The Best Kayaking Destinations in Kentucky for Beginners

Where Should I Take Someone Who Is Learning To Kayak in Kentucky?

Navigation

• Elkhorn Creek
• Little River Kayaks
• Land Between the Lakes
• Drake's Creek
• Kentucky River
• Mammoth Cave Canoe and Kayak

  Kentucky offers a lot of exciting opportunities for whitewater rafting in Kentucky. Kayakers would love the various rivers, lakes, and streams here. But the thing that makes Kentucky stand out is the fact that it has so many navigable waters for canoeists.

  This state is dotted with lakes and reservoirs. It is crisscrossed with over 90,000 miles of streams and rivers. In fact, it is bordered by rivers on three sides. Suffice to say, there are a lot of great places to kayak in Kentucky.

  The Top 6 Best Kayaking Destinations in Kentucky for Beginners

  On this list, we will be focusing on the trails that are more beginner-friendly. Whether you’re just starting out on paddling, or you’re trying to teach someone else, Kentucky’s waterways are perfect because they are very accessible. Feel free to choose your destination, take your kayak, and explore!

  Even if you don’t have your own kayak, there are many areas that offer rental kayaks and guided tours so you can get your feet wet.

  1. Elkhorn Creek

  We’re starting it off with one of the most accessible trails in Kentucky. Elkhorn Creek in Frankfort, Kentucky is a fantastic place to begin honing your kayaking skills. But even if you’re already a seasoned veteran, you’ll find that many parts of Elkhorn Creek are a few levels more challenging. You might want to visit this place regularly.

  Small-mouth bass are abundant here, so if you want to bring your fishing pole and spend a relaxing day out in the sun, that’s a great idea. You’ll find the shallow water comfortable to paddle in. There are also plenty of opportunities to master your exit techniques.

  If aggressive waters don’t appeal to you, there are plenty of areas in Elkhorn Creek that offer a more leisurely experience.

  2. Little River Kayaks

  Little River Kayaks in Cadiz, Kentucky is a full-service outfitter. It brings everything you need from a kayaking trip, especially for beginners who are just a little bit clueless about how to get started. Here they offer kayak rentals and lessons, so you don’t need to worry about a lack of experience or equipment. By providing all the necessary training, this kayaking destination is as accessible as it can get.

  You can start out with Little River’s guided tours before you really start exploring on your own. It’s peaceful, it’s scenic, and it’s the getaway you’ve always been dreaming of.

  3. Land Between the Lakes

  If you’re a fan of exploring wide areas of tranquil waters, the Land Between Lakes National Recreation Area is a good choice. How does 210,000 acres of water sound? Canoeists have plenty to explore here—it’s the adventure most kayakers crave for!

  The recreation area waters are formed from impoundments on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, which form Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

  Of course, canoe rentals are also available, so you don’t have to bring your own kayak. Primitive camping huts also offer a unique experience if you want to stay a bit longer. They are available in several locations around the park.

  Wilderness canoe camping is permitted anywhere in the recreation area for up to 14 days at a time along 3,000 miles of shoreline.

  4. Drake’s Creek

  Drake’s Creek Canoe offers rentals of canoes and kayaks. It is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and it offers an excellent beginner-friendly experience.

  If you want to get the most out of your trip to Drake’s Creek, take part in their Half Day Adventure. It costs $40 per kayak, but the trip lasts around three to four hours. It is Drake’s most popular trip—it’s well worth it.

  Kayakers will explore six miles of Trammel and Drake’s Creek, and eventually end up at Phil Moore Park. Six miles is actually easier than it sounds, especially if you’re on a canoe having the time of your life.

  5. Kentucky River

  Kentucky River offers calm and protected waters. It’s perfect if you want to get away from the busy city life and all the stress that comes with it. Get in touch with nature and have a great outdoor adventure.

  Canoe Kentucky is a rental company that allows paddlers to rent kayaks and canoes for this very trail. They offer trips to Kentucky River six days a week. If you want a short day on the water, and have a beginner-friendly experience, this is great because the depth only reaches about 10 to 15 feet.

  6. Mammoth Cave Canoe and Kayak

  This last one is for people who want something a bit more adventurous. Mammoth Cave isn’t the most challenging trail, but it’s definitely an adventure. Trips through Mammoth Cave National Park range from three hours to full-on, three-day camping adventures. The shorter trips stretch 7.5 miles, and the rates go at $60 per canoe or double kayak, and $50 per kayak.

  Our Recommendation: The EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Kayak Loading System

  It’s a much better idea to bring your own kayak to these trips, because there’s no guarantee that kayak rentals will have one available for you, especially during the busy days.

  If you’re going to invest on a kayak carrier, why not go for one of the best in the market? With the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System for kayaks, you can load your kayak all by yourself—and in just a little over a minute!

  EZ Rec-Rack is changing the game and revolutionizing the industry by being the first and only kayak carrier that lets you load and unload your kayak by yourself! With this roof-mounted carrier, you can strap your kayak on and then easily slide it on top of the minivan.

  This piece of innovation was developed, crafted, and patented by Ira Mercurio after realizing that this has never been done before. With the right attachments, you can load your paddle boards, surf boards, cargo boxes, etc!

  This multipurpose loading system gives kayakers the ability to just enjoy their trip and not sweat the small stuff. This way, you can focus more of your energy on having fun and doing what you love: whether it’s a relaxing trip on peaceful lakes, or a more challenging adventure in twisting rivers.

  Get the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System today!

  Get the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System today!

  Get the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System today!

• What To Look For In A Roof Top Kayak Carrier
• Top 10 Kayak Destinations In MI
• What is the easier 1 person kaya loading sysem
• Buying A Kayak Carrier Online
• What To Know About Kayaking Alone
• Best Places To Kayak In Alabama Is Kabrewing Safe?
• Roof Rack Car Racks
• Top 5 Destinations in Florida for Kayaking
• Best Places To Kayak In South Florida
• Best Places To Kayak In The Florida Keys
• The Top Health Snacks To Pack On A Kayak Trip
• The Best Places To Kayak In Indiana

EZRecRack Bunks

$169.00

Only a few left!

Specifically designed with larger Fishing Kayaks in mind, these adjustable bunks will help you locate the sweet-spot of your kayak, creating even better support while traveling.

Adjustable side-to-side for different hull shapes.

Shop

EZ Rec Rack Spacers

$17.99

Designed with hatchbacks in mind, with the added spacers on the rear crossbar you will get more room for the rear hatch to open (especially with the rear spoiler present).
Quantity : 2 spacers (and extended bolts)

Shop

EZ Gift card

$10.00 - $200.00

Surprise someone special with a Gift Card! Gift Cards are delivered to the recipient by email and include instructions on how to redeem them at checkout. Our Gift Cards have no additional processing fees and never expire.

Shop

EZ Combo Carrier

$1,299.00

Out of stock

EZ Combo Carrier is a unique, multi-function carrier designed to help you carry your E-Bikes, bicycles, cargo totes, generators, fire wood and much, much more.

This cargo carrier easily converts into a dual bicycle (and E-Bike) carrier.

With the addition of two solid maple countertops it can also be easily converted into an outdoor kitchen station for all your tailgating needs.

Put it on your car.

Put it on your camper.

Put it on your overlanding rig.

It's truly one of the most versatile cargo carriers on the market.

PATENT NO. 11,447,076 B1

• Thick aluminum body with a solid steel backbone
• Stainless hardware
• Fits universal (2in) hitch receivers
• 58 lbs (26 kg) of weight
• 400 lbs (180 kg) capacity
• Solid Maple countertops (sold separately)

Shop

EZ Combo Carrier Countertops

$129.00

These beautiful finished solid maple countertops convert your EZ Combo Carrier into an outdoor kitchen station. Sealed with weatherproof finish these solid wood countertops are a perfect complement to the already versatile carrier.

• Set of 2 ( 22 x 15 inches )
• Stained solid Maple
• Weatherproof glossy finish

Shop

OUT OF STOCK

$999.99

The new and improved version of the EZ Rec Rack, the HD (Heavy Duty) offers the same reliability of our patented system with increased strength, ergonomic design and even more loading capacity!

New features include:

• New and improved track wheels
• Heavier gauge Aluminum walls
• Heavy-Duty rear axle support bar (for heavier loads like fishing and sea kayaks)
• All New (replaceable) stainless steel pivoting hardware 
• All New 316 stainless steel wheel axles

OUT OF STOCK

Shop