Best Waterways in Kentucky

Trying to find the best waterways 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

Kentucky, Russell County

08 :31 hrs
10.7 mi
16.43808 ft
SK I

This 50,250 acre lake is a big attraction for boating and fishing enthusiasts. You will find 1,255 miles of shoreline with tons of coves and areas to explore. Other activities include: fishing, camping, hiking, and geocaching. Anglers come to catch the variety of bass and walleye. Holcomb’s Landing ramp is at the northwest end of the lake near the Wolf Creek Dam.

5

Kentucky, Trigg County

15 :06 hrs
37.8 mi
2.4728851 ft
SK I

This long lake is inside Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. You will find 39,496 acres of 49,083 acres resides in Kentucky. The remainder resides in Tennessee. You will not run out of news areas to explore as you can travel along the several bays and by scenic bluffs. There are several boat ramps available to launch your vessel.

6

Illinois, Pulaski County

01 :48 hrs
2 mi
0.99894714 ft
I

The Cache River State Natural Area offers lots of interesting scenery and opportunity for recreation including paddling through its swampy terrain via a designated canoe trail. The trail travels through a cypress swamp that feels very rugged and wild. The trail is well-marked, however, making it easy to stay on the right path as you explore the jungle. There are some side trips and passages along the trail that offer more paddling opportunity. There is access lower on the river after the trail ends but the trail is not long and the water has very little current so paddling back to the put-in is the best option so shuttling of vehicles is not needed.

7

Illinois, Gallatin County

00 :43 hrs
1.6 mi
3.9640121 ft
I

Situated in the scenic and wooded Shawnee Hills, Pounds Hollow Lake provides excellent outdoor recreational opportunities including wildlife viewing while paddling on its quiet waters. The lake only allows electric motor boats and non-motorized boats. There are lots of lakeside picnic areas and nice swimming areas. The lake is also a great location for fishing, hiking, and camping.

8

Kentucky, Rowan County

04 :50 hrs
5.4 mi
11.721878 ft
I

This 8,270-acre lake is located in the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky. The lake is considered to be a top lake for musky fishing. You will find that there are several boat ramps and areas to walk your vessel down to around the lake. Alfie Ramp charges a fee to use the ramp and is located on the north side of the lake off of Highway 801. Other close by activities include: hiking and mountain bike trails.

9

Tennessee, Clay County

05 :11 hrs
11.5 mi
0.19979858 ft
I

Dale Hollow Reservoir is located in northern Tennessee on the Tennessee/Kentucky border. It is well known for fishing and holds the record for the biggest smallmouth bass in the world. You’ll find a pleasant undeveloped shoreline perfect for paddling making a peaceful place to enjoy the outdoors. Lilydale is located in Clay County and is one of the many access sites owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. There is a paved launch ramp, a fishing pier, swimming beach, picnic sites, restrooms, and camping.

10

Kentucky, Barren County

02 :60 hrs
6.7 mi
6.699402 ft
I

This 9,674 acre lake is surrounded by tree covered hills. There are several boat ramps available around the lake. Anglers will find bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish. This is a great place to find a variety of birds including Bald Eagles and Sandhill Cranes. Bald Eagles can be seen October through March. Sandhill Cranes can be seen from November through February. There are hiking trails, camping, golfing and many other available activities in the area. The State Park Ramp is on the east side of the lake.

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