Cumberland, Poor Fork, Kentucky, US
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Cumberland to Harlan (23.5 miles)
| Usual Difficulty |
I-II (for normal flows) |
| Length |
23.5 Miles |
Photo#786803
Photo taken 01/29/10
Gauge Information
River Description
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The scenic beauty of Harlan County and the cool fresh water beats anything. Whitewater
paddling here in the Cumberland Plateau Mountains is a great experience. The Poor Fork
snakes through the valley of Pine and Black mountains. This section of the Cumberland
offers many scenic vistas and natural beauties. A diversity of wildlife is also apparent
along the trip, from Great Blue Herons to turtles soaking up rays on a riverside log. You
are bound to experience something new along this stretch of river. Make sure to bring your
camera a binoculars. This river is for every skill level, only occasional shoals and small
rapids dot your journey on this scenic trip. Also the Poor Fork boasts great smallmouth
bass fishing, among many other species, so don't forget you fishing gear.
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There are a couple of hotels in Harlan if you want to spend a
night. Also the Harlan County Campground Is conveniently located about halfway
through the run. If you make reservations in advance you're all set. If you
hurry you can run this stretch in a day, but why not make it an overnighter, so go ahead
and pack your camp stove.
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Getting a good workout and a chance to spend some time outdoors will have you coming
back for more. There are not many better stretches to paddle along the Poor Fork than
the Cumberland to Harlan stretch.
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For more information, see Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to KY
StreamTeam Status: Not Verified
Last Updated: 2010-01-29 20:57:16
Editors
No rapids entered. If you know names, and locations of the rapids please contact and advise the StreamTeam member for this run. 
User Comments
condemned bridge. the entire river left side of this bridge is blocked by large logs and debris.
The river right side has a couple routs. One is to the far right but at runnable levels there a
tree branches hanging right over this passage. My favorite run is just right of the center collumn.
There is a small slide with a hole right above a 4 to 5 foot vertical drop that has a hydraulic can
get sticky at some levels. The other log jam is closer to harlan at the low water dam in putney.
This bridge might need to be portaged at higher levels. There is great mountain scenery along this
run.