We’re just days away from pools across the city opening for the season and, in our minds, it's officially summer.

But today, we want to explore a few more adventurous watering holes in the Lexington area — where to canoe and kayak near Lexington.

Unique Kentucky waterway facts

If you haven’t ventured out to explore any of Kentucky’s waterways, check out these unique facts about our region:

Next to Alaska, Kentucky has more navigable miles of water than any other state in the US.
Kentucky is the only state to have rivers that border three of its sides — the Mississippi to the West, the Ohio to the North + the Big Sandy to the East.
Kentucky has the largest artificial lakes east of the Mississippi — Lake Cumberland in volume and Kentucky Lake in surface area.

The calm waters of Jacobson Park make for a great spot for beginners. | Photo by LEXtoday

Places to paddle

Jacobson Park, 4001 Athens Boonesboro Rd. | That’s right, you don’t have to leave the city limits for this one. Lexington Parks and Recreation even offers boat rentals.
Laurel River Lake, KY 192, London | Hop on I-75S for one hour to discover what our reader Andrea W. calls "some of the cleanest and prettiest areas around."
Ft. Boonesboro State Park, 4375 Boonesboro Rd., Richmond | Head down to launch from this state park’s boat ramp. Paddle six miles downstream to end your float at Proud Mary’s BBQ restaurant.

"The Grotto" is as majestic as it gets. | Photo by The LEXtoday

Shaker Village, 316-398 Shakers Landing Rd., Harrodsburg | Paddle underneath High Bridge + explore the Kentucky Palisades
Grayson Lake State Park, 314 Grayson Lake State Park Rd., Olive Hill | Paddle along the lake's cliff-lined shores, explore secret coves + see if you can find the famous Grotto Falls waterfall.

Readers suggestions

As we wait for our first public river park, Kelley's Landing, to add more canoeing and kayaking options to the area this fall, we asked our readers where they like to splash around:

Elkhorn Creek in Frankfort — Readers Jill D. + Scott W.
Herrington Lake in Harrodsburg — Sue I.
Canoe Kentucky in Frankfort — Emily S.