Best Places to Kayak Near Franklin, KY

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

30 nearby11 Lakes10 Rivers9 Creeks
← All paddling in Kentucky

Top Picks Near Franklin

a person in a kayak on a lake with trees and a sunset1

Briggs Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner18 mi away
A person in a kayak paddling down a river2

Basil Griffin Park

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

LakeBeginner15 mi away
green lake near green mountains under white clouds during daytime3

Port Oliver

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner27 mi away
A lake surrounded by lots of trees in a forest

Franklin

Kentucky · 1.4 mi

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

Ditmore Road Carrydown

Kentucky · 1.5 mi

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

Saddler Ford Carrydown

Kentucky · 6.6 mi

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

Woody Atkinson Road Carrydown

Kentucky · 8.1 mi

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

Highway 622 Access

Kentucky · 11.2 mi

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

Duncan Road Ford Carrydown

Kentucky · 11.4 mi

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

Romanza Johnson Park

Kentucky · 15.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a kayak paddling down a river

Basil Griffin Park

Kentucky · 15.3 mi

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

Phill Moore Park

Kentucky · 15.7 mi

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

Phil Moore Park Carrydown #2

Kentucky · 15.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak on a lake with trees and a sunset

Briggs Lake

Kentucky · 18.4 mi

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

Hullett Lane Carrydown

Kentucky · 19.2 mi

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

State Street Bridge Access

Kentucky · 20.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a kayak in the water with a fallen tree in the background

Potter/Combs

Kentucky · 20.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a kayak in the water with a fallen tree in the background

Boat Landing Road

Kentucky · 21.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Lonnie White

Kentucky · 21.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a red boat on a river

Beach Bend Campground

Kentucky · 22.5 mi

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

Morgantown Bridge Carrydown

Kentucky · 22.7 mi

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

Matinsville Ford

Kentucky · 22.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Porters Chapel

Tennessee · 25.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Greencastle

Kentucky · 25.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of body of water and trees during daytime

Old Union Hill

Tennessee · 25.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Special Needs Access

Tennessee · 26.0 mi

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

Station Camp Creek

Tennessee · 26.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding yellow kayak on river during daytime

Gallatin Marina

Tennessee · 26.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Barren River Lake Tailwater

Kentucky · 26.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Ziegler's Fort

Tennessee · 26.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Bledsoe Creek State Park

Tennessee · 27.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green lake near green mountains under white clouds during daytime

Port Oliver

Kentucky · 27.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees in the background

Shady Cove Marina

Tennessee · 27.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Franklin.

Mitchellville, TN7 miWoodburn, KY9 miOrlinda, TN11 miSouth Union, KY11 miPortland, TN11 miDrake, KY12 miCross Plains, TN13 miAuburn, KY14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Franklin, KY?

Top picks near Franklin include Briggs Lake, Basil Griffin Park, Port Oliver. 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 Franklin?

Near Franklin 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 Franklin?

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