Best Places to Kayak Near Lexington, KY

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

30 nearby15 Lakes14 Rivers1 Creek
← All paddling in Kentucky

Top Picks Near Lexington

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

Oser Landing

Standout kayak fishing on North Fork Elkhorn Creek

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a group of boats are in the water2

Cardome

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

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a lake with trees and mountains in the background3

Great Crossings

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner15 mi away
body of water near green trees during daytime

Jacobson Park Lake

Kentucky · 3.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Southland Church Lake Fishing Access

Kentucky · 6.7 mi

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

Kentucky Horse Park Man O' War Moat

Kentucky · 9.3 mi

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

Kentucky Horse Park-Rolex Lake

Kentucky · 9.3 mi

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

Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Pond

Kentucky · 9.9 mi

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

Lake Mingo

Kentucky · 10.1 mi

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

Valley View Carrydown (Jessamine Co.)

Kentucky · 12.0 mi

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

Valley View Carrydown (Madison Co.)

Kentucky · 12.1 mi

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

Clays Ferry Boat Dock

Kentucky · 12.2 mi

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

Oser Landing

Kentucky · 13.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red kayak sitting on top of a lake next to a fallen tree

Boonesborough State Park

Kentucky · 14.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of boats are in the water

Cardome

Kentucky · 14.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Whitehall Park Lake

Kentucky · 14.9 mi

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

Hunter's Ferry

Kentucky · 15.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red kayak sitting on top of a lake next to a fallen tree

Poosey Ridge

Kentucky · 15.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Great Crossings

Kentucky · 15.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Robinson Dam Access

Kentucky · 15.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Lusby Lake

Kentucky · 15.7 mi

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

Palisades Adventures

Kentucky · 15.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Scott County Park Lake

Kentucky · 16.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red kayak sitting on top of a lake next to a fallen tree

Old Habits

Kentucky · 16.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Scott County Park Lake Fishing Pier

Kentucky · 16.2 mi

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

John Nickell Boat

Kentucky · 17.2 mi

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

Paint Lick

Kentucky · 17.3 mi

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

Nonesuch

Kentucky · 18.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

High Bridge

Kentucky · 18.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Herrington Lake Tailwater Access

Kentucky · 18.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A lake surrounded by lots of trees in a forest

Paris Landing

Kentucky · 18.9 mi

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

Fint's

Kentucky · 19.1 mi

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

Clifton

Kentucky · 19.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Lexington.

Keene, KY10 miNicholasville, KY11 miVersailles, KY13 miGeorgetown, KY14 miWilmore, KY14 miMidway, KY14 miWinchester, KY17 miParis, KY19 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Lexington include Oser Landing, Cardome, Great Crossings. 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 Lexington?

Near Lexington 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 Lexington?

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