The Rockcastle River is a [U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. The National Map, accessed June 8, 2011] river primarily in Rockcastle County, Kentucky, United States. It is a tributary of the Cumberland River and therefore, via the Ohio River, part of the Mississippi River watershed.
Origin of Name
In 1750 it was discovered by Dr. Thomas Walker and his exploring party, known as the Loyal Company. In his journal he named it the
Lawless River, describing it as very steep and rocky.
It was soon renamed by hunter
Isaac Lindsey who founded Rockcastle County in 1767. Lindsey named the river after the castle-like rock formations.
Course
The elevation is 888 ft. with the geolocation at (37.171, -84.296).
The river has two forks, the Middle Fork, which forms in southern Jackson County, and the South Fork, which forms in Clay County. They meet at the Jackson County line and flow south, forming the southeast border of Rockcastle County. It makes up the border between Pulaski and Laurel counties before flowing into the
Cumberland River. Due to the river carving into the Cumberland Plateau, many
limestone and
sandstone caves are formed.
The river is used for recreational activities such as kayaking for sport through the rapid waters, and fishing for the many fish species.
Flora and Fauna
The river has an important native
walleye population that has stabilized in recent years.
The waters also contain over 65 fish species including
rock bass,
Smallmouth bass, with a variety of
bluegill and other pan fish. Over 38
mussel species and 10
crayfish species are also found in the waters of the river. The small cave systems formed in the limestone provides a home for several
bat species,
Amphibian, and
Reptile Black bears are known to swim the waters and navigate the rocky banks.
The gravel terrain provides life for many rare species of plants such as the Eurybia saxicastelli. The Rockcastle Conservation Initiative formed in 2010 works to protect the diversity of this important habitat.
See also
-
No Business Branch, a tributary
-
List of rivers of Kentucky
External links
