Just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, the “Top of the South” welcomes you to Kentucky with outdoor adventure, fascinating history and bourbon galore.

Adventure flows all along the scenic waterways and byways of the Northern Kentucky River Region. Here, you can explore Kentucky’s bourbon culture along the B-Line or enjoy a relaxing float down the Licking River. Paddling, biking and birding are among the many outdoor pursuits in this region, and idyllic water views are just about everywhere you look. Enjoy archery or clay shooting at the prestigious Elk Creek Hunt Club, then treat yourself to a glass of local wine at Elk Creek Vineyards – one of several wineries in the region.

More Things To Do In The Northern Kentucky River Region

The vibrant riverfront cities of Covington, Newport and Maysville reveal gems like quaint MainStrasse Village and Newport on the Levee, an entertainment complex featuring dining, shopping, nightlife and the world-renowned Newport Aquarium. Taste the past, present and future of Kentucky bourbon at distilleries such as Old Pogue and New Riff, and visit Boone County Distilling Co. to learn why they say their bourbon is "made by ghosts." Perhaps the best way to experience Northern Kentucky's bourbon scene is on The B-Line, a trail of bourbon distilleries, bars and restaurants that winds through the region before you journey deeper into Bourbon Country.

Explore Kentucky history at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, home to a bison herd and many prehistoric fossils belonging to mammoths and mastodons that once roamed this region. See an authentic Civil War battle reenactment at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park. Flemingsburg, the Official Covered Bridge Capital of Kentucky, is a photographer's dream. And the awe-inspiring Ark Encounter is a must-stop, whether you're interested in Bible history or just want to see a modern engineering marvel; this true-to-scale replica of Noah's Ark is the largest timber-frame structure in the world.

Trip Inspiration

Articles

Kentucky River Palisades: Paddling

Bourbon, Horses & History

Kentucky has some fantastic scenic paddling areas. Paddling the Palisades is a dream and considered the quintessential blueway for paddlers and adventurers of all skill levels. The Kentucky River Palisades is a unique region that anchors a 450-million-year-old ecosystem consisting of limestone cliffs, deep gorges, springs, and an intricate cave system. Lexington limestone—composed of thin limestone and interbedded shales—covers most of this area. The Palisades region covers approximately 100 river miles through Central Kentucky along the Kentucky River.

What Makes It Great

There’s no wrong place to paddle along the Palisades. The Palisades are great because of how remote it is, how long it is, and how it could take most paddlers multiple trips on the same waterway to cover it all. This one blueway could keep you busy with new sections and new seasonal scenery.

Located deep in Central Kentucky, each section has its own set of unique natural treasures. The scenery itself is nothing less than impressive, with many side creeks, waterfalls, and caves to explore and keep you busy for hours. Since the Palisades are so remote with very little development nearby, many paddlers enjoy being more deeply immersed in nature, and connecting with new levels of solitude—not to mention, a higher likelihood of seeing wildlife, including bobcats, great blue heron, kingfishers, and peregrine falcons.

The Palisades are protected by the Nature Conservancy. The group works to maintain the integrity of the area’s natural habitats. Paddle along this preserve, next to gorgeous blue ash, sugar maple, and rock elm, harbor beech, and poplar trees. If you like to include a little hiking along with paddling, stop along sandy river terraces and perch atop bluff-top ridges.

Who is Going to Love It

Every nature lover is going to love the Palisades—including non-paddlers. If you’re not already into exploring waterways, the Palisades are sure to inspire you and will likely convert you into a paddler. This blueway system is great for for anybody, from beginner to expert.

Directions, Parking & Regulations

Camp Nelson State Park, 6614 Danville Rd, Nicholasville, KY 40356, is a great place to launch and explore the sandstone cliffs in nearby Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve. Three are dozens of other spots to put in. This document from Kentucky.gov has an extensive list of put in boat launches.

Tips

Distance: There are different parts with multiple entries and exits, so you can paddle anywhere from 3-100 miles. The Kentucky River is a main tributary, so many creeks flow into it.

Seasonality: Paddling is good here all year; the Palisades have high water in spring, so be cautious for flooding. Ideal times are summer and fall.

Fees: Some of the boat ramps have a $5 launch fee, but other ramps don’t require any payment.

Dog Friendly: Yes

GPS Coordinates: Camp Nelson (section is about 10 miles to high bridge boat ramp), main Palisades Park section. High bridge section Cummins Ferry.

Northern Kentucky River Region