Best Places to Kayak Near Johnson City, TN

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

30 nearby11 Rivers11 Reservoirs8 Lakes
← All paddling in Tennessee

Top Picks Near Johnson City

green trees beside body of water during daytime1

Buffalo Road

Standout kayak fishing on South Fork Holston River - Boone Lake

LakeBeginner11 mi away
aerial photography of body of water and trees during daytime2

Watauga Dam

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

LakeBeginner12 mi away
a body of water with plants and trees around it3

Rat Branch

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner13 mi away
a river running through a lush green forest

USA Aggregate

Tennessee · 3.4 mi

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

Knob Creek

Tennessee · 3.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Blevins Bend

Tennessee · 3.9 mi

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

Hwy 11E (New Devault Bridge)

Tennessee · 4.2 mi

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

Hwy 11E (New Devault Bridge)

Tennessee · 4.2 mi

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

Winged Deer Park

Tennessee · 4.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown tree branch on body of water during daytime

Pickens Bridge

Tennessee · 6.2 mi

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

Highway 19 Bridge

Tennessee · 6.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Boone Lake Marina

Tennessee · 9.0 mi

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

Devault Bridge

Tennessee · 9.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding yellow kayak on river during daytime

Sugar Hollow

Tennessee · 9.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of body of water and trees during daytime

Lakeview Marina

Tennessee · 9.2 mi

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

Boone Dam

Tennessee · 9.2 mi

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

SR 75 Bridge

Tennessee · 9.7 mi

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

Rainbow Bridge

Tennessee · 9.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat sits on a dock in the water

Hunter Bridge

Tennessee · 9.9 mi

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

Airport Ramp

Tennessee · 9.9 mi

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

Muddy Creek

Tennessee · 10.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat sits on a dock in the water

Bluff City Park

Tennessee · 10.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Buffalo Road

Tennessee · 10.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a body of water from a kayak

Smith Shoals

Tennessee · 10.9 mi

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

J. Forrest Thomas Access Area

Tennessee · 11.1 mi

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

Wilbur Dam Access

Tennessee · 11.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of body of water and trees during daytime

Watauga Dam

Tennessee · 12.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with plants and trees around it

Rat Branch

Tennessee · 12.5 mi

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

Warriors Path State Park

Tennessee · 13.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding yellow kayak on river during daytime

Watauga Lakeshores Marina

Tennessee · 13.6 mi

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

Cooks Valley

Tennessee · 14.9 mi

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

Big Springs Access

Tennessee · 15.1 mi

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

Ft. Patrick Henry Dam

Tennessee · 15.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Johnson City.

Mountain Home, TN2 miMilligan College, TN3 miWatauga, TN5 miPiney Flats, TN8 miElizabethton, TN8 miJonesborough, TN9 miUnicoi, TN9 miHampton, TN10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Johnson City, TN?

Top picks near Johnson City include Buffalo Road, Watauga Dam, Rat Branch. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, reservoirs, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Johnson City?

Near Johnson City 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 Johnson City?

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