Best Places to Kayak Near Smilax, KY

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

30 nearby14 Lakes10 Rivers6 Creeks
← All paddling in Kentucky

Top Picks Near Smilax

A person in a kayak paddling down a river1

Carr Fork Dam

Standout kayak fishing on Carr Fork - Carr Fork Lake

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a person in a kayak paddling on a lake2

Leatherwood

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

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a lake with trees and mountains in the background3

Middle Fork Kentucky River Dam

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner16 mi away
A person in a red boat on a river

Hazard City

Kentucky · 7.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a kayak paddling down a river

Trace Branch

Kentucky · 8.7 mi

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

Perry County Park

Kentucky · 8.8 mi

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

Confluence

Kentucky · 9.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near green trees during daytime

Buckhorn Lake State Park Marina

Kentucky · 13.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Watts Ramp

Kentucky · 13.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak paddling on a lake

Leatherwood

Kentucky · 13.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Gays Creek

Kentucky · 13.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a kayak paddling down a river

Carr Fork Dam

Kentucky · 14.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Carr Creek Tailwater

Kentucky · 14.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Middle Fork Kentucky River Dam

Kentucky · 15.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Buckhorn Tailwater

Kentucky · 16.1 mi

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

Carr Creek Marina

Kentucky · 16.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Little Carr

Kentucky · 18.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Highsplint Lake Bank Access

Kentucky · 20.3 mi

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

Kingdom Come Lake

Kentucky · 20.5 mi

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

Oneida

Kentucky · 21.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Laurel Branch Road Carrydown

Kentucky · 21.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a kayak paddling down a river

Bert Combs Lake

Kentucky · 23.3 mi

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

Dump Hollow Ford Road

Kentucky · 23.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Rocky Branch Road Access

Kentucky · 23.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Cedar Valley Road Access

Kentucky · 23.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Tobacco Road Bridge Access

Kentucky · 24.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Jacks/Bowling Branch Bridge Carrydown

Kentucky · 25.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Bishop Bend School Road Access

Kentucky · 25.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Hacker Branch Road Access

Kentucky · 25.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A lake surrounded by lots of trees in a forest

Goose Creek

Kentucky · 26.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A lake surrounded by lots of trees in a forest

Rawlings Stinson Park

Kentucky · 26.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Upper Wolf Creek

Kentucky · 26.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a red boat on a river

Douthitt Park

Kentucky · 27.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Smilax.

Wooton, KY2 miAvawam, KY4 miWendover, KY4 miSizerock, KY5 miBusy, KY7 miViper, KY7 miHyden, KY7 miHazard, KY8 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Smilax include Carr Fork Dam, Leatherwood, Middle Fork Kentucky River Dam. 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 Smilax?

Near Smilax 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 Smilax?

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