Kentucky has many lakes and rivers that are perfect for fishing, swimming, or just relaxing on the water. All rivers in Kentucky flow to the Mississippi River, nearly all by virtue of flowing to its major tributary, the Ohio River, which forms the state’s entire northern border.

Kentucky has approximately 49,105 miles of river, of which 19.4 miles of one river, the Red, are designated as Wild & Scenic—less than 4/100ths of 1% of the state’s river miles. 

Rivers In Kentucky