Best Kayaking in Kentucky

Trying to find the best kayaking in Kentucky? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Ohio, Adams County

05 :58 hrs
14.2 mi
27.43277 ft
I

Ohio Brush Creek offers some of the most scenic and untouched terrain in Ohio. The banks are lined by evergreens, shale and limestone cliffs. The water moves slowly through pools of limestone ledges. Access is limited and fishing for smallmouth bass is good. Beginning at OH 41 bridge south of Jacksonville this section of river flows to OH 125 bridge.

2

Ohio, Highland County

02 :58 hrs
7.1 mi
13.56723 ft
I

Ohio Brush Creek offers some of the most scenic and untouched terrain in Ohio. The banks are lined by evergreens, shale and limestone cliffs. The water moves slowly through pools of limestone ledges. Access is limited and fishing for smallmouth bass is good. Beginning at the OH 73 bridge this section flows to OH 32 bridge.

3

Ohio, Adams County

04 :03 hrs
9.6 mi
20.429123 ft
I

Ohio Brush Creek offers some of the most scenic and untouched terrain in Ohio. The banks are lined by evergreens, shale and limestone cliffs. The water moves slowly through pools of limestone ledges. Access is limited and fishing for smallmouth bass is good. Beginning at OH 32 bridge this section flows 10 miles to OH 41 bridge south of Jacksonville.

4

Ohio, Adams County

04 :11 hrs
9.9 mi
12.564606 ft
I

Ohio Brush Creek offers some of the most scenic and untouched terrain in Ohio. The banks are lined by evergreens, shale and limestone cliffs. The water moves slowly through pools of limestone ledges. Access is limited and fishing for smallmouth bass is good. Beginning at OH 125 bridge this lower section of river flows to the confluence of the Ohio River. Takeout is at Ohio Brush Creek boat ramp off US 52. Power boats are allowed and common on this lower section of river.

5

Tennessee, Adams

03 :16 hrs
7.7 mi
10.007591 ft
I

The Red River is a favorite Tennessee paddle and fishing river. It is a scenic and a casual float that paddlers of all levels will enjoy. The river has several bluffs and the shoreline is lined with sycamores, maple, ash, and ironwood. About 1.5 miles down on river right you’ll see a small waterfall that drops down the bluff.

6

Virginia, Dickenson County

03 :46 hrs
9.9 mi
135.69485 ft
V

This adventure starts in Virginia near Breaks Interstate Park. Once on the water, you will quickly find yourself surrounded by tall mountains and some good whitewater. Be prepared for some quick drops and technical sections. There are sections you can portage to avoid some class V rapids but a good portion of the river should only be done by experts. You will find that the views here are very beautiful. Your adventure comes to an end as you leave the mountains and enter Elkhorn City, Kentucky. You will have to carry your vessel at the put-in and take-out points. In the fall, many paddlers start below Flannigan Dam during the water release.

7

Ohio, Brown County

05 :20 hrs
12.8 mi
32.22702 ft
IV

White Oak Creek is a scenic whitewater creek that is small but packs a lot of adventure. This creek is not spring fed but after rainfall can fluctuate a lot. The difficulty and conditions change so much with water levels so be sure to check conditions and levels before beginning. Putting in at New Hope Road this section of river flows slowly over a soft bottom and forks around sandbars and islands. The difficulty level of this run can be a class II to a IV. At 1000-1200 cfs it would be a typical class II. 2500-8000 cfs is class IV and the level for skilled play. But at this level the creek is difficult and debris can be dangerous and swimming is not recommended. Takeout is at White Oak Valley Rd.

8

Ohio, Brown County

02 :47 hrs
6.8 mi
34.74968 ft
IV

White Oak Creek is a scenic whitewater creek that is small but packs a lot of adventure. This creek is not spring fed but after rainfall can fluctuate a lot. The difficulty and conditions change so much with water levels so be sure to check conditions and levels before beginning. Putting in at White Oak Valley Road this section of river flows to the Georgetown water treatment plan off S.R. 221. Large chunks of concrete and rebar can be hazardous. The difficulty level of this run can be a class II to a IV. At 1000-1200 cfs it would be a typical class II. 2500-8000 cfs is class IV and the level for skilled play. But at this level the creek is difficult and debris can be dangerous and swimming is not recommended. Portage the dam on river left if you aren't going to run it.

9

Ohio, Brown County

02 :47 hrs
6.8 mi
34.74968 ft
II

White Oak Creek is a scenic whitewater creek that is small but packs a lot of adventure. This creek is not spring fed but after rainfall can fluctuate a lot. The difficulty and conditions change so much with water levels so be sure to check conditions and levels before beginning. Beginning at the water treatment plant by the dam OH 221 west of Georgetown this section of river flows to White Oak Creek launch ramp at the mouth of White Oak.

10

Kentucky, Elliott County

02 :06 hrs
4.8 mi
13.184006 ft
II

The adventure ends as you enter Grayson Lake. This river can be run January to April and any time after heavy rainfall. The views here are great. Keep an eye out for logs once you reach the gorge. There are several sections with sandbars and some small rapids. If you are looking for a longer paddle, you can start several miles south in Sandy Hook.

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