Cumberland, Kentucky

Difficulty: Class I to III

Season: March through October, rain-fed

Trip Length: Several one- to three-day trips

The Cumberland is actually a river system that offers many options for one- to three-day trips. Think weekend paradise. The Big South Fork is probably the most renowned paddle. This is a near wilderness run through an area protected as the Big South Fork NRA. The environment is densely forested sandstone canyons, lush and rugged at the same time.

The North Fork ventures through a spectacular gorge. Boulders present a rambunctious obstacle course. This is known as the ""Below the Falls Run,"" the ""falls"" referring to stunning Cumberland Falls. Above the falls, the river is swift but placid—superlative canoe territory.

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