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Rolling Fork (Kentucky) facts for kids

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The Rolling Fork is a river in central Kentucky. It is about 108 miles (174 km) long. This river flows through Marion and Hardin counties. It also forms the border between LaRue and Nelson counties. The Rolling Fork helps drain a lot of land in these areas. It is a very important part of life in this part of Kentucky, known as the Knob Region. The Rolling Fork is part of the larger Salt River system, which then flows into the Ohio River.

River's Journey

The Rolling Fork river starts in the southern part of Boyle County. It winds its way through the county, slowly getting bigger. After leaving Marion County, the Rolling Fork becomes the border between LaRue County and Nelson County. This starts near a place called High View.

The river then twists and turns along Nelson and LaRue Counties. It makes a big U-shaped bend around the area known as the Knobs. The river grows even more when the Beech Fork river joins it. This happens near Youngers Creek, a community in Hardin County that is close to Nelson County. Finally, the Rolling Fork flows into the Salt River. This meeting point is on the line between Hardin County and Bullitt County. The Salt River then flows into the Ohio River about 9 miles (14 km) later, near West Point, Kentucky.

The Rolling Fork river flows through the "Knobs" of the region. These knobs are small, rounded hills that shape the river's path. They create many of the river's bends and hollows. The river flows through beautiful valleys. It also runs alongside many rich river bottoms. These flat areas near the river are great for growing crops like grain. They also provide good pasture land for cattle. Sometimes, the river valley can flood. A big flood happened in May 2010. This flood caused a lot of damage in towns like New Haven and Howardstown. The strong floodwaters moved soil and left behind branches and gravel. In New Haven, the flood even damaged the Kentucky Railway Museum.

Wildlife Along the River

The Rolling Fork river and its valleys are home to many different kinds of animals. You can find a healthy number of white-tailed deer, squirrels, opossums, beavers, skunks, and rabbits here.

Many birds also live in the river valley. These include the tall great blue heron and the quick kingfisher. You might also see Canada geese and sandhill cranes. These birds often pass through the area when they are migrating.

The river's waters are full of fish. You can find catfish, bluegill, and different types of sunfish. There are also smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and even gar. On land, you might spot various turtles and snakes. Some of the snakes are rattlesnakes. There are also skinks and salamanders living in the area.

People and the River

The Rolling Fork river is a very important part of the communities that live near it. The river valleys provide good land for farming. This helps the local economy. People also use the river for fishing. The areas around the river are popular for hunting as a fun activity.

Communities on the Rolling Fork

Holy Name of Mary Church (Cavalry, Kentucky) - exterior 2
Holy Name of Mary Church in Calvary, Kentucky
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