Five River Paddling Itineraries in Southwest Ohio | Beginner to Advanced

Five Ways to Paddle the Great Miami River — From Beginner to Advanced

in the Great Miami Riverway, we are home to Ohio’s first National Water Trail. With 150+ miles to explore, where will you begin?

Please review all safety standards before going out.

Winged Paddle – easy, 8 miles

In this short paddle, you will use the same stretch of river as the Wright Brothers. West Carrollton was the site of one of the world’s first seaplane bases. The Wright Brothers tested their hydro-aeroplanes in 1912 along this stretch of river, and the first public demonstration of the Wright Model C-H hydro-aeroplane was flown by Orville Wright and mechanic William Jacobs.

Start at RiverScape MetroPark (river mile 80.4) and paddle to Miami & Erie Canal Park (river mile 72.4). A short walk will take you to El Meson for a delicious Spanish meal.

Portages on this route:

  • River mile 79.7, River Run Drop (big rapid) – proceed with caution

Winged Paddle Alternate – very easy, 7 miles

Start the Winged Paddle route at just below (river mile 79.9) to avoid all rapids. Follow the itinerary above.

Canal History Paddle – intermediate, 13.9 miles

The Miami Erie Canal was a 274 mile canal that ran from Cincinnati to Toledo, creating a water route between the Ohio River and Lake Erie. Completed in 1845, it included 19 aqueducts, 3 guard locks, and 103 canal locks. Today, you can experience a canal boat ride at Johnston Farm and Indian Agency in Piqua. Just down the road at Piqua’s Lock Nine Park (river mile 113.1), you can start your paddle on the Great Miami River.

Start your paddle south at the City of Tipp City (river mile 99.0) and enjoy a quiet, forested journey. The City of Tipp City, originally called Tippecanoe City, was founded in 1840 alongside the canal. It was a popular stopping off point for boatmen traveling along the canal. Dry canal locks can still be seen just east of downtown. While you’re there, have a meal at Coldwater Café and don’t miss the shopping and antiques along Main Street. You can even spend a relaxing few minutes at Canal Lock Park.

Portages on this route:

  • River mile 112.1 DAM at Piqua power plant, portage left
  • River mile 105.0 DAM downstream of Market St., portage left

Paddle with (21+) Pals – intermediate, 11.8 miles

Starting at Crains Run Nature Park just north of Franklin (river mile 63.4), this trip takes you to Bicentennial Commons and the River Center in Middletown (river mile 51.6). You’ll have a chance to re-group and use the restroom at River Center before walking up 2nd Ave. to S. Main St. and arriving at Rolling Mill Brewing Company. Beer and gluten free do not normally go hand and hand, but Rolling Mill Brewing Company has found a way to do both. Beers include a variety of European and American lagers/ales.

Portages on this route:

  • River mile 61.7 DAM at Chautauqua, washed out – proceed with caution
  • River mile, 55.8 DAM at Middletown, washed out – proceed with caution

Please remember that paddling under the influence is a criminal offense. Please paddle and drink responsibly!

Pro Paddle – advanced, 99 miles

So, you want to paddle the entire 99 miles? Here’s how you do it. Park at Custenborder Field in Sidney (river mile 128.0). On your first day, you’ll paddle from Sidney through Piqua, Troy, Tipp City, and ending in downtown Dayton. Stop for lunch at Treasure Island in Troy. Public restrooms, a restaurant, and the Great Miami River Recreational Trail for walking or cycling are all available at this location. Your hotel for the evening is the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Dayton. Take out at RiverScape MetroPark and enjoy a stroll or grab a Link (share) bike to explore downtown’s restaurants, live theater and performing arts, galleries, independent films, or a Dragons Baseball game at Fifth Third Field. The next day, you’ll continue your journey south through West Carrollton, Miamisburg, Franklin, Middletown, and end in Hamilton. Stop for lunch at Pisanello’s Pizza in Franklin by stopping at the 2nd Street bridge (river mile 59.7). Once you arrive in Hamilton, you’ll be spending the evening at the Courtyard by Marriott. Your take out point is adjacent to the hotel at RiversEdge Amphitheater and Marcum Park (river mile 35.5). Enjoy a short walk to restaurants and shops in downtown Hamilton.

This route is for experienced paddlers only.

Portages on this route:

  • River mile 127.8 DAM at Custenborder Fields, portage left
  • River mile 116.3 DAM at Piqua waterworks, portage left
  • River mile 112.1 DAM at Piqua power plant, portage left
  • River mile 105.0 DAM downstream of Market St., portage left
  • River mile 90.9 DAM Taylorsville Dam, portage right – do NOT float through openings of the dam
  • River mile 85.2 DAM at City of Dayton wellfield, portage left
  • River mile 81.3 DAM at Island MetroPark, portage left
  • River mile 80.4, River Run Drop (big rapid) – proceed with caution
  • River mile 79.7, River Run Drop (big rapid) – proceed with caution
  • River mile 71.7 DAM near Moraine Air Park, portage left
  • River mile 63.5 DAM at Hutchings Station, portage left
  • River mile 61.7 DAM at Chautauqua, washed out – proceed with caution
  • River mile 55.8 DAM at Middletown, washed out – proceed with caution
  • River mile 50.8 DAM at Armco, portage left or right
  • River mile 40.7 DAM south of Rentschler Forest MetroPark, portage left
  • River mile 36.4 DAM north of Black St, portage right

 

 

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