
Lazy rivers, coursing streams, meandering creeks – Ohio has a lot to offer when it comes to great paddling water. If you're in search of a place for your next kayak adventure in the Buckeye State, then you're in luck! These nine Ohio rivers flow through landscapes ranging from remote countryside to urban centers, but they all have one thing in common: they're great places to explore by kayak.
320 Victor Stier Dr., Milford, OH 45150
One of Ohio's best paddling streams flows right through Cincinnati and its outlying suburbs. The Little Miami River is a picturesque, meandering stream that traverses an ever-changing landscape ranging from open countryside and secluded forests to small towns and urban communities. It also has some of the cleanest water in the state, and in 1973 was designated Ohio's first National Scenic River. There are dozens of great access points along the way, but the Little Miami River Access site in Milford, OH is a great place to start. Scenic River Canoe Excursions also offers guided trips in the area.
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The Cuyahoga River winds through the heart of Northeast Ohio. It begins as barely a trickle but grows steadily until it becomes a broad, mighty watercourse when it enters Lake Erie in Cleveland. One of the best places to explore the Cuyahoga by kayak is the Kent, OH area, where the river tumbles between rock walls and is shaded by a canopy of trees that hide it from the suburbs beyond. John Brown Tannery Park is a great launch site in Kent and also serves as a hub for Crooked River Adventures, which offers guided river trips. This section of the Cuyahoga River can be challenging during full spring flow, but by summer, the waters are typically slow and easily navigable.
5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123
The Scioto River is the longest river that lies entirely within the state of Ohio. It traverses 231 miles through the heart of the state, passing through Columbus on its way to meet the Ohio River at the state line. There are a lot of great kayaking opportunities along the Scioto's course. Paddlers in the Columbus area are fond of Scioto Grove Metro Park, a beautiful 620-acre urban oasis in the city that offers two launch sites – one at either end of the park – for easy put-in and take-out. The Scioto River is also known for great catfish and smallmouth bass fishing, so you might want to pack a rod and reel.
1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway, OH 43119
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The charming Big Darby Creek is like a magnet to canoe and kayak enthusiasts in the Columbus area. The creek flows 84 miles through Union and Madison Counties, eventually feeding the Scioto River. Along the way are numerous places to launch a kayak, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park being a local favorite. Darby Creek is surprisingly wild considering its proximity to the city. It's not uncommon to see beaver cuttings along the shoreline and turtles sunning themselves on rocks and trees near the bank. The park's official put-in site is just off Alkire Road, near the confluence of Big Darby Creek and Little Darby Creek.
3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842
The Mohican River flows through a landscape of secluded forests that looks as though it has been virtually unchanged since the first pioneers settled Ohio. Located about halfway between Columbus and Cleveland, Mohican State Park is a great place to explore the river. The park marks the spot where the Clear Fork Mohican River and the Black Fork Mohican River meet to form the river's main stem, and there are abundant kayaking opportunities in the area. It's a truly charming corner of the state. In addition to the state park, nearby Mohican Adventures Canoe Livery and River Zen Campground & Launch offer launch sites and camping.
1122 Harpersfield Rd., Geneva, OH 44041
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The Grand River meanders through 102 miles of Northeast Ohio's Trumbull, Ashtabula, and Lake counties, passing through mostly picturesque rural communities on its way toward Lake Erie. It's a broad and tranquil river in summer and fall, perfect for paddling. Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metro Park is a popular place to put in, and launching here provides an opportunity to paddle under one of Ohio's oldest and longest covered bridges. From here, it's about 8 miles downriver to Hidden Valley Metro Park, and this section includes a scenic river gorge. Guided trips are available through Grand River Canoe Livery.
316 W. North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45216
Offering a great stretch of urban paddling, Mill Creek flows through the heart of Cincinnati and is accessible at several spots along the way. It's a beautiful stream that offers a unique perspective of the city that few ever see. A local organization of paddling enthusiasts known as the Mill Creek Yacht Club helps maintain the stream and organizes group kayaking events. Put-in at the Playground at Caldwell Nature Center for a float trip through the city down to the next take-out at Millcreek Road, or continue down to Evans Recreation Area, the last stop before the Mill Creek Barrier Dam.
75 N. Leavitt Rd. NW, Leavittsburg, OH 44430
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Drifting lazily through Northeast Ohio (and a bit of Western Pennsylvania), the Mahoning River snakes through tranquil forests, open farmland, quiet communities, and industrial landscapes alike. It's become an increasingly popular paddling stream in recent years, and the aptly named Canoe City Metro Park in Leavittsburg is an ideal place to get on the water. The park includes an easily accessible public launch and is a starting point for guided trips through Mahoning River Adventures. Wetlands along the river are popular for bird watching as well.
2000 US-40, Vandalia, OH 45377
Crisscrossing Southwestern Ohio for 160 miles before emptying into the Ohio River west of Cincinnati, the Great Miami River offers some of the best kayak water in the Cincy area. The river offers an established paddling route, known as the Great Miami River Water Trail, including numerous parks, access areas, and various put-ins and take-out spots along this beautiful, slow-rolling river. Taylorsville Metro Park and Island Metro Park – both in the Dayton area – offer excellent kayak launch sites that are part of the water trail, as well as riverside campsites that are open to paddlers.
Ohio has a lot of great paddling spots, including some we may have missed. Let us know your favorites in the comments section below!