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South Fork Licking River — Lair to Terry Dam Ramp: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

South Fork Licking River · Class I · Kentucky

Current verdict

No runnable range yet

We don’t have a runnable range for this section yet — many of these are calm or dam-controlled reaches. Here’s the current gauge reading; check it (and, for tailwaters, the dam’s generation schedule) before you go.

200 cfs/ 5.1 ft gauge
Estimated range

USGS gauge 03252500 · updated Jul 9, 8:30 AM UTC

7-day flow trend

4731392026-07-022026-07-08
Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty
Class I
Length
5 mi
Float time
~2.5 hr
Best months
April–October
Put-in
Lair boat ramp (Old Lair Rd bridge)
Take-out
Terry Dam Ramp (Engineer Rd)

Reading USGS gauge 03252500 — SOUTH FORK LICKING RIVER AT CYNTHIANA, KY · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling South Fork Licking River — Lair to Terry Dam Ramp?

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 South Fork Licking River levels?

We read USGS gauge 03252500 — 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 South Fork Licking River — Lair to Terry Dam Ramp good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. 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 South Fork Licking 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 South Fork Licking River — Lair to Terry Dam Ramp?

This reach is about 5 miles, roughly 2.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

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