The city of Cincinnati in Ohio is famous for its interesting delicacies. And the fact that it sits on the Ohio River makes it an ideal location for canoeing enthusiasts. However, there are several locations to launch your canoe. Many of which could be underwhelming and make for a subpar canoeing experience. As a result, there was a need to create this thorough guide on the most exciting places to go canoeing in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Enjoy the read.
Here are the best places to for canoeing in Cincinnati:
- Green Acres Canoe and Kayak Rental
- Loveland Canoe and Kayak
- Morgan’s Canoe
- Scenic River Canoe Excursions
- Tippecanoe and Kayaks Too
- Winton Wood Harbor
6 Fun Spots to go kayaking in Cincinnati, Ohio
There are several things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio, with canoeing on top of this to-do list. Below are the best spots to visit for a unique paddling experience.
1. Green Acres Canoe and Kayak Rental
The Green Acres Canoe and Kayak rental is located at 10465 Suspension Bridge Road, Harrison, OH 45030. It no longer allows online books as they have thousands of kayaks ready to go soon as payment is made at the venue. The outfit only has single, sit-on-top kayaks for rent, and canoeing enthusiasts would need to transport their canoes to the location themselves.
You can go canoeing with children here, but pets are not allowed. The trip is 8 miles long and takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete, with beaches and island areas for the occasional stop to immerse yourself in nature.
Green acres have group rates that knock off a few bucks and would be perfect for organizations looking to organize a team bonding exercise. It features all the facilities you will need, from changing rooms, to supply and convenience stores.
2. Loveland Canoe and Kayak
The Loveland Canoe and Kayak company take paddlers on the scenic little Miami river for a unique canoeing experience. The company is husband and wife owned. As such, it is no surprise the accommodations they have to ensure families have the time of their lives on the water. Both children and pets are allowed here on the water, although paddlers can not be younger than five years old.
You can only make the reservations online with the company offering special rates for schools looking to take children on the water. It is important to note that all the necessary supplies (canoes, kayaks, paddles and life jackets) are available at the spot with a memorable castle adventure the children are guaranteed to love.
3. Morgan’s Canoe
If you are familiar with the canoeing climate in Ohio, you would likely have come across Morgan’s canoe. This is for more reasons than one. Asides from having excellent service, the company has three locations, with two of them in Ohio at 5701 St. Route OH-350, Oregonia, Ohio 45054 and 6262 Gilmour Road, Morrow, Ohio 45152. The third location is in Indiana at 7040 Whitewater River Lane, Brookville, Indiana 47012.
Morgan’s canoe is over 50 years old and has more than enough experience under its belt to ensure you have all the fun without compromising your safety. You will be led out on a stretch of water that features both slow-moving water and rapids. At the end of the day, you have the option to lodge at one of their cabins.
4. Scenic River Canoe Excursions
The Scenic River Canoe Excursions, like in the name, offer a scenic experience for people looking to take some time off on the water. Some would say almost as crucial as being immersed in nature is the trip choice the company offers canoeing enthusiasts.
Paddlers can choose between the 8.5-mile Remmington Run and the 6-mile Fletcher Run for the same price. The more extended trip is better suited for more experienced paddlers, with the age requirement pegged at 12 years old, while the less tasking Fletcher run has an age limit of five years old and is perfect for people looking to get into canoeing.
If you want to hit the waters with your dogs or other pets, you need to look elsewhere, as pets are not allowed. You can only make bookings online for your canoes, tandem and single kayaks. Suppose you are coming with your gear; you should ensure to secure your transportation as the company does not allow the use of their shuttle for personal gear.
5. Tippecanoe and Kayaks Too
Like the other spots on this list, Tippecanoe and Kayaks too only allow bookings on their website. Showing up without an online reservation means no time on the water, and you will be unable to enjoy their mouthwatering services.
The company has single kayaks, double canoes and three-person canoes available for rent when exploring their 7.5-mile trip. Located at 7958 Harrison Ave, Blue Bell Beach, Cleves, OH 45002, you are assured of a thrilling journey alternating between rapids and slow-moving waters.
6. Winton Woods Harbor
The Winton Woods Harbor has everything anybody looking to have fun on the water would need. It is the perfect spot for a family outing as it features incredible views that are sure to grab children’s attention.
You can rent a motorboat, pedal boat and canoes here, and you can also bring your own gear if you will. This spot features a canoe and kayak launch, making it effortless to send your canoe in and out of the water.
Winton wood harbor also allows for bank fishing, but only for people with an Ohio state fishing license.
Ohio Boating Laws and Regulations
- Boaters born after December 31, 1981, are required to have an Ohio Boater Education certificate before they can commandeer motorized water vehicles with at least ten horsepower.
- Boaters with vessels at least 16 feet long are required by the United States coast guard to have type IV personal flotation devices (PFDs) aboard.
- People on vessels less than 16 feet, including canoes and kayaks of varying lengths, should have type I, II and III PFDs on their person when on the water.
- Children under the age of 16 should not use inflatable PFDs.
Summary
The above-listed locations are the most exciting places to go paddling in Cincinnati, Ohio. These places cater to different needs. Some have longer trips, while others feature faster trips that get your adrenaline pumping. There are spots where you can take pets, while some do not allow you to bring pets on the water. You should take time to research where you are going. Find out how it meets your needs when you are ready to go canoeing on the Cincinnati waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ohio River safe to kayak?
Generally, the Ohio River is safe to paddle with kids and your pets. The most likely problem is floating debris on the water, most likely in the form of fallen trees. This debris will cause little to no problems if you are on the water with an experienced guide.
What is the deepest point of the Ohio River?
The deepest point of the Ohio River is in Kentucky, west of Louisville. It is 168 feet (51 meters) deep.
Are there bull sharks in the Ohio River?
There are bull sharks in the Ohio River. Recently, one was found dead in the water. It was suspected of being on the trail of bass typical in the area. The abundance of fish in this area continues to pull bull sharks into the area.
Can you canoe down the Ohio River?
You can paddle down the Ohio River if you have experience in tributary waters.