Best Places to Kayak Near Paducah, KY

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

30 nearby15 Lakes15 Rivers
← All paddling in Kentucky

Top Picks Near Paducah

a small white boat in the water1

Mermet State Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner16 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Mermet State Lake

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

LakeBeginner17 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Mermet State Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner17 mi away
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Lake Montgomery

Kentucky · 2.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Paducah

Kentucky · 3.9 mi

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

Broadway Street

Kentucky · 4.2 mi

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

Brookport

Illinois · 4.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Fort Massac State Park

Illinois · 6.1 mi

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

Clarks River

Kentucky · 6.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Joppa

Illinois · 13.8 mi

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

Smithland

Kentucky · 15.1 mi

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

Dyer Creek

Kentucky · 15.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
2 person riding on red kayak on body of water during daytime

Birdsville

Kentucky · 15.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Bay City - Russell C. Davidson Memorial

Illinois · 15.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 16.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 16.7 mi

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

Haddock Ferry

Kentucky · 17.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 17.3 mi

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

Milliken Mills Carrydown

Kentucky · 17.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view from a kayak of a river with trees in the background

Odgen Landing

Kentucky · 18.4 mi

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

Mike Miller Park Lake Fishing Pier

Kentucky · 19.5 mi

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

Tucker Lane Carrydown

Kentucky · 19.5 mi

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

Vicksburg Ramp

Kentucky · 20.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding on the back of a boat in the water

Grand Chain

Illinois · 20.5 mi

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

Ballard Slough

Kentucky · 21.2 mi

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

Kentucky Dam Marina

Kentucky · 21.3 mi

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

Mitchell Lake 1

Kentucky · 21.3 mi

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

Ballard WMA Pond

Kentucky · 21.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Kentucky Dam Marina and State Park

Kentucky · 21.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near green trees during daytime

Gilbertsville

Kentucky · 21.4 mi

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

Mitchell Lake 2

Kentucky · 21.6 mi

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

Mitchell Lake 3

Kentucky · 21.8 mi

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

Shelby Lake

Kentucky · 21.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Paducah.

West Paducah, KY6 miBrookport, IL6 miMetropolis, IL8 miBoaz, KY9 miLedbetter, KY10 miMelber, KY11 miLovelaceville, KY11 miKevil, KY12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Paducah include Mermet State Lake, Mermet State Lake, Mermet State Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Paducah?

Near Paducah 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 Paducah?

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