Canoeing and kayaking in Ohio rivers, streams and lakes can provide endless hours of fun, relaxation and exercise. Five Rivers MetroParks has a great list of locations that you are sure to find the perfect spot for some much needed family fun. So get your canoes out of the shed or head on over to a canoe rental store to start your canoe trip today.
Of the 265 miles of water trail our region offers, Five Rivers MetroParks manages nearly 39 miles. The 185-acre Eastwood Lake and many smaller lakes and ponds in the Miami Valley are home to many great paddling opportunities. Paddling a kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard (SUP) or other paddlecraft is a great way to explore nature and enjoy the region’s various water features.
Beginners
EASTWOOD BLUE LAKE
This small, sheltered lake at Eastwood MetroPark is a great place for beginners to try paddlesports for the first time.
EASTWOOD LAGOON
This is a great body of water for beginning paddlers to explore. It has seven islands, several docks and a ramp.
Experienced
EASTWOOD LAKE
This 185-acre lake is the perfect place to take your paddling to the next level. There are numerous locations to put your canoe, kayak or other vessel into the lake. You can paddle on the lake any day of the week!
MAD RIVER
The Mad River is well known as a popular canoe and kayak destination. This is a good spot for experienced paddlers to quickly access the river to play in the whitewater feature. It is a 4-mile stretch of the Mad River between Eastwood and RiverScape MetroParks.
GREAT MIAMI RIVER
Take your paddling to the section of Taylorsville Metropark. This section gives you great views of the river’s forested edge and the downtown Dayton skyline.
TWIN CREEK
Twin Creek is a popular canoeing and kayaking location. This scenic section is one of the cleanest rivers or creeks in Ohio. It takes you through hills, forests and picturesque Germantown.
There are many more canoeing access points that didn’t make our list. If you would like for one to be added please comment below!
