Kayak and canoe launches on Kentucky River - Lower, Kentucky
27 launch sites on Kentucky River - Lower from Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. 3 are listed as hand, car-top or paddlecraft launches. 5 are trailer ramps.
Fees: 17 list no fee, 10 list a fee, 0 not verified. Each listing names its source; check it before you go.
Sort these launches by distance from you
Launch sites A to Z
- Benson Creek Boat Ramp · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- Yes
- Dock launch: set the boat parallel to the dock, paddle within reach, sit on the dock and lower yourself into the seat, keeping your weight centered. (REI Expert Advice)
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Big Twin Creek Ramp · Boat ramp (small boats)
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Boonesborough State Park · Boat ramp (small boats)
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 367 m (1200 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -32 ft (about 3% average grade)
- Very long carry (over about 200 m): plan on a cart, or make two trips with gear first. (REI Expert Advice)
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Clays Ferry Boat Dock · Boat ramp (trailer)
Entry: Fee charged (amount not listed) (Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Clifton · Boat ramp (small boats)
Entry: Fee charged (amount not listed) (Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 34 m (110 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -10 ft (about 9% average grade)
- Steep bank: lower the boat bow-first, keep your weight low, and enter where the water is calm and deep enough to float the hull. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Fint's Ramp · Boat ramp (small boats)
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 38 m (120 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -19 ft (about 15% average grade)
- Steep or stepped access: carry with two people (one at each end) or shoulder-carry with your PFD as padding, and consider a lighter boat. (REI Expert Advice)
- Steep bank: lower the boat bow-first, keep your weight low, and enter where the water is calm and deep enough to float the hull. (REI Expert Advice)
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Frankfort Boat Dock Ramp · Boat ramp (small boats)
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 214 m (700 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -33 ft (about 5% average grade)
- Very long carry (over about 200 m): plan on a cart, or make two trips with gear first. (REI Expert Advice)
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Gratz City Ramp · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- High Bridge Ramp · Boat ramp (small boats)
Entry: Fee charged (amount not listed) (Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 291 m (950 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -14 ft (about 1% average grade)
- Very long carry (over about 200 m): plan on a cart, or make two trips with gear first. (REI Expert Advice)
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Hunter's Ferry · Hand launch / carry-in
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- Yes
- Dock launch: set the boat parallel to the dock, paddle within reach, sit on the dock and lower yourself into the seat, keeping your weight centered. (REI Expert Advice)
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Jackson Ferry · Boat ramp (small boats)
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- John Nickell Boat Ramp · Boat ramp (small boats)
Entry: Fee charged (amount not listed) (Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 39 m (130 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -5 ft (about 4% average grade)
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Kentucky River Campgrounds · Boat ramp (small boats)
Entry: Fee charged (amount not listed) (Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Lee's Dock Ramp · Boat ramp (small boats)
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 74 m (240 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -19 ft (about 8% average grade)
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Lock #2 Ramp · Boat ramp (small boats)
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Monterey Ramp · Boat ramp (small boats)
Entry: Fee charged (amount not listed) (Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Nonesuch · Boat ramp (small boats)
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- Yes
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 58 m (190 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -29 ft (about 15% average grade)
- Steep or stepped access: carry with two people (one at each end) or shoulder-carry with your PFD as padding, and consider a lighter boat. (REI Expert Advice)
- Steep bank: lower the boat bow-first, keep your weight low, and enter where the water is calm and deep enough to float the hull. (REI Expert Advice)
- Dock launch: set the boat parallel to the dock, paddle within reach, sit on the dock and lower yourself into the seat, keeping your weight centered. (REI Expert Advice)
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Old Habits Boat Ramp · Boat ramp (small boats)
Entry: Fee charged (amount not listed) (Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- Yes
- Dock launch: set the boat parallel to the dock, paddle within reach, sit on the dock and lower yourself into the seat, keeping your weight centered. (REI Expert Advice)
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Oregon Road Ramp · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Paint Lick Ramp · Boat ramp (small boats)
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 45 m (150 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -6 ft (about 4% average grade)
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Palisades Adventures · Boat ramp (small boats)
Entry: Fee charged (amount not listed) (Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Poosey Ridge Ramp · Boat ramp (small boats)
Entry: Fee charged (amount not listed) (Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Six Mile Creek Ramp · Boat ramp (small boats)
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Steele Branch Ramp · Boat ramp (trailer)
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
- Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Still Waters Boat Ramp · Boat ramp (small boats)
Entry: Fee charged (amount not listed) (Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Concrete or paved
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Valley View Carrydown (Jessamine Co.) · Hand launch / carry-in
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 60 m (200 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -8 ft (about 4% average grade)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Valley View Carrydown (Madison Co.) · Hand launch / carry-in
No fee listed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites (checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Dock or boarding float
- None listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 183 m (600 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -5 ft (about 1% average grade)
- Long carry: a kayak cart or stern wheels saves your back on a long, fairly flat walk. (REI Expert Advice)
Official fields: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
Kentucky paddling rules
Registration, permits, life jackets and AIS stickers
Other Kentucky waters with 5+ launches
Lake Cumberland (63) · Kentucky Lake (45) · Lake Barkley (40) · Ohio River - Central (31) · Green River - Upper (24) · Ohio River - Below Cincinnati (23) · Ohio River - West (21) · Green River - Lower (18) · Rough River Lake (18) · Cave Run Lake (16) · Herrington Lake (15) · Licking River (15) · All Kentucky launches
Data shown as published by the agency or mapped source; launch details and fees change, so check the official source before you go.