8 Best Places to Canoe and Kayak in Cincinnati

Is there a better way to spend the day with a group of friends than heading out to canoe or kayak in Cincinnati?

Featured image for our canoe and kayak article - People on a sandy beach and kayaks in the river

We are lucky to have so many options when it comes to bodies of water that are perfect for canoeing and kayaking in Cincinnati. The Little Miami, Great Miami, and Whitewater Rivers frame the city on the east and west sides, each with waters that are typically calm enough to enjoy the day in a canoe or kayak in Cincinnati.

Hop aboard as the local canoe and kayak rental locations shuttle you and your flotation device of choice to a drop off point upriver. Then spend a few hours surrounded by some of the area’s best views while you paddle back to the starting point. Some spots will even shuttle personal canoes and kayaks if you choose to bring your own.


Morgan’s Canoe & Outdoor Adventures

Morgan's Canoe Rentals signage and building
Image Source: Morgan’s Outdoor Adventures

Locations:
Brookville: 7040 Whitewater River Lane, Brookville, Indiana 47012
Fort Ancient: 5701 St. Route OH-350, Oregonia, Ohio 45054 (closed per their site)

If you’re looking for a spot to canoe or kayak in Cincinnati, this spot is likely to check the boxes.

If you want to make a weekend out of it, they do offer camping and cabin rentals for an overnight outdoor adventure.

Check out their website to see everything Morgan’s Canoe has to offer.


Green Acres Kayak Rental

people stopping on the river's edge with Green Acres Kayak
Image Source: Green Acres Kayak

Location: 10465 Suspension Bridge Road, Harrison, Ohio 45030

Green Acres Kayak offers a 7 mile kayaking trip. Shuttle and buses get you back and forth. You’ll likely want take some extra time to stop and relax at some of the beaches along the way :). Ages 12 and up and you must weigh at least 75lbs for this spot to kayak in Cincinnati. Kayak weight limit is 275 lbs.

Purchase your tickets in person.
Get more details for your visit at the Green Acres Kayak website.


Scenic River Canoe Excursions

kayak on the river
Image Source: Scenic River Canoe Excursions

Location: 4595 Round Bottom Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio 45244

Scenic River is “the perfect mix of rapids and relaxation” on the Little Miami River, just a few miles from Historic Old Milford. Plan some time to stop along the way at one of the river’s beaches or take a longer pitstop and grab some food and drinks at the Little Miami Brewing Company.

Check out the Scenic River website for more details or to make a reservation.


Tippecanoe and Kayaks Too

empty canoes and kayaks plus a cute dog on the beach at Tippecanoe and Kayaks Too
Image Source: Tippecanoe and Kayaks Too Facebook Page

Location: Blue Bell Beach, 7958 Harrison Ave., Cleves, Ohio 45002

Take a trip down the Great Miami River in Ohio. Tippecanoe and Kayaks Too offers a 5 mile trip for canoes and kayaks.

They have Jackson sit-on-top kayaks that are Go Pro equipped. They offer Wenonah 2 and 3 person canoes as well as tandem kayaks.

See all the details here.


Loveland Canoe & Kayak

The Loveland Canoe and Kayak Castle Adventure

Location: 174 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, Ohio 45140

Loveland is synonymous in the region with their bike trail, so it’s no surprise there are even more activities there for the outdoor enthusiast. Loveland Canoe & Kayak in Cincinnnati offers a scenic 5-mile trip along the Little Miami River with views of the historic Loveland Castle.

Can’t get enough of the Little Miami? Grab a season pass! If you’re really ready to take it to the next level, you can even buy a kayak for yourself at their shop.

Learn more about rentals, reservations, and season passes here.


River Dogs Paddle Sports

Location: 210 S. High Street in South Lebanon

River Dogs offer a family friendly environment and will help you to enjoy your trip on the Scenic Little Miami River. They provide all the equipment (kayak or canoe, paddle and life vest) as well as the transportation to the launch area.

Get more details and plan your visit here.


Little Miami Canoe Rental

canoes on the river front at Little Miami Canoe Rental
Image Source: Little Miami Canoe Website

Location:
Morrow (10 miles from Kings Island): 219 Mill Street (St Rt 123), Morrow, Ohio 45152

Little Miami Canoe Rental has a wide selection of canoe trips in the area. They offer a 6 and a 10 mile excursion on the Little Miami River.

Grab all the details on their website.


Winton Woods Boathouse

Kayak on the lake

Location: 10245 Winton Road, Springfield Township, Ohio 45231

If you’re looking for calmer waters to kayak in Cincinnati, you can rent a kayak or canoe at the Winton Woods Harbor Boathouse at an hourly rate. Paddle around for an hour or two, then spend the rest of your day exploring the 2,555 acre park. Winton Woods has 2.6 miles of paved trails, Parky’s Farm, and one of the best campgrounds in the area.

See more details here.

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About the Author
Bridgett Raffenberg
My name is Bridgett Raffenberg and I am the creator of 365Cincinnati. I've been uncovering and sharing all of the best things to do in Cincinnati since 2010. I enjoy exploring new spots, discovering local events, and meeting the people who call Cincinnati home!

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