The Best Spots to Go Kayaking in Ohio

Ohio may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of kayaking, but it should be on any kayaker's bucket list. With a much more diverse paddling scene than many realize, Ohio rivers and the surrounding area have historical significance ranging from pre-colonial Native American tribes to the 13 original colonies. In fact, the Great Miami River is considered to be one of the best kayaking destinations in the United States.

There are a variety of misconceptions that have prevented Ohio from being designated as a kayaking hot spot. Some of those misconceptions include:

• The major rivers flow too quickly for recreational kayaking. While water flow rates change from season to season, most flow at an easy-to-paddle level. Additionally, there are smaller creek kayaking options and plenty of lakes to explore.
• The rivers in Ohio are too polluted. This misunderstanding can often be attributed to the story of the Cuyahoga River catching on fire in the 1960s. However, most of this midwest state's major rivers are people-friendly and perfect for kayaking, making some of these spots to be hidden gems. 
• Kayak access is restricted to rivers and creeks. For those who prefer open-water kayaking, rivers and creeks take out some of the adventure. However, there are many large lakes in Ohio, including the easily accessible Lake Eerie.

There’s also considerable history to take in along the Ohio River Valley. The Ohio River has historical significance to pre-colonial Native American populations, colonial-era British colonies (British-Indian War, Revolutionary War), the formation of American settlements west from the original colonies, and more.

Types of Kayaking in Ohio

Ohio offers the perfect kayaking experience no matter what you’re looking for. From calm rivers to deep water lakes to rapid white water rafting experiences, the diverse settings of this area features several different types of kayaking options. Though not as challenging as some other courses throughout the US, there are still many different options ideal for families or beginners. These options include:

• Creek and Stream Kayaking - Kayaking down an Ohio creek or stream is typically located on a smaller tributary with shallower waters. The water moves slower and makes for a relaxing experience. 
• River Kayaking - This is one of the most popular types of kayaking in Ohio. River kayaking generally consists of a more dynamic water flow that ranges from fast to slow. There is more openness, a variety of water traffic like boats and barges, and skyline views. 
• Lake Kayaking - Just like any other state, there’s plenty of kayaking on Ohio’s many lakes. You can also partake in other activities like fishing while you’re on the water. 
• Open Water Kayaking - Lake Erie is massive and gives kayakers and paddlers the chance to experience something similar to ‘open water’ or ocean kayaking. 
• Family-friendly Kayaking - There are plenty of spots that offer kayak guided tours and family-friendly trips so that parents and kids can enjoy their time on the water. 
• Guided Kayaking - Because so many Ohio kayaking locations are near urban and suburban areas, there are often guided tours available to learn and take in the sights. 

The Best Kayaking Spots in Ohio

With so many options to choose from, we’ve done the hard work for you. Take a look at our list of the top spots to kayak in Ohio. We’ve compiled this list to offer the most diversity of kayaking spots. Here’s some to get your started. 

Full Day Kayak Trip on Big Darby Creek near Columbus, OH

Big Darby Creek is a very popular kayaking destination near Columbus, OH. As part of the larger Darby Creek natural area, it offers a wide variety of water trails over 86 miles of kayakable water. There are many creeks, tributaries, and off-shoots that provide ample kayaking trips for a wide range of different skill levels. With several put-in locations spread out across the entire Darby Creek area, you can get to know a lot of Ohio over the course of a day or several different trips.

• Type of Kayaking: Predominantly river and creek kayaking with opportunities to fish as well as guided tours
• Skill Level: Beginner and experienced level kayakers
• Recommended Kayak: Traditional kayak or fishing-capable kayaks
• Region: Central Ohio just southwest of the Columbus metro area
• Access Point(s): Northwest corner SR 736 and SR 42 north of Plain City, OH, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Upper Darby Canoe Access on Amity Rd. (link to map)
• Cost: Free
• Park Info: Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources

Mohican River Water Trail at Mohican State Park in Ashland County, OH

The Mohican River Water Trail is full of deep, forested valleys that were first viewed by the Native Americans and early settlers. The Mohican River offers stillness and tranquility to kayakers who decide to take a leisurely paddle down the water. The trail is 28 miles long with various access sites and amenities along the way. 

• Type of Kayaking: River kayaking, family-friendly kayaking, guided kayaking, lake kayaking, lake kayaking. Class I (moving water with small waves) to Class II (Easy rapids with smaller waves and clear channels)
• Skill Level: Beginner to advanced
• Recommended Kayak: Recreational, fishing, pedal, paddling, tandem
• Region: Eastern Ohio
• Access Point(s): Mohican State Park, Greer Landing, Clear Fork, Lake Fork, and Bridge of Dreams (link to map)
• Cost: Free, with guided tours available at a cost
• Park Info: Link to official information

Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail in Vermilion, OH

Near Cleveland, this is a long trail that heads south from Lake Erie along the scenic town of Vermilion. In total, this is a 27-mile water trail that has access to both river and open water kayaking throughout the lakeshore, with various take-out points. 

The trail starts at the Vermillion River Reservation, winds along the river, flows into Lake Erie, and follows the shoreline to where it finally enters the mouth of Black River near downtown Lorain, Ohio. This trail is perfect for those who also enjoy hiking or cycling, as there are many opportunities throughout the shoreline to partake. 

• Type of Kayaking: River kayaking, open water kayaking, family-friendly kayaking, guided kayaking, lake kayaking. Class I (moving water with small waves) to Class II (Easy rapids with smaller waves and clear channels). 
• Skill Level: Beginner to advanced
• Recommended Kayak: Recreational, fishing, pedal, paddling, tandem, touring
• Region: Northern Ohio
• Access Point(s): Vermilion River Reservation, City of Vermilion Showse Park, Lakeview Park, City of Lorain Port Authority Lakeside Landing Park, Black River Reservation, City of Lorain Port Authority Black River Wharf, City of Vermilion Main Street Boat Launch, City of Vermilion South Street Beach, French Creek Kayak (link to map)
• Cost: Free, with guided tours available at cost
• Park Info: Link to official information

Hinckley Lake Park in Hinckley, OH (Near Cleveland)

Hinckley Lake Park in Hinckley, Ohio is a visitor-friendly, popular spot for lake kayaking near Cleveland. It’s easy to access and comes with many paddling options to have some fun with. Hinckley Lake is a 90-acre water spot that is mainly enjoyed by fishermen, kayakers, and other paddle-sport enthusiasts. 

• Type of Kayaking: Laking kayaking, family-friendly kayaking, guided kayaking.
• Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
• Recommended Kayak: Recreational, fishing, pedal, paddling, tandem
• Region: Northern Ohio
• Access Points(s): Throughout the lake
• Cost: Fees and permits, kayak rentals available. More information here. 
• Park Info: Reservations required. More park information here.

Cuyahoga River Water Trails in Northwest Ohio

This is a long, water trail that goes from Northwest Ohio, and circles through Cleveland, finally ending in Lake Erie. There are no rental shops around, so if you’re planning on kayaking in the area, make sure you bring your own equipment. 

This water trail is not maintained for recreational use, so it’s important to know your equipment, skill level, and knowledge on the water. It’s recommended to not peddle alone and bring someone along with you on your journey. 

There are fixed hazards throughout the access points that include remnants of a lowhead dams, metal pylons, and significant large, woody debris. However, there are portions of the trail that are suitable for beginners and families. 

• Type of Kayaking: River kayaking, creek kayaking, open water kayaking
• Skill Level: Beginner to advanced
• Recommended Kayak: White water, recreational, touring, tandem, sit-in, pedal 
• Region: Northwest Ohio
• Access Point(s): Lock 29 River, Boston Store Trailhead River, Red Lock Trailhead, Station Road Bridge River, Lock 39 River (link to map)
• Cost: Free
• Park Info: This is a US National Park that’s located near Cleveland. There are a variety of activities, amenities, and campsites for visitors. For more information on fees, reservations, and more, visit the official website here. 

Cowan Lake State Park in Wilmington, OH

Cowan Lake State Park offers a dynamic lake kayaking full of coves and inlets through southern Ohio. 

There are nine access spots where you can take some time off of the water and have a picnic or rest and enjoy the views. There is easy access to the water all around the lake, but there is some wildlife around, so try to stick close to the beach when entering and exiting the water. Many kayakers love to fish on this lake and there is watercraft that you can rent from the local Marina. 

• Type of Kayaking: Lake kayaking
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Recommended Kayak: Recreational, tandem, pedal, paddle, fishing, sit-on-top
• Region: Southern Ohio
• Access Point(s): Throughout the lake
• Cost: Free, no fees
• Park Info: More information can be found here.  

Kokosing State Scenic River Water Trail in Central Ohio

This is a gorgeous, east-west kayaking trail through mostly wooded areas that traverse through Knox and Coshocton Counties. 

Kokosing River Water Trail begins in Mount Vernon and includes a variety of spots that feature deep pools, short rapids, and sandstone cliffs. It’s common to see a variety of local wildlife. 

There are also many spots ripe for fishing and hunting. As a designated scenic river, this trail is an ideal paddle and pedal kayak destination. 

• Type of Kayaking: River kayaking, creek and stream kayaking. Class I (moving water with small waves) to Class II (Easy rapids with smaller waves and clear channels). 
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. 
• Recommended Kayak: Recreational, tandem, pedal, paddle, hunting, fishing, sit-on-top, sit-inside
• Region: Central Ohio
• Access Point(s): Riverside, Memorial, Lower Gambier, Laymon, Big Run, Pipesville, Millwood, Zuck Riparian, and Riley Chapel (link to map)
• Cost: Free
• Park Info: More information can be found here. 

Olentangy River Water Trail in Columbus, OH

The Olentangy River Water Trail is an urban water trail that goes through Columbus, Ohio, central-located in the state. It is an easy-flowing river that runs through the heart of Columbus and provides access to several parks. 

This river water trail flows through historic neighborhoods, The Ohio State University campus, and pedestrian bridges. 

There are a few lowhead dams within the trail and should never be navigated over them. All in all, this is a beginning kayak spot with few waves and perfect for sightseeing. 

• Type of Kayaking: River kayaking, creek and stream kayaking. Class I (moving water with small waves) to Class II (Easy rapids with smaller waves and clear channels). 
• Skill Level: Beginner to advanced. 
• Recommended Kayak: Recreational, solo, tandem, sit-on-top, pedal, paddle
• Region: Central Ohio
• Access Point(s): Broad Meadows Bridge, Northmoor Park, Clinton-Como Park, Tuttle Park, Olentangy, Harrison Park, Lower Olentangy Boat Launch 
• Cost: Free, with rentals available. 
• Park Info: More information can be found here. 

Muskingum River Water Trail in Southeast Ohio

The Muskingum River Water Trail is the longest single river trail in Ohio. 

It offers a wide range of opportunities for fishermen and kayakers regardless of skill level. In its history, the locks and dams helped open the Midwest to trade and development. 

Today, it remains the only hand-operated locks system in the nation. The locks help boats safely bypass the dams throughout the river and give kayakers insight into the history of Ohio. 

• Type of Kayaking: Guided kayaking, river kayaking, family-friendly kayaking, guided kayaking
• Skill Level: Beginner to advanced
• Recommended Kayak: Tandem, touring, recreational, sit-inside, sit-on-top, pedal, fishing, hunting, 
• Region: Southeast Ohio
• Access Point(s): Baird Concrete Access, Coshocton City Access, Dresden Ramp, Kirkbridge Boating Co, Riverside Park, Zane’s Landing Park, Zanesville Lock & Dam #10, Putnam Landing (link to map)
• Cost: Contact the park for official information on pricing, fees, permits, and water conditions. 
• Park Info: More information can be found here.

 

Planning Your Ohio Kayaking Trip

As you plan your kayaking adventure, you’ll need to keep in mind what gear you’ll need to bring, the skill level, recommended kayak, and weather considerations. 

Remember, all lakes, rivers, and other kayaking spots will have different rules and regulations. For example, you may be able to fish (with a permit) in some areas, but not in others. 

Some bodies of water may allow for motorized kayaks and others may only let you use non-motorized watercraft. If you can’t decide what kayak to take along, read our Guide to Kayaks so you know which type is best for your adventure. 

Due to Ohio’s location, it sees all four seasons and can sometimes experience them all in a day! That is to say, you may kayak on a day that sees hot, humid weather, and stormy, cold rain all in a single trip. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure you have all of the gear needed to stay safe and comfortable. 

Use our Ohio Kayak Guide as a baseline to plan your trip, then contact the local areas so you know what weather to expect and current water conditions.