Ohio’s rivers and lakes are ready for you. Whether your family wants a lazy float, a full-day paddle or a calm harbor with room for beginners to find their footing, Southwest Ohio has options in every direction. Here’s where to go.
Barefoot Canoe
235 East Tipp Pike, West Milton
barefootcanoe.com
Barefoot Canoe runs trips on the Stillwater River out of West Milton. Single kayaks are $30, canoes are $40 and tandem kayaks are $60. It’s cash only and first come, first served — no reservations. Weekday hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekends and holidays run 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All boats must be on the water by 3 p.m. The location is open April weekends, seven days a week June through August, and weekends only in September, weather and river conditions permitting.
Bellbrook Canoe Rental
3234 Washington Mill Rd., Bellbrook
bellbrookcanoerental.com
Canoes, kayaks, tandem kayaks and tubes — all on the Little Miami River in Bellbrook. No experience needed for any of the options. The 5.2-mile trip typically takes two to three hours, but you can stay on the river until 7 p.m. Canoes are $30 per person, kayaks and tandem kayaks run $40 per person, and tubes are $20 each. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends. Reservations are available online.
Green Acres Kayak
10465 Suspension Bridge Rd., Harrison
greenacreskayak.com
Single-person kayaks only on a 7-mile stretch of the Whitewater River, just inside the I-275 loop near Harrison. Expect two to four hours on the water, with plenty of beaches and islands to pull off and take a break. Admission is $34.95 plus tax on weekdays; weekends and holidays add $5. Tickets are purchased on-site — no reservations, no booking fees. Shuttles run from 10 a.m. until the last bus at 3 p.m.; all boats must be off the river by 7 p.m. Kids must be at least 12 years old and at least 75 pounds.
Little Miami Canoe Rental
219 Mill St., Morrow
littlemiamicanoe.com
The 6-mile trip on the Little Miami River is a good pick for families — easy current, light paddling, and a float time of one and a half to three hours depending on how many stops you make. A 10-mile option is also available for more experienced paddlers. Pricing starts at $35 per person for groups of one to six (lower rates for larger groups). A third rider in a canoe is free. Advance reservations are required; call (513) 899-3616 to book and check current hours and river conditions before you go.
Loveland Paddlesports
174 Karl Brown Way, Loveland
lovelandpaddlesports.com
Loveland Paddlesports runs the Castle Adventure, a 5-mile kayak trip down the Little Miami River that passes the historic Loveland Castle. Solo and tandem kayaks are available. The trip averages two to four hours and ends back at the livery — they handle the upstream shuttle. Weekday trips are $40 per person; weekends and holidays are $45. Online booking is available and the livery is open seven days a week during paddle season.
Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor
9001 Mt. Hope Rd., Harrison
greatparks.org/parks/miami-whitewater-forest
Miami Whitewater Forest is a good option for west-side families who want calm, enclosed water instead of a river float. The harbor boathouse rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, rowboats, motorboats and mini-pontoon boats. A valid Great Parks Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter. Check the Great Parks website for current hours and rental rates.
Morgan’s Canoe Livery & Campground
7040 Whitewater River Ln., Brookville, Ind.
morganscanoe.com
About 30 minutes west of Cincinnati, Morgan’s runs kayak, canoe, raft and tube trips on the Whitewater River in Brookville, Indiana. The 3.5-mile tube float takes two to four hours; the 7-mile kayak, canoe and raft trip runs three to five hours. Kids must be at least 4 years old to ride. Rates are charged per boat and vary by trip length. Reservations are available online. Camping and cabin accommodations are also on-site. Note: the former Morgan’s location in Oregonia, Ohio has permanently closed.
RiversEdge Canoe & Kayak Outfitters
3928 US 42, Waynesville
riversedgeoutfitters.com
RiversEdge sits on a secluded stretch of the Little Miami River between Dayton and Cincinnati, about 45 minutes from either city. The Blue Jacket’s Best trip covers 3.5 miles and runs one and a half to three hours — the right call for families and first-timers. Canoes, kayaks and rafts are all available. Weekday rates start at $40 per person; weekends are $45. Kids under 12 ride free with two paying adults in a canoe or small raft. Minimum age is 3 years old and 30 pounds. Reservations are recommended and required for the longer 9-mile Kenton’s Run trip.
Scenic River Canoe Excursions
4595 Round Bottom Rd., Cincinnati
scenicrivercanoe.com
Scenic River operates on the Little Miami River on the east side of Cincinnati near Milford and Newtown. The most popular option is Fletcher’s Mid Trip, a 6-mile paddle that runs two to three hours. Canoes, kayaks and tubes are available. Admission is $40 per person, with a $5 surcharge on weekends and holidays. Kids must be at least 5 years old and weigh at least 50 pounds. Last departure is at 3 p.m. daily. Online reservations are available.
Winton Woods Harbor
801 Lakeview Dr., Cincinnati
greatparks.org/parks/winton-woods
Winton Lake is a 183-acre Great Parks lake that makes a solid introduction to paddling for families who aren’t ready for a river. The harbor rents canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, pedal boats, motorboats and mini-pontoon boats. Note: As of this writing, all water-based recreational activities at Winton Lake are suspended due to elevated E. coli levels. Check the Great Parks alerts page before heading out. A valid Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter the park.
