About This Festival

Paddle Perry County is a July-long series of paddling events throughout Perry County, Indiana, designed to promote fitness, fun, water safety, and environmental conservation. It is organized by Paddle Perry, Inc., a nonprofit founded in 2019 that encourages paddling the waterways of Southern Indiana with an emphasis on education and community involvement.

The vibe of Paddle Perry is outdoor adventure and community engagement, centered on enjoying the scenic rivers and waterways of Perry County—especially the Ohio River—while fostering respect for water safety and ecological conservation. The events attract paddlers of all skill levels for fitness, socializing, and learning.

Key activities at Paddle Perry include:

  • Guided paddling excursions on local rivers featuring kayak and paddleboard outings
  • Fitness-focused paddling sessions encouraging healthy outdoor exercise
  • Water safety classes and demonstrations to educate participants on safe paddling practices
  • Conservation education about maintaining clean and healthy waterways
  • The highlight event, Pack A Dam Lock (P.A.D.L.), held the last Saturday in July, is a unique paddling adventure where about 100 paddlers navigate down the Ohio River and pass through the Cannelton Lock & Dam in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard

The rough July schedule typically includes:

  • Weekly or biweekly general paddling and fitness outings around Perry County’s waterways
  • Instructional sessions on water safety and environmental stewardship
  • The culminating P.A.D.L. event on the last Saturday of July, featuring a guided river trip with dam lock passage

Locations vary but center around the Ohio River and its accessible launch points in Perry County, including spots near Cannelton and Tell City. The nonprofit’s base incorporates community involvement and event information through their website and Facebook page, where event updates and schedules are posted.

Paddle Perry’s founding in 2019 was motivated by the desire to combine outdoor recreation with education in Perry County’s natural aquatic resources. Since then, it has grown into a valued community program promoting health, safety, and conservation through paddling activities spanning an entire month every summer.