Best Places to Kayak Near Hickory, KY

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

30 nearby16 Lakes14 Rivers
← All paddling in Kentucky

Top Picks Near Hickory

green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime1

Little Jonathan Creek - KY 80

Standout kayak fishing on Tennessee River - Kentucky Lake

LakeBeginner25 mi away
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime2

Little Bear

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

LakeBeginner26 mi away
a lake with trees and mountains in the background3

Kentucky Dam Marina and State Park

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner24 mi away
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Kess Creek Park Lake

Kentucky · 9.4 mi

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

Clarks River

Kentucky · 15.3 mi

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

Milliken Mills Carrydown

Kentucky · 15.4 mi

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

Lake Montgomery

Kentucky · 16.6 mi

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

Tucker Lane Carrydown

Kentucky · 16.9 mi

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

Broadway Street

Kentucky · 17.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Paducah

Kentucky · 17.8 mi

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

USFWS Recreational Area

Kentucky · 18.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Brookport

Illinois · 19.1 mi

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

Mike Miller Park Lake Fishing Pier

Kentucky · 19.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Fort Massac State Park

Illinois · 20.4 mi

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

Clinton Rotary Park Lake

Kentucky · 21.9 mi

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

Haddock Ferry

Kentucky · 23.3 mi

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

Kentucky Dam Marina

Kentucky · 23.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Fish Lake

Kentucky · 24.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Kentucky Dam Marina and State Park

Kentucky · 24.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Willow Slough

Kentucky · 24.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Wickliffe Water Front

Kentucky · 24.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of boats are in the water

Black Lake

Kentucky · 24.6 mi

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

Columbus - Belmont State Park

Kentucky · 24.7 mi

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

Doug Travis Water Management Area

Kentucky · 24.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Jos Hunter Moore Access

Missouri · 24.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near green trees during daytime

Gilbertsville

Kentucky · 25.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in blue shirt and blue denim jeans riding orange kayak on water during daytime

King Creek Resort

Kentucky · 25.2 mi

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

Smithland

Kentucky · 25.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Little Jonathan Creek - KY 80

Kentucky · 25.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Big Bear Public Use Area

Kentucky · 25.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Little Bear

Kentucky · 25.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak paddling on a lake

Cedar Knob

Kentucky · 25.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of boats are in the water

Moor's Resort

Kentucky · 25.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Hickory.

Lowes, KY6 miMelber, KY6 miBoaz, KY6 miFancy Farm, KY8 miMayfield, KY8 miSymsonia, KY8 miCunningham, KY11 miLovelaceville, KY12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Hickory include Little Jonathan Creek - KY 80, Little Bear, Kentucky Dam Marina and State Park. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Hickory?

Near Hickory 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 Hickory?

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