Kentucky River Map showing major rivers in Kentucky, River start and end point, county boundaries.
River Map of Kentucky State
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Rivers and Waterways in Kentucky
Kentucky’s river systems are shaped by rolling hills, plateaus, and fertile valleys, with most waterways flowing toward the Ohio River and ultimately the Mississippi River. The state is bordered by major rivers on three sides, including the Ohio and Mississippi. Central and eastern Kentucky feature winding rivers through forested terrain, while western areas have broader floodplains. Numerous lakes and reservoirs across the state provide water supply, flood control, hydropower, and recreational opportunities.
Major Rivers in Kentucky
| River | Length (Approx.) | Region | Flows Into |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio River | 981 mi | North | Mississippi River |
| Mississippi River | 2,340 mi | West | Gulf of Mexico |
| Tennessee River | 652 mi | West | Ohio River |
| Cumberland River | 688 mi | South | Ohio River |
| Kentucky River | 260 mi | Central | Ohio River |
| Green River | 384 mi | Central | Ohio River |
| Licking River | 303 mi | North | Ohio River |
| Big Sandy River | 27 mi | East | Ohio River |
| Little Sandy River | 29 mi | East | Ohio River |
| Salt River | 150 mi | Central | Ohio River |
| Tradewater River | 136 mi | West | Ohio River |
| Rolling Fork River | 108 mi | Central | Salt River |
| Rough River | 156 mi | West | Green River |
| Nolin River | 124 mi | Central | Green River |
| Pond River | 111 mi | West | Green River |
| Elkhorn Creek | 53 mi | Central | Kentucky River |
| Red River | 97 mi | East | Kentucky River |
| Blackburn Creek | 40 mi | West | Green River |
Major Lakes in Kentucky
| Lake | Type | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Lake | Reservoir | West |
| Lake Barkley | Reservoir | West |
| Lake Cumberland | Reservoir | South |
| Barren River Lake | Reservoir | South |
| Green River Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Rough River Lake | Reservoir | West |
| Nolin River Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Herrington Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Fishtrap Lake | Reservoir | East |
| Yatesville Lake | Reservoir | East |
Major River Basins in Kentucky
Kentucky’s river basins are primarily part of the Ohio River system, which collects water from across the state before flowing into the Mississippi River. These basins support agriculture, water supply, transportation, and flood control.
- Ohio River Basin
- Kentucky River Basin
- Green River Basin
- Licking River Basin
- Cumberland River Basin
- Tennessee River Basin
- Salt River Basin
- Tradewater River Basin
- Big Sandy River Basin
Kentucky Rivers Facts
| State | Kentucky |
| Total Rivers & Streams | 90,000+ miles of streams |
| Major Rivers | Ohio, Kentucky, Green, Cumberland |
| Total Waterway Length | 92,000+ miles |
| Main Drainage | Ohio River System |
| Longest River | Ohio River |
| Shortest River | Big Sandy River |
| Major River Basins | 9 Primary Basins |
| Primary Outlet | Mississippi River |
| Key Uses | Water supply, navigation, recreation, flood control |
| Longest River Within State | Green River |
| Number of River Basins | 8–10 Basins |
| Major Reservoirs | Kentucky Lake, Lake Cumberland, Lake Barkley |
| Primary Water Source | Surface water and reservoirs |
River Maps of the 50 U.S. States – Click on a State to View Its River Map
- Alabama River Map
- Alaska River Map
- Arizona River Map
- Arkansas River Map
- California River Map
- Colorado River Map
- Connecticut River Map
- Delaware River Map
- Florida River Map
- Georgia River Map
- Hawaii River Map
- Idaho River Map
- Illinois River Map
- Indiana River Map
- Iowa River Map
- Kansas River Map
- Kentucky River Map
- Louisiana River Map
- Maine River Map
- Maryland River Map
- Massachusetts River Map
- Michigan River Map
- Minnesota River Map
- Mississippi River Map
- Missouri River Map
- Montana River Map
- Nebraska River Map
- Nevada River Map
- New Hampshire River Map
- New Jersey River Map
- New Mexico River Map
- New York River Map
- North Carolina River Map
- North Dakota River Map
- Ohio River Map
- Oklahoma River Map
- Oregon River Map
- Pennsylvania River Map
- Rhode Island River Map
- South Carolina River Map
- South Dakota River Map
- Tennessee River Map
- Texas River Map
- Utah River Map
- Vermont River Map
- Virginia River Map
- Washington River Map
- West Virginia River Map
- Wisconsin River Map
- Wyoming River Map