Best Places to Kayak Near Athens, TN

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Athens, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby18 Lakes10 Rivers2 Creeks
← All paddling in Tennessee

Top Picks Near Athens

Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk1

Rhea Springs

Standout kayak fishing on Piney River - Watts Bar Lake

LakeBeginner20 mi away
green and brown trees beside river during daytime2

Big Springs

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner17 mi away
a body of water with trees in the background3

Goodfield Creek

Just 14 miles from Athens — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a body of water with plants and trees around it

Sewee Creek

Tennessee · 13.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

North Mouse Creek

Tennessee · 13.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Pinhook

Tennessee · 14.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees in the background

Goodfield Creek

Tennessee · 14.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Charleston

Tennessee · 14.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a body of water from a kayak

Highway 411 Bridge

Tennessee · 15.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Watts Bar Dam

Tennessee · 15.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat sits on a dock in the water

B&B Marina

Tennessee · 15.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees in the background

Cottonport Marina and RV Resort

Tennessee · 15.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding yellow kayak on river during daytime

Cottonport Wildlife Management Area

Tennessee · 15.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Gee Creek

Tennessee · 15.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Price Creek East

Tennessee · 15.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Gray's Ferry

Tennessee · 16.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding yellow kayak on river during daytime

Lakeview

Tennessee · 16.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat sits on a dock in the water

Patty Bridge

Tennessee · 16.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Fooshee

Tennessee · 16.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Euchee Marina

Tennessee · 16.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside river during daytime

Big Springs

Tennessee · 17.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large waterfall with lots of water running over it

Highway 308 Bridge

Tennessee · 17.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
two birds perched on top of a tree in the water

Hornsby Hollow

Tennessee · 17.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a body of water from a boat

Two Rivers Campground

Tennessee · 17.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Old Patty Bridge

Tennessee · 17.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Agency Creek Campground Marina

Tennessee · 18.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of body of water and trees during daytime

Highway 58 Bridge

Tennessee · 18.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees in the background

Big Creek

Tennessee · 18.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with plants and trees around it

Piney Point Resort

Tennessee · 19.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with plants and trees around it

Blue Springs Marina

Tennessee · 19.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Reliance

Tennessee · 19.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Frazier Park

Tennessee · 20.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Rhea Springs

Tennessee · 20.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Athens.

Englewood, TN7 miRiceville, TN8 miNiota, TN9 miCalhoun, TN9 miEtowah, TN10 miDecatur, TN12 miDelano, TN14 miSweetwater, TN14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Athens, TN?

Top picks near Athens include Rhea Springs, Big Springs, Goodfield Creek. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Athens?

Near Athens you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Athens?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Athens are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.