Kirkpatrick Dam features a dirt canoe/kayak launch on the west side of the dam providing access to the pristine lower Ocklawaha River, an intermediate-level paddle with steady current and abundant wildlife.

The launch area includes restroom facilities and parking, with nearby Davenport Landing offering a sandy beach rest stop approximately 4 miles downstream.

This is the starting point for popular paddling routes downstream toward Highway 19 Bridge, requiring vehicle shuttling for one-way trips.