What water level is good for paddling Big South Fork — Yamacraw to Alum Ford?

We don't yet have a published runnable range for this section, so we can't give a firm number. Check the live USGS gauge and ask a local outfitter before you go.

How do I check Big South Fork Cumberland River levels?

We read USGS gauge 03410600 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Big South Fork — Yamacraw to Alum Ford good for beginners?

This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Big South Fork Cumberland River here?

Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Big South Fork — Yamacraw to Alum Ford?

This reach is about 7.8 miles, roughly 5.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Big South Fork — Yamacraw to Alum Ford: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class II7.8 mi · ~5.5 hrBig South Fork Cumberland RiverKentucky

Verdict

Level unavailable

We can’t read this gauge right now, so we can’t give a verdict. Check the USGS gauge page directly before relying on any estimate.

Estimated range

No current reading

USGS gauge 03410600

Paddling Big South Fork — Yamacraw to Alum Ford

Big South Fork Cumberland River at Big South Fork — Yamacraw to Alum Ford is a 7.8-mile Class II run in Kentucky — bouncy wave trains and the occasional small rapid. Most paddlers put in at Yamacraw Bridge Access (KY 92) and take out at Alum Ford (KY 700, Big South Fork NRRA), a trip that runs about 5.5 hours at a relaxed pace.

We track USGS gauge 03410600 for this reach, but there isn't a published runnable range for it yet, so we won't invent a firm number. Use the live reading and 7-day trend above to see whether the Big South Fork Cumberland River is rising or falling, and check with a local outfitter or paddling club before you commit to a launch.

Flows here are usually most dependable April–October. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

7-day flow trend is unavailable for this gauge right now.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class II
Length: 7.8 mi
Float time: ~5.5 hr
Best months: April–October
Put-in: Yamacraw Bridge Access (KY 92)
Take-out: Alum Ford (KY 700, Big South Fork NRRA)

Reading USGS gauge 03410600 — SOUTH FORK CUMBERLAND RIVER NEAR YAMACRAW, KY ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Big South Fork — Yamacraw to Alum Ford?: We don't yet have a published runnable range for this section, so we can't give a firm number. Check the live USGS gauge and ask a local outfitter before you go.
How do I check Big South Fork Cumberland River levels?: We read USGS gauge 03410600 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Big South Fork — Yamacraw to Alum Ford good for beginners?: This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Big South Fork Cumberland River here?: Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Big South Fork — Yamacraw to Alum Ford?: This reach is about 7.8 miles, roughly 5.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

No reading