When most people think of Ohio, football, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, or the Wright Brothers usually come to mind. What often gets overlooked is that SUP in Ohio is thriving, thanks to hundreds of creeks, rivers, lakes, and ponds spread across the state.

In recent years, stand up paddle boarding has surged in popularity as paddlers look for outdoor activities that are accessible, scenic, and easy to enjoy solo or with friends. Locals have long known that Ohio quietly delivers some excellent SUP experiences—you just need to know where to go. 

Ohio’s paddle boarding appeal comes from variety rather than extremes.

What locals love most:

• Gentle rivers perfect for relaxed floats

• Scenic lakes with limited boat traffic

• Several state and nationally designated scenic rivers

• Easy access near major cities without heavy crowds

Big Darby Creek is one of central Ohio’s true paddle boarding treasures. Designated as a National Scenic River, it combines biological diversity with peaceful, winding water that feels far removed from nearby development.

What makes it special:

• Mild rapids that keep paddling interesting

• Frequent wildlife sightings, including turtles, owls, and songbirds

• Forested banks and quiet wetlands

• Clear, steady flow fed by cold-water springs

A popular local route starts at Prairie Oaks Upper Darby and takes out near Beaver Lake, offering a relaxed float of roughly two miles.

The Hocking River flows through one of Ohio’s most beloved outdoor destinations and offers a classic beginner-friendly SUP experience.

Why locals recommend it:

• Mostly Class I water with gentle current

• Five-mile stretches ideal for casual paddles

• Sandbars perfect for picnics and exploring

• Lush scenery through the heart of Hocking Hills

The Crockett’s Run section is especially popular, combining easy paddling with some of the most scenic views in southern Ohio.

Clendening Lake is one of the quietest and most underrated paddle boarding lakes in the state. Formed in the 1930s for flood control, it now feels like a secluded nature escape.

Why it’s a local favorite:

• 10-horsepower motor limit keeps water calm

• Over 43 miles of undeveloped shoreline

• Excellent SUP fishing for bass, crappie, and bluegill

• Fewer crowds than nearby lakes

Fall is a standout season here, when the lake is nearly empty and surrounding beech and maple trees light up with color.

The Little Miami River was Ohio’s first designated Scenic River, and once you paddle it, the reason becomes obvious.

What paddlers love:

• A mix of calm stretches and light Class I rapids

• Well-preserved middle sections with minimal development

• Rich plant and bird life, including sycamores and blue herons

• Consistent water levels for SUP

Many locals launch near the State Route 235 Bridge, where easy gravel access makes getting on the water simple.

The AEP Lakes of southeastern Ohio are a hidden paradise, especially for SUP anglers. Spread across nearly 60,000 reclaimed acres, this area features hundreds of stocked lakes and ponds.

Why locals swear by it:

• Exceptional fishing opportunities

• Quiet, low-traffic paddling environments

• Hundreds of lakes and ponds to explore

• Ideal place to learn SUP fishing techniques

The transformation of former strip-mined land into a paddling and fishing destination is one of Ohio’s most impressive conservation success stories.

Local paddlers plan trips around the seasons:

• Spring brings higher water levels and fresh greenery

• Summer offers warm water and longer paddling days

• Fall delivers fewer crowds and stunning foliage

• Winter paddling is limited and best left to experienced cold-water paddlers

Before heading out, keep these local-approved tips in mind:

• Check river flow levels after heavy rain

• Wear a leash and personal flotation device

• Start early to avoid wind and crowds

• Respect private land along riverbanks

Ohio may not advertise itself as a paddle boarding destination, but those who SUP here know better. From scenic rivers and peaceful lakes to reclaimed landscapes turned paddling havens, Ohio offers a surprisingly rich SUP experience for paddlers willing to explore beyond the obvious.