Best Waterways in Ohio

Trying to find the best waterways in Ohio? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Ohio, Columbiana County

01 :26 hrs
3.3 mi
12.751862 ft
I

Little Beaver Creek is a wild and scenic river and has some of the best canoeing in Ohio. The scenery is breathtaking. The shorelines are lined with a mixture of conifers and hardwoods with occasional large rock outcroppings. The stream is extra clear and silt-free with a rock and gravel bottom.

2

Ohio, Tuscarawas County

02 :03 hrs
4.9 mi
8.344879 ft
I

The Tuscarawas River stretches 130 miles long through 10 counties and is the largest tributary of the Muskingum River. It offers breathtaking scenery with most of it flowing through undeveloped territory. You have opportunity to see squirrels and great blue herons. This short section of river begins at Dover Dam and flows to Dover.

3

Ohio, Franklin

03 :25 hrs
8.1 mi
12.33728 ft
I

Big Darby Creek is known nationally for its diversity and abundance of both aquatic and rare plants and animals. It is home to over 80 species of fish, with five that are endangered in Ohio. It is a charming and leisure paddle suited for anyone. This section of river begins at Price-Hilliards road and flows to US 40. There are several dams just below here so be sure to takeout or get permission from landowners to portage and continue through.

4

Ohio, Warren County

04 :40 hrs
11.1 mi
17.535675 ft
I

The Little Miami River is one of Ohio's most scenic waterways. It is recognized as a state and national scenic river. The river also supports more than 87 species of fish and a variety of birds. Along with the scenery and popularity also comes the crowds. There are several commercial outfitters along the river that offer rentals and shuttling services. This section of river begins at Corwin Road and flows through Mathers Mills to the Fort Ancient access at OH 350. This is a good choice for families or any level of paddlers.

5

Ohio, Columbiana County

02 :05 hrs
5 mi
18.300629 ft
I

Little Beaver Creek is one of Ohio's designated wild and scenic rivers. Beginning in Leetonia this section flows through beautiful scenic Ohio countryside. It is only paddleable during periods of very wet weather.

6

Ohio, Warren County

03 :10 hrs
7.5 mi
13.682449 ft
II

The Little Miami River is one of Ohio's most scenic waterways. It is recognized as a state and national scenic river. The river also supports more than 87 species of fish and a variety of birds. Along with the scenery and popularity also comes the crowds. There are several commercial outfitters along the river that offer rentals and shuttling services. This section of river begins in Foster at the Glen Island access. This flows through Hamilton County where it is heavily populated but still scenic as the banks rise steeply with cornfields. Takeout at Lake Isabella Park.

7

Ohio, Franklin County

04 :27 hrs
10.6 mi
19.113998 ft
I

Big Darby Creek is known nationally for its diversity and abundance of both aquatic and rare plants and animals. It is home to over 80 species of fish, with five that are endangered in Ohio. It is a charming and leisure paddle suited for anyone. Beginning at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park this section of river flows to Old Harrisbury Road. The park offers facilities and plenty of recreation to choose from with trails and picnic areas.

8

Ohio, Union County

03 :06 hrs
7.4 mi
13.554077 ft
I

Big Darby Creek is known nationally for its diversity and abundance of both aquatic and rare plants and animals. It is home to over 80 species of fish, with five that are endangered in Ohio. It is a charming and leisure paddle suited for anyone. Beginning in Plain City at OH 736 bridge this section of river flows to Price-Hilliards Road bridge.

9

Ohio, Highland County

02 :58 hrs
7.1 mi
13.56723 ft
I

Ohio Brush Creek offers some of the most scenic and untouched terrain in Ohio. The banks are lined by evergreens, shale and limestone cliffs. The water moves slowly through pools of limestone ledges. Access is limited and fishing for smallmouth bass is good. Beginning at the OH 73 bridge this section flows to OH 32 bridge.

10

Ohio, Union County

03 :41 hrs
8.7 mi
12.191101 ft
I

Big Darby Creek is known nationally for its diversity and abundance of both aquatic and rare plants and animals. It is home to over 80 species of fish, with five that are endangered in Ohio. It is a charming and leisure paddle suited for anyone. Beginning at Burns road bridge south of Marysville off Oh 38 the river flows to OH 736 and US 42 bridge in Plain City.

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