These web links correspond to a series of pamphlets developed for Ohio boaters using small watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, and johnboats. They provide the necessary information to safely and legally enjoy Ohio's rivers and streams. However, the responsibility for the safe and legal use of Ohio's rivers lies with the boater. The listings give no permission for the use of private land as access points 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.
This series has been prepared as an educational and public service to paddlers and river boaters using the best information available. Basic information is presented, but 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.
This content is subject to change without notice. For more detailed information, contact local canoe clubs, liveries or paddlers. Many contacts are available on the Internet. For general boating information, contact the ODNR Division of Watercraft.
Canoe 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.
International Scale of River Difficulty
A classification scale for swift water has been developed by the American Whitewater Affiliation. This scale rates rivers on a classification of I to VI in boating difficulty.
The scale takes into account river conditions, hazards, availability for rescue and temperatures. Most of Ohio's streams are rated Class I and II, but flooding may change the stream's rating to a higher classification. Boaters should have advanced paddling skills to attempt any stream over Class II.
Class I: few riffles and small waves; easy boating
Class II: waves up to three feet with wide channels; easy rapids
Class III: high, irregular waves with narrow passages; requires scouting and constant maneuvering
Class IV: long, difficult rapids with constricted passages in turbulent water; scouting necessary, rescue difficult
Class V: difficult, long and very violent rapids with highly congested routes; scouting must be done from shore; rescue is so difficult it presents a hazard to life
Class VI: the most dangerous rapids; boating is nearly impossible and is life-threatening
Other environmental factors may change a stream's rating to a higher classification:
- Dam releases causing a water level of a full stream bank or out of banks (flooding). This may occur very quickly.
- Cold weather or cold water (extra safety precautions are needed when the water temperature drops below 50 degrees F).
- Absence of a nearby road and/or geographic terrain which makes a rescue and evacuation difficult.
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