Watersports and Boating

Kentucky has more miles of navigable water than any other state in the contiguous United States, making just about any area a good place for water sports, and Paducah is no exception.

Situated at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers in the Four Rivers Region of Kentucky, Paducah gives you access to a wide variety of adventures on the water. Spending a day or two or more here boating or fishing has been made easy with the Ohio River Boat Launch and the addition of the City of Paducah Transient Boat Dock. Mooring is available at the boat dock to all transient boaters and their guests, plus there are fuel services and nine electrical and water mooring pedestals.

Hooper’s Outdoor Center, just a couple of blocks from the riverfront, is an outfitter well-versed in the region's recreation. Each year they guide kayak and canoe trips down the 16-mile stretch known as "Clarks River East Fork to Mouth of Clarks River," an easy and serene flatwater trip through an area rich with wildlife. The Tennessee RiverLine is active in Paducah, hosting several free paddling events throughout the year. As part of their RiverTowns project, Paducah is an award-winning member of the Tennessee RiverLine.

Southeast of Paducah, you’ll find more space for watersports on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, which form one of the largest freshwater recreation areas in the country. Covering more than 160,000 acres, Kentucky Lake is the largest artificial lake east of the Mississippi River and boasts more than 2,000 miles of shoreline. To the east, on the opposite side of the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area, Lake Barkley spans 58,000 acres. These two waterways accommodate all types of boaters, from casual day-trippers to families looking to rent kayaks for an hour to those seeking a speed boat or party barge. At both lakes there are several marinas where you can rent all types of watercraft.