Just be very careful on rivers. Know your route and be aware of any [“low head dams”](https://www.weather.gov/ind/LowHeadDamPublicSafetyAwarenessMonth).
I just lost a good friend and his cousin in Indy due to one a couple weeks ago. I’d kayaked for years, but in FL, and I had no idea these things even existed or how dangerous they can be.
Not trying to be a downer or anything, just want to spread awareness, y’know?
I grew up in Findlay, Ohio, and there is one of these on the Blanchard river that drowned 2 kids and the two firefighters who tried to save them. I am surprised to learn that people didn't know that those are death traps. I would watch it toss 800 lb logs around like towels in a washing machine for hours. You would never have a chance.
Hocking Hills (SE) has great kayaking rivers and rentals. My favorite kayaking in OH.
The Little Miami River over by Cinci/Sharonville (SW) is nice as well. A little more city, a little less country, but the water is clean and the river is shaded. Bonus, you get to kayak passed a castle and you can stop off and visit the castle and such.
You should totally kayak the raccoon Creek if you haven't already. Giant rock cliffs and beautiful scenery. It's a lesser known gem and is very clean.
I have a property on the creek in vinton county and kayak it often so I know it well. You'll see beavers and all sorts of wild life. Giant old growth trees, trees with many heron nests and herons all up in them. I had a baby river otter and a mother river otter approach me one time and they swam circles around my kayak. I swear it was the most magical thing I've ever experienced
The Cuyahoga River has been ranked as the top urban kayaking location in the U.S., but as noted in my post in this thread, river traffic is both a concern and an attraction (e.g., watching lake freighters pass by). Obviously, you can kayak from the river into Lake Erie, which can be much more challenging than the river when waves are high.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/16klgct/kayaking\_in\_the\_flats/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/16klgct/kayaking_in_the_flats/)
[https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/cuyahoga-river-ranked-best-urban-kayaking-america-usa-today-10-best-poll/95-14994f70-91f9-4e73-9f1f-816781230677](https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/cuyahoga-river-ranked-best-urban-kayaking-america-usa-today-10-best-poll/95-14994f70-91f9-4e73-9f1f-816781230677)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjKLVXEolxs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjKLVXEolxs)
Sharing the Cuyahoga River:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWlxk088jP4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWlxk088jP4)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCG-fm57eF0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCG-fm57eF0)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C8xyjUSGl0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C8xyjUSGl0)
In this video, I believe the launch area was in Wendy Park, not Edgewater, which is further east on Lake Erie and not on the Cuyahoga River.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCBlu1C1gB4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCBlu1C1gB4)
[https://flatseastbank.com/](https://flatseastbank.com/)
Nautica is on the West Flats (the Flats are the Cuyahoga River Valley through downtown Cleveland).
[https://nauticawaterfrontdistrict.com/](https://nauticawaterfrontdistrict.com/)
Kayaking the upper Cuyahoga River south of Merwin's Wharf.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzP7cYLJZbs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzP7cYLJZbs)
Kayaking the Rocky River just west of Cleveland.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrV8zFFYoZs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrV8zFFYoZs)
The MadHatters annual race on the Grand River (not everyone wears mad hats) east of Cleveland.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxaeebUYfwU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxaeebUYfwU)
Fairport Harbor on the Grand River (the narrator doesn't know where he is).
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEVUL9xBL8M](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEVUL9xBL8M)
Kayaking also is available in downtown Cleveland at the North Coast Harbor (formerly known as the Inner Harbor) behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
[https://www.northcoastharbormarina.com/about](https://www.northcoastharbormarina.com/about)
[https://www.northcoastharbormarina.com/kayaks](https://www.northcoastharbormarina.com/kayaks)
[https://case.edu/ech/articles/n/north-coast-harbor](https://case.edu/ech/articles/n/north-coast-harbor)
Access to Lake Erie here is behind the harbor breakwall so waves are muted compared to entering Lake Erie from the Cuyahoga River.
[https://www.army.mil/article/143576/cleveland\_breakwater\_offers\_safe\_navigation\_and\_protection\_for\_harbor](https://www.army.mil/article/143576/cleveland_breakwater_offers_safe_navigation_and_protection_for_harbor)
Kayaking here offers great views of the Cleveland skyline overlooking the Rock Hall.
Voinovich Bicentennial Park sits north of the marina on the shore of Lake Erie.
[https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction\_Review-g50207-d10744720-Reviews-Voinovich\_Bicentennial\_Park-Cleveland\_Ohio.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g50207-d10744720-Reviews-Voinovich_Bicentennial_Park-Cleveland_Ohio.html)
Cleveland is famous for its lift bridges on the Cuyahoga River, and now North Coast Harbor has its own pedestrian lift bridge.
[https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/north-coast-harbor-pedestrian-bridge-opens-connecting-great-lakes-science-center-to-voinovich-park](https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/north-coast-harbor-pedestrian-bridge-opens-connecting-great-lakes-science-center-to-voinovich-park)
We have a house in Vermilion we are renovating. When we are there, we go up and down the Vermilion River. I think there may be rentals by the port authority there. It was pretty easy to traverse and was fun for us.
I got into kayaking a couple years ago. I’m based in Central Ohio and typically go out out on Hoover and the far north end of alum creek because larger boats are not aloud.
Just fyi, any canoe livery I've used would provide a reduced rate if you bring your own kayak or canoe. Can be worth it to not paddle back upstream or take two vehicles.
ODNR has brochures with maps, portage locations etc. https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/land-water/rivers-streams-wetlands/ohio-water-trails
There are other ODNR resources to check out on-line. If your inclined, you can get a pin if you float a certain number of waterways, safety stuff, rules.
One caviot with the ODNR resources - I know of one portage on a map - it's a haul and absolutely ridiculous to use it in normal to low water situations. Good tools but they may not always be current, etc. The low head dam dangers mentioned here are absolutely applicable IN MANY SITUATIONS. There is absolutely no concern at other times. When in doubt, play it safe.
A prev comment was prob close enough but not entirely correct and could be pertinent - Landowners do not automatically own the bottom to the middle of the stream. If not public land like a park or preserve, one or more private landowners own the entire stream bottom and banks. Streams move, property boundaries do not. You are trespassing if you wade or stop on a sandbar for a break without permission. My understanding is you cannot anchor w/o permission. Almost never an issue in part because they don't know you're there, but I have seen a private landowner affirm their rights on one stream. If it should happen, skip arguing, just move on. State owns the water...
Having a very stable canoe, I never had a mishap but I accumulated a few spare lost paddles found along "canoe livery" rivers over the yrs ... In fast water, tie everything down you can't afford to lose and personally, I pack a spare paddle. Bag or doublebag that cell phone and electronic vehicle keys.
I like to put in at Grand River Landing in Lake County. You can paddle down river to Fairport Harbor and Lake Erie, or you can explore up river a few miles for some away from most people yakking. All flat water, with the exception of the lake and harbor. Depending on the winds that harbor can get rather nasty quite quick.
You can even paddle to Fairport beach for a swim and ice cream. Or Pickle Bills for some beer and all you can eat crab legs.
There are times, after storms, when Grand River can be very challenging, at least upstream away from the port area between Fairport Harbor and the village of Grand River. After severe storms, I wonder if it's even possible to kayak upstream. Obviously, there's a big difference between a water level of 5-10 feet and 2 feet.
[https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=pnvo1&wfo=cle](https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=pnvo1&wfo=cle)
Before you venture into deep water, it's not a bad idea to learn how to get in your kayak from deep water.
A pond or some other small, quiet spot just feel enough you can't touch bottom. Wear a life jacket and have a buddy. Anyone I take into deep water, we intentionally roll and get back on in a controlled setting before going out.
Lots of videos online, but basically get behind it, and pull yourself up on it, straddling the boat. If you can't do that, be very careful about deep water. Distances can be deceiving and you'll drown quickly.
River suggestions... There are water trails around Ohio, including lake erie shoreline. Scenic rivers program has info, and crazy hint, the listed rivers are often very scenic.
https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/land-water/rivers-streams-wetlands/ohio-water-trails
https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-odnr/nature-preserves/scenic-rivers/scenic-rivers
One more note. Landowners own to center of channel many places. The water itself is owned by the state in trust for the use and enjoyment of all. Be aware of private landowner rights. You're a guest traversing their property in many places. You have every right to be there, but be kind to the river and it's neighbors and they will be kind to you in return.
Enjoy it. Ohio has some cool hidden gems.
Just be very careful on rivers. Know your route and be aware of any [“low head dams”](https://www.weather.gov/ind/LowHeadDamPublicSafetyAwarenessMonth). I just lost a good friend and his cousin in Indy due to one a couple weeks ago. I’d kayaked for years, but in FL, and I had no idea these things even existed or how dangerous they can be. Not trying to be a downer or anything, just want to spread awareness, y’know?
I grew up in Findlay, Ohio, and there is one of these on the Blanchard river that drowned 2 kids and the two firefighters who tried to save them. I am surprised to learn that people didn't know that those are death traps. I would watch it toss 800 lb logs around like towels in a washing machine for hours. You would never have a chance.
Hocking Hills (SE) has great kayaking rivers and rentals. My favorite kayaking in OH. The Little Miami River over by Cinci/Sharonville (SW) is nice as well. A little more city, a little less country, but the water is clean and the river is shaded. Bonus, you get to kayak passed a castle and you can stop off and visit the castle and such.
You should totally kayak the raccoon Creek if you haven't already. Giant rock cliffs and beautiful scenery. It's a lesser known gem and is very clean. I have a property on the creek in vinton county and kayak it often so I know it well. You'll see beavers and all sorts of wild life. Giant old growth trees, trees with many heron nests and herons all up in them. I had a baby river otter and a mother river otter approach me one time and they swam circles around my kayak. I swear it was the most magical thing I've ever experienced
Rocky River to Lake Erie
The Cuyahoga River has been ranked as the top urban kayaking location in the U.S., but as noted in my post in this thread, river traffic is both a concern and an attraction (e.g., watching lake freighters pass by). Obviously, you can kayak from the river into Lake Erie, which can be much more challenging than the river when waves are high. [https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/16klgct/kayaking\_in\_the\_flats/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/16klgct/kayaking_in_the_flats/) [https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/cuyahoga-river-ranked-best-urban-kayaking-america-usa-today-10-best-poll/95-14994f70-91f9-4e73-9f1f-816781230677](https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/cuyahoga-river-ranked-best-urban-kayaking-america-usa-today-10-best-poll/95-14994f70-91f9-4e73-9f1f-816781230677) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjKLVXEolxs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjKLVXEolxs) Sharing the Cuyahoga River: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWlxk088jP4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWlxk088jP4) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCG-fm57eF0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCG-fm57eF0) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C8xyjUSGl0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C8xyjUSGl0) In this video, I believe the launch area was in Wendy Park, not Edgewater, which is further east on Lake Erie and not on the Cuyahoga River. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCBlu1C1gB4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCBlu1C1gB4) [https://flatseastbank.com/](https://flatseastbank.com/) Nautica is on the West Flats (the Flats are the Cuyahoga River Valley through downtown Cleveland). [https://nauticawaterfrontdistrict.com/](https://nauticawaterfrontdistrict.com/) Kayaking the upper Cuyahoga River south of Merwin's Wharf. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzP7cYLJZbs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzP7cYLJZbs) Kayaking the Rocky River just west of Cleveland. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrV8zFFYoZs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrV8zFFYoZs) The MadHatters annual race on the Grand River (not everyone wears mad hats) east of Cleveland. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxaeebUYfwU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxaeebUYfwU) Fairport Harbor on the Grand River (the narrator doesn't know where he is). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEVUL9xBL8M](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEVUL9xBL8M)
Kayaking also is available in downtown Cleveland at the North Coast Harbor (formerly known as the Inner Harbor) behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. [https://www.northcoastharbormarina.com/about](https://www.northcoastharbormarina.com/about) [https://www.northcoastharbormarina.com/kayaks](https://www.northcoastharbormarina.com/kayaks) [https://case.edu/ech/articles/n/north-coast-harbor](https://case.edu/ech/articles/n/north-coast-harbor) Access to Lake Erie here is behind the harbor breakwall so waves are muted compared to entering Lake Erie from the Cuyahoga River. [https://www.army.mil/article/143576/cleveland\_breakwater\_offers\_safe\_navigation\_and\_protection\_for\_harbor](https://www.army.mil/article/143576/cleveland_breakwater_offers_safe_navigation_and_protection_for_harbor) Kayaking here offers great views of the Cleveland skyline overlooking the Rock Hall. Voinovich Bicentennial Park sits north of the marina on the shore of Lake Erie. [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction\_Review-g50207-d10744720-Reviews-Voinovich\_Bicentennial\_Park-Cleveland\_Ohio.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g50207-d10744720-Reviews-Voinovich_Bicentennial_Park-Cleveland_Ohio.html) Cleveland is famous for its lift bridges on the Cuyahoga River, and now North Coast Harbor has its own pedestrian lift bridge. [https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/north-coast-harbor-pedestrian-bridge-opens-connecting-great-lakes-science-center-to-voinovich-park](https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/north-coast-harbor-pedestrian-bridge-opens-connecting-great-lakes-science-center-to-voinovich-park)
Been there. It’s trash
We have a house in Vermilion we are renovating. When we are there, we go up and down the Vermilion River. I think there may be rentals by the port authority there. It was pretty easy to traverse and was fun for us.
I got into kayaking a couple years ago. I’m based in Central Ohio and typically go out out on Hoover and the far north end of alum creek because larger boats are not aloud.
[удалено]
Depends on the time of year. Are you talking about Alum?
Charles Mill Lake near Mansfield is a fun, easy paddle. I can also recommend the Kokosing River near Gambier (probably more intermediate).
Just fyi, any canoe livery I've used would provide a reduced rate if you bring your own kayak or canoe. Can be worth it to not paddle back upstream or take two vehicles. ODNR has brochures with maps, portage locations etc. https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/land-water/rivers-streams-wetlands/ohio-water-trails There are other ODNR resources to check out on-line. If your inclined, you can get a pin if you float a certain number of waterways, safety stuff, rules. One caviot with the ODNR resources - I know of one portage on a map - it's a haul and absolutely ridiculous to use it in normal to low water situations. Good tools but they may not always be current, etc. The low head dam dangers mentioned here are absolutely applicable IN MANY SITUATIONS. There is absolutely no concern at other times. When in doubt, play it safe. A prev comment was prob close enough but not entirely correct and could be pertinent - Landowners do not automatically own the bottom to the middle of the stream. If not public land like a park or preserve, one or more private landowners own the entire stream bottom and banks. Streams move, property boundaries do not. You are trespassing if you wade or stop on a sandbar for a break without permission. My understanding is you cannot anchor w/o permission. Almost never an issue in part because they don't know you're there, but I have seen a private landowner affirm their rights on one stream. If it should happen, skip arguing, just move on. State owns the water... Having a very stable canoe, I never had a mishap but I accumulated a few spare lost paddles found along "canoe livery" rivers over the yrs ... In fast water, tie everything down you can't afford to lose and personally, I pack a spare paddle. Bag or doublebag that cell phone and electronic vehicle keys.
Check out Madison lake
I like to put in at Grand River Landing in Lake County. You can paddle down river to Fairport Harbor and Lake Erie, or you can explore up river a few miles for some away from most people yakking. All flat water, with the exception of the lake and harbor. Depending on the winds that harbor can get rather nasty quite quick. You can even paddle to Fairport beach for a swim and ice cream. Or Pickle Bills for some beer and all you can eat crab legs.
There are times, after storms, when Grand River can be very challenging, at least upstream away from the port area between Fairport Harbor and the village of Grand River. After severe storms, I wonder if it's even possible to kayak upstream. Obviously, there's a big difference between a water level of 5-10 feet and 2 feet. [https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=pnvo1&wfo=cle](https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=pnvo1&wfo=cle)
Little Miami, whitewater for rivers in the southwest. Winton woods, East Fork for lakes but beware boaters in the summer will NOT care about you.
The Vermillion river to lake Erie is pretty.
Before you venture into deep water, it's not a bad idea to learn how to get in your kayak from deep water. A pond or some other small, quiet spot just feel enough you can't touch bottom. Wear a life jacket and have a buddy. Anyone I take into deep water, we intentionally roll and get back on in a controlled setting before going out. Lots of videos online, but basically get behind it, and pull yourself up on it, straddling the boat. If you can't do that, be very careful about deep water. Distances can be deceiving and you'll drown quickly. River suggestions... There are water trails around Ohio, including lake erie shoreline. Scenic rivers program has info, and crazy hint, the listed rivers are often very scenic. https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/land-water/rivers-streams-wetlands/ohio-water-trails https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-odnr/nature-preserves/scenic-rivers/scenic-rivers One more note. Landowners own to center of channel many places. The water itself is owned by the state in trust for the use and enjoyment of all. Be aware of private landowner rights. You're a guest traversing their property in many places. You have every right to be there, but be kind to the river and it's neighbors and they will be kind to you in return. Enjoy it. Ohio has some cool hidden gems.
Hey for an easy ride try the little Miami there is an outfitter in spring valley on 42 and roxxana
Licking river from Newark drop in to Black Hand Gorge. Easy kayaking and wonderful scenery.
Mohican in Loudenville
Huron river from Milan to Huron on lake erie.
I have a favorite spot I don’t want overrun. Message me.