Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Fall Paddling

Experience the Wonders of Fall Color on an Ohio Scenic River or Stream

When planning your next fall weekend adventure, consider one of the following scenic rivers or waterways in Ohio.

Mohican State Scenic River

The Mohican River was designated as “scenic” in December 2006.  The lower section of the Clear Fork and the Mohican River consists of a lush forested river valley and clean, flowing waters which provide valuable habitats for numerous flora and fauna.  Clear Fork Gorge State Nature Preserve lies adjacent to the scenic river. 

Other public lands in the watershed include Mohican State Park and Mohican Memorial State Forest. There are a variety of camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking and picnicking activities available along the Mohican River.

Grand River

The lower section of the Grand River in Lake County is designated “wild.”  A view of the river at this area is truly spectacular especially when showers of waterfalls cascade over the steep shale bluffs. 

Due to the number of partnering organizations working in the Grand, there are numerous ways to access the river for picnicking, fishing, hunting, bird watching, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, or whatever you’re into!

Muskingum River Parkway

The Muskingum River Parkway is a rich cultural and natural resource.  History lives as the ten locks are hand-operated today in the same manner as 150 years ago.  In its day, the system of locks and dams that extends 112 miles through southeastern Ohio, helped open the state and the entire Midwest to trade and development. 

Today, it serves the needs of more than 7,000 recreation boaters each year who come to fish, picnic and play in the scenic Muskingum Valley.

Hocking River

The name for the Hocking River was originally derived from the Native American Hokhokken or Hokhochen, meaning “bottle-shaped” or “gourd-shaped”, referring to the configuration of the river at Logan.  The 95-mile length of the river makes it Ohio’s 14th longest river. 

Ideally suited for paddlers of all experience levels, the Hocking flows through an abundance of public lands and provides many recreational opportunities that include canoeing, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing.

Maumee River

The Maumee River, named by the Miami Indians, was designated a State Scenic River on July 18, 1974.  Visitors can take a ride on “The Volunteer” a canal boat that operated on The Miami & Erie Canal. 

Fort Meigs State Memorial in Perrysburg and The Fallen Timbers Battlefield in Maumee offer historical excursions as you take a break on land from your river trip.


Little Miami River

Birthplace of Tecumseh, the renowned Shawnee Chief, and an area where Daniel Boone spent time along the river, both exploring and as a prisoner of the Shawnee, the Little Miami River earned the distinction of becoming Ohio’s first designated State Scenic River on April 23, 1969. 

The river provides excellent stream fishing opportunities that include smallmouth bass, rock bass, and panfish.