8 Best Canoe and Kayak Rentals along the Great Miami River
Looking for a summer adventure? Whether you are a beginner or have been going paddling since you were a kid, there are plenty of options to get on the water along the Riverway! We have found the 8 best places for you to rent canoes and kayaks, some even offer paddleboards, tubes, rafts, or a surfboard.
Riverscape Metropark- Dayton, Ohio (GM River Mile 80.4)
Paddle along the riverfront in downtown Dayton with kayak rentals from Taiters Kayak at Riverscape. Rentals at this location are targeted for beginner and first-time paddlers. Walk-up rental hours are available Wednesday and Friday evenings all summer long.
Taiters Kayak- Dayton, Ohio
Secure your spot for pre-scheduled events. From guided kayak tours to sunset paddles, there are plenty of awesome water adventures to choose from all across the the Miami Valley.
Whitewater Warehouse- Dayton, Ohio (Mad River)
Whitewater Warehouse is a Paddlesports Specialty Store located on the Mad River. They carry a full range of whitewater, recreational, touring & fishing kayaks, as well as stand up paddle boards. Contact them today to ask about rentals.
Tippecanoe & Kayaks Too- Maineville, Ohio (GM River)
Customize your next adventure and explore the beautiful lower portion of the Great Miami River with canoe and kayak rentals from Tippecanoe & Kayaks Too. In addition to watercraft, there is a variety of kayak supplies for purchase for your trip.
Adventures on the Great Miami- Tipp City, Ohio (GM River Mile 94.0)
Paddle or float down the river starting at Adventures on the Great Miami. There are a variety of options to explore the river including a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or tube.
Twin Creek Kayak and Canoe Livery- Germantown, Ohio (Twin Creek)
Choose from a 3, 5, or 7 mile paddle on the scenic Twin Creek in Germantown. They are open 7 days a week during the season, and walk-ins are welcome, but reservations fill quickly. Call to check availability or schedule on their website today!
Float Troy- Troy, Ohio (GM River Mile 105.8)
NOTE: Closed for 2026 season for construction
For a unique experience, you can rent a canoe or kayak and camp in floating tents on the river. The rental of one kayak or raft is included with your floating tent rental. Additional water craft is available for the duration of your tent rental at an additional fee. More information can be found here.
Surf Dayton- Dayton, Ohio (Mad River Mile 0.7)
Looking to switch it up? Surf Dayton rents stand-up paddleboards and surf boards to kickstart your river adventure. Love the experience so much? Buy your very own board afterwards in their surf shop!
For more than 100 years, the Miami Conservancy District's flood protection system has helped reduce flood risk throughout Southwest Ohio, allowing communities to safely develop the riverfront parks, trails, downtown destinations, and recreation amenities of the Great Miami Riverway. The vibrant riverfront experiences visitors enjoy today are possible because generations of leaders invested in protecting both communities and the river corridor.