The city attracts plenty of visitors keen to see the sights, sample the local cuisine, and enjoy the stunning cityscape, as well as taking in the various parks and waterways like the Ohio River and Little Miami River. With those great waterways and several other bodies of water in and around the city, Cincinnati is a great place to enjoy some kayaking. Regardless of your experience or ability level, the city’s waters offer some spectacular views and opportunities for kayakers of all ages.
Best Kayaking Locations in Cincinnati
There are plenty of great kayaking spots all around Cincinnati, but most kayakers tend to agree that the following three locations are the very best:
The Ohio River is the biggest tributary of the famous Mississippi River. It flows through six different states in total and the city of Cincinnati is lucky enough to enjoy the river's beauty flowing right through it. It’s one of America’s most impressive waterways, flowing through a mixture of manmade and natural environments, and it’s arguably the best spot to do some kayaking in Cincinnati. Each year, the Paddlefest festival is held in which hundreds of kayakers take to the Ohio River and enjoy great food and live music.
Just a little drive outside downtown Cincinnati is the Miami Whitewater Forest. Kayak rentals are available in this scenic forest with several lakes and waterways all suitable for kayaking. Beautiful surroundings provide the ideal backdrop for an enjoyable kayaking session with friends and family at this popular park.
The Little Miami River is another super kayaking location just by Cincinnati. Running for over 100 miles through the southwestern section of the state of Ohio, the Little Miami has plenty of great launch points and kayak rental opportunities, as well as lots of little parks and places to stop off for snacks and more along your kayaking route. The waters along this river can be quite calm and flat, so it’s a great place to simply relax and take in the scenery without needing to spend too much effort paddling and negotiating the river itself.
Kayak Tours and Rentals in Cincinnati
Various kayaking companies can be found in and around the city of Cincinnati. Some of them simply offer outfitting services and rentals, while others will offer fully guided kayaking expeditions along waterways like the Ohio River and Little Miami. Here are some of the top rated kayaking companies one can found in Cincinnati.
1. Scenic River Canoe Excursions - 4595 Round Bottom Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45244 (513 576-9000)
For a peaceful, relaxing kayaking experience in Cincinnati, sign up for a guided tour with Scenic River Canoe Excursions. Focusing exclusively on the Little Miami River, this company offers low priced kayaking services on one of Cincinnati's calmest and prettiest stretches of water. Run by two passionate paddlers, Scenic River Canoe Excursions offers canoe and kayak rentals at great rates too and will be happy to organize group outings for schools, work groups, and more.
2. River Dogs Paddlesports - 110 Ferry St, Milford, OH 45150 (513 748-3647)
For a full-fledged kayaking adventure in Cincinnati, River Dogs is a great place to start. This kayaking company runs a huge range of kayaking activities and services including rentals, guided tours along the Little Miami, kayak fishing, camping trips, and more. In short, if you want to have some fun along the Little Miami, this is a great company to choose and, as the name suggests, dogs are welcome on board these kayaks.
3. Tippecanoe and Kayaks Too - 9630 Hamilton Cleves Pike Rd, Harrison, OH 45030 (513 290-8574)
Tippecanoe and Kayaks Too is a friendly, professional kayaking and canoe company operating on the the Great Miami River, just a little drive west of Cincinnati. This company runs kayak rentals as well as group events and, most importantly, guided kayaking tours. These tours are available on any day of the week and set off along the Great Miami, with experienced guides leading the way and sharing fascinating information about the river and surrounding areas. It's a great value trip and can last for almost a full day of paddling fun depending on the speed of the group.
Get Ready to Go!
- 1. Plan & Book:
- Visit the website and book directly, or call ahead to confirm hours.
- Find your stay: If needed, search for Hotel Deals nearby. Read reviews and book directly with the hotel, requesting any special amenities (romantic, kid-friendly, pet-friendly).
- Book your flight: If flying, compare flights and book directly with the airline. Add your frequent flier number and reserve your seat.
- Plan your trip:
- Estimate your driving time: Use Google Maps (click the blue 'Directions' arrow in the search box).
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