Kentucky's Must-Visit Paddling Towns

The amount and variety of water in Kentucky is staggering, from lazy, meandering floats to white-knuckle whitewater, the Bluegrass State has it all. Located in the heart of the state's best outdoor destinations are what they call “Trail Towns.” Trail Towns not only serve as basecamps from which to launch all manners of nature-driven adventures and shenanigans, but they have a good concentration of services like dining, lodging and outfitters. Here is a list of the Trail Towns that feature the best of Kentucky Paddling.

Olive Hill

Olive Hill, in the northeast corner of the state, is an excellent place to start in terms of beauty, difficulty, and fun. The 12-mile section of Tygarts Creek from Olive Hill to Kentucky 182 is an instant favorite. The stream averages 25 feet wide and runs at Class I/II, through perhaps the most scenic and interesting limestone gorge in the state. Nearby Carter Caves State Park offers hiking trails, the 45-acre Smokey Lake, fishing, climbing, caving, and camping. Food wise, the top choice for breakfast is Walker’s restaurant. And since being featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, the Smokey Valley Truck Stop is a must see.

Elkhorn City

The 16 miles of northeast Kentucky’s Russell Fork River between Haysi, VA and Elkhorn City is simply THE place to go for whitewater, and is home to one of the classic creek runs in the country. In general, the upper section runs between Class II-IV, while the lower stretch is good training ground for intermediates with plenty of playspots here and there. In October during a dam release, paddlers from near and far come to test themselves on the Class V Breaks section to sample the epic whitewater and stunning beauty of the 1600-foot “Grand Canyon of the South.”

Morehead

The sheer amount of outdoor recreation to be had in and around Morehead is dizzying. Nearby Daniel Boone National Forest boasts over 600 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails alone!

Then there is the 300-mile-long Sheltowee trail and 100 more miles of trails at Cave Run Lake. Cave Run features 8,000 acres of open water and 200 miles of shoreline and is the musky fishing capital of the South. Feeding that lake is also the 300-mile, Class I Licking River.

Livingston

The quaint hamlet of Livingston lies entirely within Daniel Boone National Forest and is a premier paddling destination. The crystal-clear waters of the Rockcastle River meander deep into Daniel Boone, making it one of the most scenic and wild areas in eastern Kentucky. Its 16-mile length, Class II rating, and many sandbars make it perfect for an overnight. For the hardcore, the 3-mile section between Old Howard Place and Bee Rock Campground feature legit Class IV rapids. Livingston also sits at the halfway point of the Sheltowee trail, and there's horseback riding and caving at the Just Kik-N-It Ranch.

London

London rests in the southeast part of the state, adjacent to both the Daniel Boone NF and the Sheltowee trail. Paddling and angling happen on the Rockcastle and Laurel rivers, as well as the Laurel River Lake. Road cyclists have the annual Redbud Ride. This popular event pedals through some of the most bucolic horse country with rolling hills, white fences and blooming redbud trees along the route. If in town Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, check out the farmer’s market for local deliciousness.

Manchester

Manchester: home of historic swinging bridges, and a veritable hotbed of canoeing action. The twisty Goose Creek River delivers 30+ miles of Class I/II and some of the best muskie fishing in the state. There’s also 24 miles of the Red Bird River and a whopping 63 miles of the South Fork of the Kentucky for epic multi-day flatwater floating. Manchester's extensive park system allows visitors to get a sense of Appalachian heritage with a hike or bike through the restored Salt Works Pioneer Village and swinging bridges to end at the Y-Hollow Trailhead. The area is also home to the Redbird District of Daniel Boone NF, with the Redbird Crest ATV trail and 25 miles of hiking trails.

Jamestown

Jamestown, at the bottom of the state, lays claim to the Cumberland River Lake, known as the Houseboat Capital of the World. At 101 miles long, it’s one of the largest man-made lakes in the nation, with more shoreline than Florida! The Cumberland River is one of the premier trout fishing spots in the southeast. From the dam to Winfrey’s Ferry, there are 16 miles of relaxed flatwater, perfect for beginning canoeists and kayakers to float and fish.

Munfordville

Poised right along the banks one of the most popular paddling rivers in Kentucky, Munfordville is the gateway to the emerald water of the Green River. Glide into the heart of Mammoth Cave National Park past dramatic cliffs and streamside caves, all under the shady canopy of old-growth hardwood forest. Munfordville to the take out at Dennison Ferry is 22 miles and runs at Class I/II. The BBQ at Bucky Bee’s is world class, too.

Stearns

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and the Stearns District of Daniel Boone NF are enjoyed from Stearns. The Big South Fork has something for everyone, from casual afternoon floats to multi-day trips with Class IV rapids. It’s easy to custom tailor a trip to the desired length and difficulty. The scenic Stearns Historic Railway ride with a lunch stop at the Whistle Stop is a cool rest-day activity. Its depot also pulls double duty as the Sheltowee trail’s main trailhead, just before it crosses into Tennessee.

Columbia

If looking for solitude on a river, check out Russell Creek in scenic south-central Kentucky. Visitors revel in the exquisite scenery over 25 peaceful miles of easy Class I. The Russell then dumps into the popular Green River, for those looking to increase mileage. And although the name may cause a few giggles, the folks at Breast & Butts Barbeque take their food seriously.

Dawson Springs

Dawson Springs, in the southwest, was Kentucky’s first certified Trail Town. The classic adventure is the 7-mile stretch of Class I water on the Tradewater River. If that isn’t enough, there is a total of 82 navigable miles of it. Have the camera ready for Dripping Rock, a massive outcropping overhanging the river. Hikers and mountain bikers have the 13-mile Pennyrile Nature Trail that connects the town to the larger trail systems in the Pennyrile Forest State Park. The catfish dinner at Ms. Becky’s is legendary, just be sure to leave room for pie.

With all this adventure in one state, it’s nearly impossible to pick just one. The bucket list just got a whole lot bigger.