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River & Stream Access
For small boats such as canoes, kayaks, and johnboats.
The responsibility for the safe and legal use of Ohio's rivers lies with the boater. Access points listed on our web site give no permission for the use of private land nor do they imply that water quality is suitable for recreational use. It is the responsibility of the individual boater to seek permission for private access to a river.
Information here is subject to change without notice. For more current and detailed information, contact local canoe clubs, liveries or paddlers.
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Carry-in Access: Boating on Ohio's Streams
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Water Releases
Water releases are managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The schedule of releases is based on input from various organizations, including Ohio DNR.
All water releases are tentative. Final approval depends on weather conditions and water conditions at the time of the scheduled release. During periods of minimal rainfall and/or low stream flow, the Corps may not be able to honor a scheduled release.
At least 5 days prior to a scheduled release, the organization(s) that requested the release will be contacted to confirm their activity. If they still request a release, the Corps of Engineers will determine whether or not hydrologic conditions are conducive to a release.
One or two days prior to a scheduled release, the Corps of Engineers will decide if the release will occur. If a release is cancelled, their decision will be posted on this web site. |
River Safety & Trip Planning
Ultimately the boater is responsible for personal safety. The boater must consider past experiences, skill level, weather conditions, air and water temperatures, changing conditions and water level to determine the risk level of the trip.
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Watercraft Laws and Boater Responsibility
Ohio boating laws apply to all paddlers in Ohio including visitors from other states. Following the laws and adhering to boater responsibility allow for a safe and pleasant trip on Ohio's streams.
- All boats including canoes, kayaks, motorboats, and most inflatable boats must be registered (Section 1547.54 Ohio Revised Code). Ohio law requires that a boat's registration be carried onboard the boat. Bring proof of residency if you are visiting from a state that does not require canoes or kayaks to be registered.
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets are required for every person onboard(Section 1547.25 of the Ohio Revised Code). Wearable lifejackets are required for each person, must be in serviceable condition, and must be correctly sized for the wearer.
- Children under the age of 10 are required to wear a properly fitted, USCG-approved lifejacket at all times while on a boat under 18 feet in length (Section 1547.24 Ohio Revised Code).
- Operating any boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited (Section 1547.11 Ohio Revised Code). Ohio's limit for impairment is .08 blood alcohol content level for persons who are of legal drinking age. It's .02 for anyone who is under 21.
- Disposing of any item considered to be litter in any ditch, stream, river, lake, pond or other waterway is illegal (Section 1531.29 Ohio Revised Code).
- Children under the age of 12 who are operating a manually propelled boat must be directly supervised by an adult.
- Local boating restrictions may apply. Permits and special permission to use these sections may be required from local authorities or landowners. Contact local authorities to see what rules apply.
- Respect the rights of landowners. Almost all stream bed and land adjacent to Ohio's streams is privately owned. Seek the owner's permission before using any property.
For additional rules and regulations, see the Ohio Boat Operator's Guide. |
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Canoe Access Marking System
Signs that you might encounter in the course of your trip indicate canoe access, portage, and hazard areas, as depicted:
     
However, you should not expect all hazards to be marked.
Tubing
The sport of "tubing," riding with the river's current on a car or truck inner tube, has become quite popular. Many of the same safety requirements and cautions for watercraft apply to this form of recreation. Check with local authorities to make sure that you may legally go tubing on the selected stream. Wearing a lifejacket is recommended. Be aware of changing conditions. Heavy rain showers may create flash flooding conditions. |
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