Waterways. This watershed includes the section of the North Fork between the mouth of Troublesome Creek (at Haddix) and Beattyville. Among many creeks that feed it within this watershed are Miller Branch, Mill Creek, War Creek, Big Bloody Creek, Cave Branch, Laurel Branch, and Blaines Branch. Water also flows into this watershed from the following other watersheds: North Fork Kentucky River (middle), Middle Fork Kentucky River (lower), South Fork of Quicksand, Quicksand Creek, Cane Creek, Frozen Creek, Boone Fork, Holly Creek, Upper Devil Creek, Lower Devil Creek, Hell Creek & Walker Creek, and Crystal Creek.

Land and water use. Land in the watershed is largely rural and wooded but about 10% agricultural. The surface waters of the watershed supply the drinking water for municipal systems in Beattyville and Jackson. Five businesses and organizations hold permits for discharges into the creeks. See tables for details.

Agency data assessment. Four waterway segments were assessed in this watershed, and two do not support some or all of their designated uses, based on biological and/or water-quality data. One segment of the North Fork is impaired by pathogens from animal and human wastes. Panbowl Lake exhibited organic enrichment/low oxygen. See tables for details.

Watershed rankings. The ranking formula provides a preliminary ranking by synthesizing a broad spectrum of watershed characteristics, current conditions, and threats. This watershed ranks in the group with the highest need for protection and/or restoration. This rating is for the watershed on average: particular sites and particular waters within the watershed may vary widely. See tables for details.

Volunteer data. Data for the North Fork indicate elevated levels of sulfate, antimony, and selenium. See tables for details.