Cincinnati is fortunate to have three different rivers that flow through its region: the Whitewater River, the Great Miami River, and the Little Miami River. This means there are several places along each of the rivers where you can rent both canoes and kayaks and enjoy some time out on the water.
In this post we share the 6 best places for kayaking and canoeing around Cincinnati.
Map of Places
The following map shows the location of every place mentioned in this post:
Green Acres Canoe and Kayak Rental
Located on west side of the city in Harrison, Green Acres offers an 8-mile trip (kayaks only) where, depending on river conditions, you can expect to float leisurely down the river for 3-4 hours. There are several beach and island areas where you can stop and get out as well, so you can make an entire day out of it if you’d like.
The following video offers a nice overview of what Green Acres has to offer:
Trip Distance: 8 miles
Location: 10465 Suspension Bridge Rd, Harrison, OH 45030
Website: Green Acres Canoe and Kayak Rental
Little Miami Canoe Rental
With two locations – one in Oregonia and one in Morrow – Little Miami Canoe Rental offers canoes, kayaks, and rafts available to rent on the Little Miami River. They offer a variety of distances since there are several put-outs in different locations. There are several beach areas along the river as well where you can stop and enjoy a snack or just hang out in the water.
Trip Distance: 2 miles, 6 miles, 8 miles, 10 miles, or 18 miles
Location: 225 Corwin Rd, Oregonia, OH 45054 | 219 Mill St, Morrow, OH 45152
Website: Little Miami Canoe Rental
Loveland Canoe & Kayak
Located in Downtown Loveland, this canoe and kayak rental shop offers a 5-mile trip known as “The Castle Adventure” that passes by the Loveland Castle and lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on how leisurely you paddle. The trip launches at Carl Rahe Park and ends at Loveland Canoe and Kayak. Bonus: If you choose this trip, be sure to check out Mile 42 Coffee – one of our favorite Cincinnati coffee shops – located just a short walk from the ending point.
The following video offers an overview of the trip:
Trip Distance: 5 miles
Location: 174 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, OH 45140
Website: Loveland Canoe & Kayak
Morgan’s Canoe
Built by Bob Morgan in 1969, Morgan’s Canoe offers canoe, kayak, and rafting rentals which you can enjoy on the Little Miami River. Morgan’s offers several different distances, depending on how long you’d like to be out on the river. There are several places along the river where you can stop and hang out, and there’s plenty of changes in scenery along the way.
Trip Distance: 3 miles, 6 miles, 9 miles, 12 miles, 15 miles, or 18 miles
Location: 5701 OH-350, Oregonia, OH 45054
Website: Morgan’s Canoe
Scenic River Canoe Excursions
Located on the east side of Cincinnati, Scenic River Canoe Excursions offers an 8.5-mile kayaking trip that includes a mix of rapids and leisurely stretches along with several beaches where you can stop and get out. The trip also passes right by Little Miami Brewing Company – a brewery that offers an impressive menu of drinks and food – where you can stop for a bite to eat.
Check out the video below for a quick overview of the trip:
Trip Distance: 8.5 miles
Location: 4595 Round Bottom Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45244
Website: Scenic River Canoe Excursions
Tippecanoe and Kayaks Too
Located on the west side of the city, Tippecanoe and Kayaks Too offers kayak and canoe rentals that you can take out on a 7.5-mile trip. As stated on their website, “the first part of the trip is mostly flat with good current and the last half offers some waves, rips and ripples, so expect to get wet!”
Trip Distance: 7.5 miles
Location: 9630 Hamilton Cleves Pike Rd, Harrison, OH 45030
Website: Tippecanoe and Kayaks Too
