Cumberland,

Cumberland Falls to Laurel River (10.5 miles)

Usual Difficulty	III+(IV) (may vary with level)
Length	10.5 Miles
Avg. Gradient	11 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
CUMBERLAND RIVER AT WILLIAMSBURG, KY
usgs-03404000	400 - 16000 cfs	III+(IV)	16h50m	1270 cfs (rc= 0.1 )

River Description

This is the whitewater section of the Upper Cumberland River. The 10 mile run is Cumberland Falls the Mouth of the Laurel River Boat ramp aka Noe's Dock. Lake Cumberland covers the last few rapids in this section during its summer pool, making the late summer/early fall season as they draw down for winter pool the optimal time to run it. Levels vary, but 705 feet and lower on Lake Cumberland make for all the rapids to be in. This normally coincides with mid-August to September.
In January 2007 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced an emergency drawdown of Lake Cumberland, which is watered by the Cumberland River Basin. This drawdown of 30-60 feet depending on what time of the year it is ensures that the lower rapids (and best Rapids) will not be covered by the lake like it is most of the year. The project to repair the dam, the reason for the drawdown, is expected to take 2-7 years depending upon the sucess and progress of the project. Enjoy!