Where to Paddle Board in Ohio

Paddleboarding is a popular outdoor activity that can be enjoyed on calm waters such as lakes, rivers, and ponds. Ohio has a variety of locations that are perfect for paddleboarding, whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler. In this article, we'll explore some of the best places to paddleboard in Ohio, including Lake Erie, the Miami River, the Little Miami River, the Hocking River, the Ohio River, the Upper Cuyahoga River, Big Darby Creek, the Olentangy River, the Scioto River, Alum Creek State Park, Indian Lake, the Mohican River, Hoover Reservoir, Clendening Lake, and Darby Creeks.

paddle boards on a river
Photo Credit: Shaka Fitness

Lake Erie:

Lake Erie is one of the largest of the Great Lakes, spanning over 9,900 square miles. It offers a range of opportunities for paddle boarding, including calm waters and scenic views. However, due to its size and potential for unpredictable weather, it's recommended that only experienced paddlers attempt to paddleboard on Lake Erie. There are several access points along the Ohio shoreline, including parks and marinas.

Greater Miami River:

The Greater Miami River is a 160-mile-long river that flows through western Ohio. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, with its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Paddlers can enjoy exploring the river's many twists and turns, as well as its lush forests and scenic views. There are several access points along the river, including parks and nature preserves.

Little Miami River:

The Little Miami River is a 111-mile-long river that flows through southwestern Ohio. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, with its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Paddlers can enjoy exploring the river's many twists and turns, as well as its lush forests and scenic views. There are several access points along the river, including parks and nature preserves. The little Miami River is one of three rivers in Ohio to be a designated scenic river.

Hocking River:

The Hocking River is a 102-mile-long river that flows through southeastern Ohio. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Paddlers can enjoy exploring the river's many twists and turns, as well as its scenic rock formations and lush forests. There are several access points along the river, including parks and nature preserves.

Ohio River:

The Ohio River is a 981-mile-long river that forms the border between Ohio and several other states. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, with its calm waters and scenic views. However, due to its size and potential for unpredictable weather, it's recommended that only experienced paddlers attempt to paddleboard on the Ohio River. There are several access points along the Ohio shoreline, including parks and marinas.

Upper Cuyahoga River:

The Upper Cuyahoga River is a 58-mile-long river that flows through northeastern Ohio. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Paddlers can enjoy exploring the river's many twists and turns, as well as its scenic waterfalls and rock formations. There are several access points along the river, including parks and nature preserves.

Big Darby Creek:

Big Darby Creek is a 40-mile-long river that flows through central Ohio. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, with its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Paddlers can enjoy exploring the river's many twists and turns, as well as its lush forests and scenic views. There are several access points along the river, including parks and nature preserves. Big Darby Creek will make a reappearance later in the article.

The Olentangy River:

The Olentangy River is a 97-mile-long river that flows through central Ohio. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Paddlers can enjoy exploring the river's many twists and turns, as well as its scenic parks and nature preserves. There are several access points along the river, including parks and nature preserves.

The Scioto River:

The Scioto River is a 231-mile-long river that flows through central and southern Ohio. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Paddlers can enjoy exploring the river's many twists and turns, as well as its scenic parks and nature preserves. There are several access points along the river, including parks and nature preserves.

Alum Creek State Park:

Alum Creek State Park is a 4,630-acre park located in Delaware County, Ohio. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful scenery. The park is home to Alum Creek Reservoir, which provides ample space for paddlers to explore. There are several access points to the reservoir, including the park's boat ramp and beach area.

Alum Creek Reservoir is a 3,387-acre reservoir located just north of Columbus, Ohio. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Paddlers can enjoy exploring the reservoir's many coves and inlets, as well as its scenic parks and nature preserves. There are several access points to the reservoir, including Alum Creek State Park and the Alum Creek Marina.

Indian Lake:

Indian Lake is a 5,800-acre lake located in Logan County, Ohio. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Paddlers can enjoy exploring the lake's many coves and inlets, as well as its scenic parks and nature preserves. There are several access points to the lake, including Indian Lake State Park and the Moundwood State Park boat ramp.

Mohican River:

The Mohican River is a 29-mile-long river that flows through north-central Ohio. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Paddlers can enjoy exploring the river's many twists and turns, as well as its scenic parks and nature preserves. There are several access points along the river, including the Mohican State Park and the Mohican Adventures canoe livery.

Hoover Reservoir:

Hoover Reservoir is a 2,800-acre reservoir located in Delaware County, Ohio. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful scenery. The reservoir is surrounded by parks and nature preserves, including the Hoover Reservoir Park and the Inniswood Metro Gardens. Paddlers can explore the many coves and inlets of the reservoir, as well as enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Clendening Lake:

Clendening Lake is a 1,800-acre lake located in Harrison County, Ohio. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Paddlers can enjoy exploring the lake's many coves and inlets, as well as its scenic parks and nature preserves. There are several access points to the lake, including the Clendening Lake Marina and the Tappan Lake Park.

Darby Creeks:

Darby Creeks is a group of two creeks located in central Ohio. They're a popular spot for paddle boarding, thanks to their calm waters and beautiful scenery. Paddlers can enjoy exploring the creeks' many twists and turns, as well as their scenic parks and nature preserves. There are several access points to the creeks, including the Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park and the Prairie Oaks Metro Park. The Darby Creeks, are both designated scenic river.

Little Beaver Creek:

Little Beaver Creek is a 28-mile-long river that flows through eastern Ohio. It's a popular spot for paddle boarding, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Paddlers can enjoy exploring the river's many twists and turns, as well as its scenic parks and nature preserves. Little Beaver Creek is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, which means it's protected and preserved for its natural beauty. There are several access points along the river, including parks and nature preserves. Paddle boarding on Little Beaver Creek is a unique and unforgettable experience, thanks to its clear waters, lush forests, and stunning views. This is also the 3rd (or 4th depending on how you count the Darby Creeks) designated scenic river.

Conclusion:

women on paddle boards
Photo Credit: Shaka Fitness

In conclusion, Ohio has a variety of locations that are perfect for paddle boarding, ranging from calm lakes to winding rivers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, there's a location in Ohio that's perfect for you. Each location offers its own unique features, including beautiful scenery, calm waters, and ample space to explore. So grab your paddleboard and head to one of these Ohio locations for an unforgettable paddling experience. Experience Ohio's incredible biodiversity by paddle board! Let us know what your favorite water trail in Ohio is at #glidesup on Instagram. for more information on finding places to paddle board near you check out this article!