The Cache River State Natural Area offers lots of interesting scenery and opportunity for recreation including paddling through its swampy terrain via a designated canoe trail. The trail travels through a cypress swamp that feels very rugged and wild. The trail is well-marked, however, making it easy to stay on the right path as you explore the jungle. There are some side trips and passages along the trail that offer more paddling opportunity. There is access lower on the river after the trail ends but the trail is not long and the water has very little current so paddling back to the put-in is the best option so shuttling of vehicles is not needed.

Situated in the scenic and wooded Shawnee Hills, Pounds Hollow Lake provides excellent outdoor recreational opportunities including wildlife viewing while paddling on its quiet waters. The lake only allows electric motor boats and non-motorized boats. There are lots of lakeside picnic areas and nice swimming areas. The lake is also a great location for fishing, hiking, and camping.

This 8,270-acre lake is located in the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky. The lake is considered to be a top lake for musky fishing. You will find that there are several boat ramps and areas to walk your vessel down to around the lake. Alfie Ramp charges a fee to use the ramp and is located on the north side of the lake off of Highway 801. Other close by activities include: hiking and mountain bike trails.

Dale Hollow Reservoir is located in northern Tennessee on the Tennessee/Kentucky border. It is well known for fishing and holds the record for the biggest smallmouth bass in the world. You’ll find a pleasant undeveloped shoreline perfect for paddling making a peaceful place to enjoy the outdoors. Lilydale is located in Clay County and is one of the many access sites owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. There is a paved launch ramp, a fishing pier, swimming beach, picnic sites, restrooms, and camping.

This 9,674 acre lake is surrounded by tree covered hills. There are several boat ramps available around the lake. Anglers will find bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish. This is a great place to find a variety of birds including Bald Eagles and Sandhill Cranes. Bald Eagles can be seen October through March. Sandhill Cranes can be seen from November through February. There are hiking trails, camping, golfing and many other available activities in the area. The State Park Ramp is on the east side of the lake.

This 5,768 acre lake is a favorite lake for the thousands of visitors that come each year. This is one of the deepest lakes in Kentucky. You will find a lot of coves to explore. Several areas have cliffs that line the shore. There are 8 available boat ramps to launch your craft. Craigs Creek and Hightop Ramp are free. Holly Bay is free for campers. Adventurers can boat, swim, scuba dive, hike, and camp at the lake. Anglers will find bass, rainbow trout, walleye, crappie, blue gill, and catfish. The Mash Branch Ramp is on the north side of the lake.

Mermet Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is known most for its excellent hunting and fishing but the lake also provides a great paddling and wildlife viewing experience. The lake is located to an adjacent designated nature preserve that is home to abundant wildlife. The lake has four launch areas and allows non-motorized boats and motorboats of 10 horsepower or less. The lake also offers hiking trails and picnic areas.

This 5,768 acre lake is a favorite lake for the thousands of visitors that come each year. This is one of the deepest lakes in Kentucky. You will find a lot of coves to explore. Several areas have cliffs that line the shore. There are 8 available boat ramps to launch your craft. Craigs Creek and Hightop Ramp are free. Holly Bay is free for campers. Adventurers can boat, swim, scuba dive, hike, and camp at the lake. Anglers will find bass, rainbow trout, walleye, crappie, blue gill, and catfish. The Grove Marina also has camping and picnic areas.

This 9,674 acre lake is surrounded by tree covered hills. There are several boat ramps available around the lake. Anglers will find bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish. This is a great place to find a variety of birds including Bald Eagles and Sandhill Cranes. Bald Eagles can be seen October through March. Sandhill Cranes can be seen from November through February. There are hiking trails, camping, golfing and many other available activities in the area. The Beaver Creek Ramp is on the northeast side of the lake. There is a fee to launch your vessel from this ramp.

This 8,270-acre lake is located in the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky. The lake is considered to be a top lake for musky fishing. You will find that there are several boat ramps and areas to walk your vessel down to around the lake. The Zilpo ramp charges a usage fee and is off a central peninsula on the south shore. Other close by activities include: hiking and mountain bike trails.