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Canoeing in Ohio

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byCindy

Canoeing in Ohio is one of the best ways to see the fabulous countryside in the state. Canoeing offers a gentle way to relax while on some of the most spectacular waterways that Ohio has to offer.

vertical image with a photo of a boy in a canoe on the river. Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com
Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Map of Canoeing in Ohio

Experience Canoeing in Ohio

Canoeing in Ohio is a peaceful way to see some of Ohio´s lovely countryside. Canoeing is one of those experiences that live with you for life, as it involves learning new skills, and then taking those skills out onto the water.

The differences between a canoe and a kayak are:

  • Canoe: an open-deck boat | seated or kneeling position | one-bladed paddle.
  • Kayak: a closed deck boat | seated position with legs stretched out | double-bladed paddle.
horizontal photo of three canoes on the banks of a river

Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!

One of my place favorite places to canoe in Ohio is in Hocking Hills, but be sure to go in late spring or after a good rain, so the water level is higher. Otherwise, the canoe may bottom out.

Canoeing in Northwest Ohio

Northwest Ohio has a shoreline on Lake Erie and the Auglaize River for canoeing enthusiasts to enjoy their sport.

Kelleys Island AdvenTours

Kelleys Island AdvenTours is owned and operated by Dawn, who started the business in 2017. She knows the area well and takes pride in offering a great service and sharing her passion for Kelleys Island and Lake Erie.

The tours are weather permitting, so could be canceled with or without much notice. Guests are advised to bring sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses, due to the change in weather and also taking into account Ohio’s long, summer days.

In the spring and the fall, it is advised to wear layers of clothes due to the uncertain nature of the weather. All safety gear is provided at the start of the tour. Please check out their website for more information and prices.

Auglaize Canoe and Kayak

Auglaize Canoe and Kayak has been operated by the same family for ten years. There are four trips available on the Auglaize River just outside Oakwood, northwest Ohio.

Rivertime Paddle Trip

  • Unlimited miles and hours, self-guided trip.

Oakwood Trip

  • 3 Mile Trip
  • Approximate paddling time: 1.5 hours

Cascade Trip

  • 7 Mile Trip
  • Approximate paddling time: 2.5 hours

Devil’s Backbone Trip

  • 10 Mile Trip
  • Approximate paddling time: 4.5 hours

These trips can be booked online or by phone. The prices on the website include transportation to the river, lifejackets, and boat rentals.

horizontal photo of canoe paddles arranged on a wooden surface

Canoeing in Northeast Ohio

Northeast Ohio has the Cuyahoga River, the Vermilion River, and a shoreline on Lake Erie that offer great opportunities for canoeing.

Camp Hi Canoe Livery

Camp Hi Canoe Livery in Hiram, northeast Ohio, offers four different trips. All these trips are on the majestic State Scenic Upper Cuyahoga River. Canoeing is a very popular pastime on this river and trips can be from an hour to an entire morning or afternoon.

These trips are perfect as a trip alone or with the family. Trips can be booked online. Trips can be offered for people with disabilities. It is advised to phone their office to discuss your requirements.

Micro Trip

  • 2 Mile Trip
  • Approximate paddling time: 1 hour
  • Camp Hi to State Route 82

Short A Trip

  • 7 Mile Trip
  • Approximate paddling time: 3-4 hours
  • US 422 to Camp Hi

Short B Trip

  • 5 Mile Trip
  • Approximate paddling time: 2-3 hours
  • Camp Hi to Mantua

Long Trip

  • 12 Mile Trip
  • Approximate paddling time: 5-7 hours
  • US 422 to Mantua

These trips are perfect as a trip alone or with the family. Reserve your trip online. Trips are available for people with disabilities. It is advised to phone their office to discuss your requirements.

West River Paddling

The West River Paddling Co. is in the gorgeous harbor town of Vermilion, on the border of northwest and northeast Ohio. The self-guided trips take guests around the Lake Erie shoreline and the Vermilion River Watershed.

Different types of trips and hours are available. Some people will simply come along to canoe on their own, with their thoughts. Some guests will come to try new skills and some guests like to meet new friends and canoe with new people. There is something for everyone and their excellent website has opening times and prices.

Breakaway Excursions

This is a fabulous place to visit as it is very peaceful. Not only are lessons provided to people who have never canoed before, but guests who have some experience of canoeing can also be left alone to get on with it. The Cuyahoga River is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

horizontal photo of the sign above the building at Hocking Hills Adventures. Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com
Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Canoeing in Southeast Ohio

Southeast Ohio is home to the amazing Hocking Hills region, with its beautiful scenery and the Hocking River, canoeing is a golden experience here.

Hocking Hills Canoe Livery

Hocking Hills Canoe Livery in southeast Ohio offers hourly rentals or a choice of two tours on the Hocking River. The hourly rental is a good choice if you need to gain confidence with canoeing.

Each of the tours begins at the livery, and staff are on hand to help you onto the river, and you canoe back to the building and your car with the current. The Hocking River is generally calm with a few riffles, islands, and sand bars. The scenery along both tours is amazing.

Trip A: Crockett’s Tripp

  • 5 Mile River Tour
  • Approximate paddling time: 1.5 hours.
  • The start of this trip has several islands and sand bars that make great stopping places for exploration or a snack break. This is the best trip for beginners.

Trip B: Rockbridge Trip

  • 7 Mile River Tour
  • Approximate paddling time: 2-3 hours.
  • There are a few narrow areas on this trip and some more riffles than on Trip A. There are several viewing spots and the opportunity to hike up to see the Rockbridge.

Hocking Hills Adventures

Hocking Hills Adventures is a family-run business in the heart of the Hocking Hills region. Here you will find some of the best river trips and tours, ranging from two to five hours in a variety of boats, tubes, and rafts.

horizontal photo of two people canoeing on very blue water

Canoeing in Southwest Ohio

In the southwest region of Ohio are the Little Miami River and the Mad River where visitors can enjoy canoeing.

Scenic River Canoe Excursions

This area is the perfect place to go canoeing. It is located a few miles away from the amazing Historic Old Milford on the Little Miami River.

Children are more than welcome on this amazing experience; however, they must be at least five years old and weigh at least 50 lbs. Children under the age of 16 must always be accompanied by an adult.

Canoes are available to rent for the Fletcher´s Mid Trip. If you wish to bring a small cooler, then these are permitted in the canoes. Styrofoam coolers are not permitted and glass bottles are also not allowed due to Health and Safety regulations. Reservations can be made via the website and prices are available on the website as well.

Birch Bark Canoe Livery

Birch Bark Canoe Livery in Urbana is on the Mad River which is the ideal place to do some wonderful canoeing. Most of the river in this area is only 3 feet deep, so it is great for guests who may be a bit nervous or have never taken part in this activity before.

The water is incredibly clear, so guests can also see the bottom and will also be able to see any wildlife that is in the river. The current of the river is very gentle, but it has enough power behind it to carry you along. However, guests can paddle against it if they wish to.

There are some rapids on the river that will speed guests along a bit faster. There is something for everyone on this part of the river. More information about this lovely area is available on their website.

Loveland Canoe and Kayak

Loveland Canoe and Kayak do their best to make sure that their canoeing experience is exciting and fun for all the family. The Little Miami River is lots of fun and the best way to discover this area is by canoe.

You can canoe on your own, with friends, staff members, or with your family. The Little Miami River boasts some of the most magical areas in the state of Ohio.

This area is a designated State and National Scenic River, and it has not changed in hundreds of years. It is full of natural delights, and crystal-clear water and there is lots of wildlife as well, such as frogs, turtles, and salamanders. The website provides more information about pricing and tour times.

Morgan’s Outdoor Adventures

Canoeing trips start in May of each year after the snow of winter has melted away and the river is a bit more stable. Morgan’s Canoe Livery at Fort Ancient was the first livery on the Little Miami River. This is the only livery that is based in the Fort Ancient Gorge of the Little Miami River.

Canoeing in this area is a real treat. There are amazing hillsides that are packed with lush vegetation and the peace and tranquility is one of the major draws of this area. Springtime is a great time to visit as all the flowers and trees are coming into bloom after the harshness of winter.

This area was also home to the Hopewell Indian Tribe and this tribe was known for building mounds. This is an ideal area to do some camping as well, so guests can come for the day, or have a much longer stay.

Let’s Go Canoeing in Ohio!

Have you been canoeing in Ohio? We would love to know about it. Leave a comment below telling us about your experience!

Have you ever tried Horseback riding? Hocking Hills Horseback Riding is a great way to see stunning scenery whilst Horseback riding. Hocking Hills State Park also has great kayaking, which is the perfect activity to accompany some canoeing. In this area of Ohio, there are also Hummingbirds and Owls

If you are looking for some other fantastic places in Ohio, we suggest: Conkles Hollow, Clifton Gorge, and Glen Helen.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at [email protected], and we can get it updated.

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Cindy Gordon, the owner of VisitOhioToday.com, is a passionate Ohioan with a deep love for her state's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Her mission is to showcase Ohio's hidden gems and major tourist attractions through her website, offering visitors a comprehensive guide to all the wonders the Buckeye State has to offer. With a wealth of experience as a seasoned small business owner in the media industry, Cindy also manages four other websites in the food space, demonstrating her commitment to sharing her expertise and enthusiasm with a wider audience. Through her dedication, Cindy has become a trusted source for anyone looking to explore Ohio's diverse and vibrant offerings.

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