Rockcastle,

Running the Narrows

Running the Narrows
Photo of Andy taken Summer 2001 @ 400 cfs ?

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Updated	Level
ROCKCASTLE RIVER AT BILLOWS, KY	200 - 5000 cfs	00h44m	336 cfs (rc= 0.0 )
		Upper limit uncertain. Please add a comment or report.

River Description

Classic Cumberland Plateau boating. This narrow river has sections of whitewater to give any capable boater goose bumps. The narrows section is representative of the boulder choked, undercut, and sieved rapid-pool style whitewater associated with the Cumberland Plateau.

Class IV Beech Narrows is the only non-read-and-run rapid, making this 5 mile section of whitewater perfect for all skill levels. While remote and wild this section also has trails following the river on both sides eventually ending downstream at Bee Rock Campground.

The Rockcastle Narrows sections becomes very pushy and has a bigger water feel at levels above 1000 CFS. Bring your reliable roll when paddling this remote section of whitewater beauty.

In January 2007 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced an emergency drawdown of Lake Cumberland, which the Rockcastle is a tributary of. This drawdown of 30-60 feet depending on what time of the year it is ensures that the entire Lower Narrows sections 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.

Here is a map of the Rockcastle whitewater section. It shows the old put in and take out along with routes of the whitewater run and the shuttle.