Kayak and canoe launch spots in Northern Kentucky and Cincy

Find the best places for kayaking and canoeing in Northern Kentucky

Frederick’s Landing along the Licking River in Wilder, KY

Fredericks Landing is located along the Licking River in Wilder, Kentucky and is open year-round. Originally constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1965. Campbell County leased the property until 1981 when the City of Wilder took over the lease and made improvements to the park.  In 2004 the Federal Government transferred ownership of the land to the city through the Federal Parks to Land Program.  The city continues to add to and make improvements to the park each year.

Frederick’s Landing offers a boat launch for kayaking and canoeing, playground, shelter, and plenty of parking. The park also has several picnic tables and benches to sit and enjoy the river, and a shelter building is available for rent.

AJ Jolly Park & Campground in Alexandria, KY

AJ Jolly Park & Campground in Alexandria, Kentucky is an award-winning, 1,000-acre park that offers many outdoor activities, including kayaking and canoeing. The park offers kayak rentals and a kayak launch where you don’t even have to get your feet wet!  The campground has 83 campsites with access to a 200-acre fishing lake, 20 miles of equestrian trails to explore, an 18-hole frisbee golf course, and so much more. There is something fun to do for everyone in the family!  

General James Taylor Park in Newport, KY

General James Taylor Park is located in Newport, Kentucky at the confluence of the Ohio and Licking rivers with a wonderful view of the Cincinnati skyline. The park has walking access to the Ohio and Licking river banks. It is used as a local fishing spot and a launch point for canoes and kayaks.

Thaxton's Canoe Rentals in Butler, KY

Thaxton's Canoe is located just over 30 minutes south of Covington and offers canoe and kayak rentals in various lengths of time along the pristine Licking River. They also offer group rates and offers cabin rentals for those wanting to make a weekend of it. 

Outdoors & Recreation

Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati offer a plethora of outdoor activities within 15 minutes of downtown. Rock climb at Eden park, paddleboard on the Little Miami River, the Licking River, or even into the Ohio River…