(CALVERT CITY, Ky.) – Kayak enthusiasts and families looking for outdoor adventure can mark their calendars for the 2025 KY Lake Fall Paddle Up, scheduled for Saturday, October 4, beginning at 9 a.m.
The annual event, now in its latest iteration, brings together paddlers for a scenic journey along Kentucky Lake from Sledd Creek Boat Ramp to Kentucky Dam Village Beach Boat Ramp. The City of Calvert City, Calvert Area Development Association (CADA), and Tennessee RiverLine have partnered to sponsor this year’s family-friendly gathering.
Two Routes Cater to Different Interests
Organizers are offering participants a choice between two distinct experiences this year. The Leisure Paddle provides a relaxed, self-paced float along the traditional route, perfect for families and casual paddlers seeking a peaceful morning on the water.
For those interested in learning while they paddle, the Exploratory Geology Paddle offers something unique. Local geology enthusiast John Tilson will guide participants along the Kentucky Lake shoreline, pointing out visible rock formations and fossils during the journey to the take-out point.
Safety Measures and Logistics in Place
The Marshall County Rescue Squad will provide safety support by floating alongside the group throughout the event. All participants must wear life jackets and demonstrate swimming ability before launch. A mandatory safety briefing is scheduled for 8:45 a.m., just before the 9 a.m. departure.
Participants need to coordinate transportation in advance, as the event requires staging one vehicle at the Kentucky Dam Village Beach Boat Ramp before launching from Sledd Creek. Pathway Baptist Church is providing shuttle service between the two locations from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. to assist with logistics.
Event staff will monitor kayaks at Sledd Creek while paddlers arrange their transportation, with check-in beginning at 8 a.m.
Post-Paddle Activities Planned
The approximately two-hour paddle concludes with door prize drawings and lunch voucher distribution, expected around 11 a.m. at Kentucky Dam Village Beach Boat Ramp.
Registration is currently open online here, and organizers encourage early sign-up. Those with questions can contact Calvert City through social media, by calling 270-395-7138, or via email at info@calvertcityky.gov.
The event continues the tradition of showcasing the natural beauty of Kentucky Lake while providing an accessible outdoor activity for the Western Kentucky community.