Kentucky River Palisades Paddle Adventure

Lancaster, Kentucky

Description

10 miles of scenic palisades walls and numerous side creeks and waterfalls to explore.

This paddling trip can be one way or can be a circle. Depending on the KY river water flows. At low levels it is possible to paddle upstream of the boat ramp and then return with the current. If you prefer to pass through the entire palisades you will continue downstream to the High Bridge boat ramp. To check water flows before you arrive you can check the USGS guage for Valley View. There is a link below. Under 3000 cfs is good for paddling upstream.

Start your journey at the Camp Nelson boat ramp just below the nicholasville rd bridge. Paddling is easy with no obstacles. Beautiful scenery awaits around every corner. Allow 3 to 5 hours to enjoy the place and not be in a hurry.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Stand Up Paddle

Camping

Fishing

Photography

Dog Friendly

Family Friendly

Forest

Groups

River

Scenic

Waterfall

Wildlife

Cliff Jumping

Swimming Hole

Kentucky River Palisades Paddle Adventure Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to the Kentucky River Palisades

The Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve is maintained by the Nature Conservancy and one of a few preserves in the Kentucky River Palisades ecosystem. The Kentucky River Palisades loop trail leaves from the 8-car parking lot from both directions and follows an old stage coach trail. There are a few steep climbs, not nothing too difficult. The main hazard here will be losing your footing, as the tr...

Hike to the Cave at Asbury Trails

The Asbury University trail system is located just south of Wilmore, KY along the lush emerald banks of the Kentucky River. Leisurely looping through the luscious limestone landmasses of the Kentucky bluegrass region, the trails at Asbury offer visitors an opportunity to obtain up-close understanding of the beautiful bluffs and captivating cliffs that combine to create Kentucky's picturesque Pa...

Fulling Mill Falls Loop

Hike the Pinnacles in Berea

This is a trip with multiple sites to visit over the course of a day. Visiting all five would equal around 5 miles, or you can choose to only go to one, as there are some slightly strenuous hills. The most visited is the Main Lookout, and the West Pinnacle offers a little rock climbing. Between each lookout is around a mile, some shorter, some longer. Dogs are allowed but camping is not. There...

Hike through Cove Spring Park

At first glance, Cove Spring Park looks like any normal city park. In reality, it is a waterfall filled, 240 acres nature preserve hiding in plain site of Kentucky's capital city. The property is filled with wetlands, streams, springs, waterfalls, and historic structures that make this a great getaway if in the Frankfort or Lexington area. Along the parks trail system (6 in total), there are fa...

Resurgence Cave

Resurgence Cave in McKee, Kentucky offers a unique hiking trail that is both challenging and rewarding. The trail is of moderate difficulty, requiring sturdy footwear and a good level of fitness. It winds through dense forest, past towering rock formations and along the edge of a clear, fast-flowing river. The trail's main attraction is the cave itself, a large and impressive geological featu...