Freedom River, illustrator, Bryan Collier.
Friday, June 19Location: Frederick's Landing (Wilder, KY) to the Cincinnati Public Landing (Ohio)
Timeline: Meet at 10:30 AM | Depart at 11:00 AM | Finish by 2:00 PM
Cost: $50 (Includes kayak rental, safety gear, waterproof phone bag, lunch, and snacks)
Age Limit: Strictly 18+
The Journey
Freedom has always moved along rivers. This Juneteenth, join WeOutside in collaboration with Adventure Crew and Explore Kentucky for a meaningful 3.6-mile paddle tracing a historic route of the Underground Railroad.
We will launch from Frederick's Landing on the Licking River, navigate the confluence, and cross the mighty Ohio River to land at the Public Landing in Cincinnati. The very same waters that once carried people toward freedom will carry us in their honor.
This is more than just a paddle—it is a living history experience. Along the way, two expert guides will bring the route's rich history to life right on the water:
Gerry Seavo James – Adventure Crew board member, Sierra Club Deputy Director for the Outdoors for All Campaign, and founder of Explore Kentucky.
Sean Mendell – Assistant Director of the Behringer-Crawford Museum.
After crossing, we’ll gather on the Cincinnati side for a provided community lunch to keep the conversation going. The best part? The Adventure Crew and Explore Kentucky teams handle all the heavy lifting and kayak logistics at the end—you just paddle, reflect, and take it all in.
Skill & Safety Requirements
Your safety is our absolute priority. Please review the following guidelines before registering:
Experience Required: This is an open-water paddle on a commercially active river. Prior paddling experience is strictly required. All participants must be confident, capable, and comfortable paddling in open, moving water.
Safety Escort: We are proud to partner with Boone County Water Rescue, who will be providing dedicated safety boats to escort our group safely across the river shipping channels.
Gear & Waivers: Coast Guard-approved life vests (PFDs) are mandatory and provided. All participants must sign a liability waiver prior to launching.
What to Bring & Wear
To Wear: Clothes you don't mind getting a little wet, and secure footwear (water shoes or sandals with a heel strap—no flip-flops).
To Bring: A reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, a waterproof phone bag to protect your tech, and bug spray (riverbanks can get buggy!).
We Provide: Kayak, paddle, life vest, snacks, and lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own kayak? To ensure a synchronized group crossing and streamlined logistics with our safety boats, all participants must use the provided fleet equipment included in the registration fee.
What is the weather policy? In the event of severe weather, high winds, or dangerous river currents/flooding, we will delay or reschedule for safety. Registrants will be notified via email of any changes.
Space is strictly limited for this exclusive event. Secure your kayak today!
Friday, June 19Location: Frederick's Landing (Wilder, KY) to the Cincinnati Public Landing (Ohio)
Timeline: Meet at 10:30 AM | Depart at 11:00 AM | Finish by 2:00 PM
Cost: $50 (Includes kayak rental, safety gear, waterproof phone bag, lunch, and snacks)
Age Limit: Strictly 18+
The Journey
Freedom has always moved along rivers.
This Juneteenth, join We Outside in collaboration with Adventure Crew and Explore Kentucky for a meaningful 3.6-mile paddle tracing a historic route connected to the Underground Railroad.
We’ll launch from Frederick’s Landing on the Licking River, navigate the confluence, and cross the mighty Ohio River before landing at the Public Landing in Cincinnati. The same waters that once carried people toward freedom will carry us as we move, reflect, and honor their journey.
This is more than just a paddle. It’s a living history experience.
Along the way, two expert guides will bring the route’s rich history to life right on the water, sharing stories of the river, the region, and the people whose paths shaped this place.
This is a point-to-point paddle. Full parking details and the meeting location will be sent directly to registered participants before the event.
Gerry Seavo James – Adventure Crew board member, Sierra Club Deputy Director for the Outdoors for All Campaign, and founder of Explore Kentucky.
Sean Mendell – Assistant Director of the Behringer-Crawford Museum.
After crossing, we’ll gather on the Cincinnati side for a provided community lunch to keep the conversation going. The best part? The Adventure Crew and Explore Kentucky teams handle all the heavy lifting and kayak logistics at the end—you just paddle, reflect, and take it all in.
Skill & Safety Requirements
Your safety is our absolute priority. Please review the following guidelines before registering:
Experience Required: This is an open-water paddle on a commercially active river. Prior paddling experience is strictly required. All participants must be confident, capable, and comfortable paddling in open, moving water.
Safety Escort: We are proud to partner with Boone County Water Rescue, who will be providing dedicated safety boats to escort our group safely across the river shipping channels.
Gear & Waivers: Coast Guard-approved life vests (PFDs) are mandatory and provided. All participants must sign a liability waiver prior to launching.
What to Bring & Wear
To Wear: Clothes you don't mind getting a little wet, and secure footwear (water shoes or sandals with a heel strap—no flip-flops).
To Bring: A reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, a waterproof phone bag to protect your tech, and bug spray (riverbanks can get buggy!).
We Provide: Kayak, paddle, life vest, snacks, and lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own kayak? To ensure a synchronized group crossing and streamlined logistics with our safety boats, all participants must use the provided fleet equipment included in the registration fee.
What is the weather policy? In the event of severe weather, high winds, or dangerous river currents/flooding, we will delay or reschedule for safety. Registrants will be notified via email of any changes.