Northern Kentucky Waterways Are a Kayaker’s Dream
Kayaking enthusiast Jen Scheper moved to Northern Kentucky in 2017 – partly to take advantage of all the paddling opportunities available throughout the region. And it did not take long for her to realize she had made a good decision.
Shortly after her arrival, she was out kayaking near the point where the Licking River merges with the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, and she could see a Cincinnati Reds baseball game taking place at Great American Ballpark along the riverfront. Suddenly, fireworks began exploding in the sky above the stadium, signaling that a Reds player had hit a home run.
“I thought to myself, ‘This is fantastic. This is what I came here for,’” Scheper says. “I love the conveniences and amenities of urban areas, but then I also enjoy outdoor recreation and kayaking. It’s wonderful that we have both of these things in Northern Kentucky.”
Indeed, with the expansive Ohio River forming Kentucky’s northern border, the 300-mile Licking River running south past quaint downtowns and communities, and the presence of several tranquil tributaries and lakes, Northern Kentucky is a kayaker’s dream.
“There are some great scenic paddling areas around here,” says David Whitehouse, Boone County Parks director. “We really have the best of both worlds. Because from just about anywhere in this area, you’re within 15 minutes of a place to put in a kayak and go paddling, and you’re also within 15 minutes of city attractions. For people who want convenient resources to go along with their paddling, Northern Kentucky is a great place to be.”
Ready to Launch
There has been an effort in recent years to increase the number of river and lake access points throughout Northern Kentucky. Popular locations include Frederick’s Landing along the Licking River in Wilder, AJ Jolly Park in Alexandria (which includes a self-service kayak rental kiosk near the AJ Jolly Lake dam), Boone’s Landing in Union (providing access to Big Bone Creek tributaries of the Ohio River), and General James Taylor Park in Newport.
General James Taylor Park recently opened a storage facility for kayaks and other paddling watercraft. It was initiated by a proposal from Scheper as well as Chris and Amanda Schack, owners of Schack’s Yaks in Alexandria.
“I live a mile away from the water, but I always had to load my kayaks onto the car and then unload them, which took time,” Scheper says. “Now, I can just store them at the waterfront, put in and go. We want to expand these to several of the Northern Kentucky towns on the Ohio River – Ludlow, Covington, Bellevue, Dayton – and south on the Licking River.”
Events, Tours and Groups
While paddling can certainly be a solo activity, it can also be enjoyed in groups. And there are numerous ways to do so throughout Northern Kentucky. The biggest of them all is the annual Ohio River Paddlefest, which is held each August. The event began in 2001 with approximately 250 participants. In 2024, nearly 2,000 paddlers traveled up to 9 miles along the Ohio River, covering the water with kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.
Smaller excursions are also available. Schack’s Yaks, for example, will drop off paddlers 7 miles up the Ohio River, allowing them to slowly float back and enjoy the scenery. Meanwhile, Thaxton’s Canoe Trails in Butler offers trips along the Licking River that range from a few hours to a two-day, 18-mile journey.
Since 2012, the nonprofit organization Adventure Crew has taken local teenagers out for free monthly paddling adventures on the Little Miami River and other area waterways, introducing a new generation to the activity.
In addition, the University of Kentucky Campbell County Extension Office recently began providing guided kayak tours of AJ Jolly Lake.
Aubree Dawson, extension assistant for natural resources and environmental education, says the guided tours are an ideal way to launch beginners into the paddling scene.
“We take the public out and show them something they’ve never experienced before that is right in their backyard,” Dawson says. “The water on the lake is usually calm, so it’s a good way to ease into kayaking.
Whether you’re just floating around on the water or exploring all the little coves, you can come out and be at peace with nature.”
Get to know Northern Kentucky
Visit livability.com/northern-kentucky to learn more about the region’s outdoor recreation options.