to V at high water.
Whitewater Kayaking
Wolf Creek Dam tailwater ↗
At suitable generation levels, the first miles below Wolf Creek Dam offer excellent floating for canoes, kayaks and small fishing boats.
Kayaking Canoeing Fishing
Nashville and lower Cumberland ↗
Through Tennessee the Cumberland becomes a broad managed river used by recreational boats as well as commercial navigation.
Boating Fishing
Know before you go
- Kentucky requires paddlers on the upper Cumberland to wear personal flotation devices while on the water.
- The approach to Cumberland Falls demands extreme caution. Boaters must take out before the falls.
- The section below Cumberland Falls is technical whitewater and requires appropriate equipment and experience.
- Wolf Creek Dam generation can cause the tailwater to rise rapidly and create powerful current.
- Always check current river conditions and dam-release information before launching.
PARKS & ACCESS
Places to reach the river
Redbird Ramp ↗
Public ramp on the upper Cumberland and a common starting point for the scenic reach toward Cumberland Falls.
Long Bottom Access ↗
Carry-down access roughly nine river miles below Redbird on the upper Cumberland.
Thunderstruck Access ↗
Access point used for the approximately five-mile float toward Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.
Cumberland Falls Carrydown ↗
Seasonal carry-down river access within Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.
Mouth of Laurel Ramp ↗
Public ramp downstream from the Cumberland Falls whitewater reach and take-out for paddlers running the gorge.
Williamsburg Ramp ↗
Public concrete ramp beside the Main Street Bridge in Williamsburg, providing access to the upper Cumberland.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park ↗
Kentucky state park centered on the 68-foot Cumberland Falls and the dramatic gorge surrounding it.
Daniel Boone National Forest ↗
Large portions of the upper Cumberland and Cumberland Falls corridor pass through federally managed forest and gorge country.
Kendall Recreation Area ↗
Camping and river access immediately below Wolf Creek Dam near the start of the Cumberland tailwater.
Rockhouse Natural Bridge ↗
Distinctive natural arch and fishing access along the Cumberland tailwater near Creelsboro.