When the water level along the Floyds Fork is right, it is a great place for families and individuals to canoe and kayak. Floyds Fork is generally more fun to paddle when the Fisherville gauge shows that the water is flowing more than 35 cfs (cubic feet per second). Water levels on Floyds Fork change frequently so please check the USGS water table data before going out by clicking here.
Canoeing and kayaking can be dangerous. The Parklands of Floyds Fork does not maintain the water trail, so we ask that you please paddle at your own risk. This is a wild stream and not a theme park. Always be aware of your surroundings, weather, and the water levels. Paddling the Fork at 50 cfs is much more relaxed than paddling the Fork at 100+ cfs.
There are two stretches of the Fork with public canoe accesses. The first begins at the canoe launch at William F. Miles Lakes and continues six (6) miles downstream to the Fisherville Canoe Launch at 14520 Old Taylorsville Road.
The Parklands just opended a fresh section of Floyds Fork starting from the existing Fisherville Canoe Launch and running 3.5 miles downstream to the new, temporary Cane Run Canoe Launch (6500 Echo Trail Road). Due to ongoing park construction along the first float section, we recommend you detour downstream to the new Cane Run section for a more enjoyable paddling experience.
Recommendations for a Great Paddling Experience:
- Always wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket.
- If it is your first time, go with a group including one person with knowledge of the section you will be floating.
- Drive to your chosen take-out site prior to floating so that you can identify it from the water and know where to get out.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
- Leave your vehicles locked and valuables hidden away out of sight.
- Know the ability of people in your paddling group. Be prepared to self-rescue if needed.
- Hypothermia is a serious and significant risk when the sum of air and water temperatures is less than 100 degrees.
- Know your physical ability and skill level before getting in on the water. Water is much stronger than you.
- Respect private property rights while paddling by staying in Floyds Fork and not littering.
- If you are going to fish, have a valid Kentucky Fishing License and practice catch and release to help maintain this quality fishery.
- Floyds Fork is a natural stream prone to wild fluctuations in water levels and weather conditions.
- Check real-time water conditions here.
- Generally, the minimum fun level for paddling is 35 cfs (cubic feet per second) on the gauge.
- Floyds Fork leaves its banks above 5000 cfs. The Parklands may close canoe access sites during flood events.
- Want to learn about paddling? Join one of our area’s paddling clubs:
- Viking Canoe Club - www.vikingcanoeclub.org
- Louisville Area Recreational Paddling Meet-Up Group - www.louisvilleareacanoeandkayak.org
Have additional questions? Please feel free to call The Parklands Monday-Friday from 8 AM until 5 PM – 584-0350.
Miles Lakes to Fisherville Canoe Access – 6.7 miles on Floyds Fork
(Average trip time – 4.5 hours at 50-100 cfs*)
Fisherville Canoe Access to Cane Run Canoe Access – 4.3 miles on Floyds Fork
(Average trip time – 3 hours at 50-100 cfs*)