If you are into fishing and want to experience world renowned Kentucky whitewater rafting for yourself, the state of Kentucky is a perfect place to spend a vacation. The state is reported to have more water flowing through it than any other state, besides Alaska. A trip spent sampling Kentucky rivers, such as the Cumberland river and the Tennessee River, offers opportunities for some of the best fishing and whitewater rafting in the country.

Kentucky has a program that is designed to protect and preserve the water and the natural geographic features of Kentucky rivers, making them clean and safe for future generations. They limit activities such as mining and interfering with the dams and habitats of the many animals that live in the river or on the river banks. Keep this in mind when you visit Kentucky rivers and be sure to leave Kentucky parks and rivers cleaner than how you found them.

The Cumberland river provides the perfect setting for a day of canoeing or fishing. Launch your boat from one of the many boat launch areas and enjoy the scenic banks, forests, and rolling hills as you fish. The Cumberland river extends 700 miles east to west and most of its waters are suitable for boating and fishing thanks to lock and dam systems that control the strength of the current. Cumberland river fishing is popular for people looking to catch the perfect trout or do some fly fishing. Visitors should know that the best chance to experience Cumberland river fishing is anytime between April and June.

Much of the Cumberland river flows through the Daniel Boone National Forest, near the Appalachian foothills. Don’t spend all of your time in Kentucky Cumberland river fishing. Kentucky’s other major rivers, all of which empty into the Ohio River, are worth exploring as well. You will find that the Russel Fork canyon of the Big Sandy River offers challenging whitewater rafting. The canyon is 1600 feet deep and five miles long—perfect for white water rafting with an experienced guide. Unless you are a very experienced rafter, it is probably best that you leave the whitewater rafting at Russel Fork up to the experts. Sudden huge drop offs and unpredictable turbulent water can be expected and make for an adventure of a lifetime.

If you are up to the challenge, the whitewater rafting at the sandy river is offered every weekend in October. Consider taking a white water class before you take on the challenge of whitewater rafting. Lessons are available near Cumberland river and will teach you how to handle the raft and maneuver rough waters.

For Kentucky whitewater rafting trips for inexperienced rafters, head to Elkhorn Creek near Lexington Kentucky. This tributary of the Kentucky River is mild enough for families with children to enjoy, but will still provide the thrill that whitewater rafters are seeking. Limestone bluffs will surround you on both sides and you may see a wild turkey or two.