In this interactive, in-person program paddlers will determine which level of difficulty is appropriate for their level of experience. There will be information provided about paddling opportunities within MetroParks and our surrounding area. Perhaps most importantly, this program will provide you with the resources to feel empowered to make your own decisions about your next paddling trip.
Canoeing/Kayaking
Downtown Dayton River Kayaking Trips
Kayak down the Mad River and the Great Miami River through the two whitewater features of the RiverScape River Runs. This trip is led by Five Rivers MetroParks staff and equipment is provided. There is a chance you could tip over while kayaking and we will be getting wet so please dress appropriately including wearing water shoes, or old sneakers. This trip will include paddling through Class II-III whitewater rapids and will require you to actively paddle much of the time.
For a description of what this means go to:
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start?#vi._international_scale_of_river_difficulty )
At the end of the trip we will ride in a 15-passenger van back to the starting point where your vehicles are parked. Weather Dependent.
Kayak Rentals at RiverScape
Paddle under the fountains with Taiters Kayak Solutions all summer long at RiverScape MetroPark! Regular walk-up rental hours will take place Tuesdays from 2-6pm and Thursdays from 4-8pm, June-October. Launch from under the Riverside Bridge along the Great Miami Recreational Trail. The cost to participate is $12 per person per hour.
Taiters Kayak Solutions staff will provide visitors with brief instructions prior to entering the water, which will include a safety tutorial, and help visitors get into their vessels. All visitors will be required to wear a properly fitted life jacket. Swimming is prohibited in the Great Miami River, but visitors should come prepared to get wet. Those renting will not be permitted to go through the RiverScape River Run whitewater feature.
No lifeguards are on duty, and paddling is at all visitors’ own risk. All visitors must sign a waiver to participate. Visit Facebook.com/TaitersKayakSolutions for more information.
Try Paddlesports For FREE 8/2/23
An overview to the boat will be given and then you will be out on the water trying paddling out for yourself! Depending on demand, you may have the opportunity to try different styles of boats. A great way to learn about the sport in a controlled environment. All equipment is provided.
This is a drop in program. Participants can arrive any time during the scheduled period, but it is recommended that you are there at least 30 minutes before program end time. Weather Dependent. Registrations are requested.
Rent kayaks to explore the Great Miami River in downtown Dayton.
Paddle under the fountains with Taiter’s Kayak Solutions all Summer Long at RiverScape MetroPark. Regular walk-up rental hours will take place Tuesdays from 2-6pm and Thursdays from 4-8pm, June-September. Launch from under the Riverside Bridge along the Great Miami Recreational Trail.
The cost to participate is $10 per person per hour. Kayak rentals are targeted at beginner and first-time paddlers. Those renting will not be permitted to go through the RiverScape River Run whitewater feature.
Your Paddling Experience
Visitors will receive at least one full hour of paddling in the Great Miami River. They can paddle in the river area from RiverScape MetroPark to Deeds Point MetroPark. If they choose, visitors also can paddle under the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights, which runs at the top of every hour.
Taiter’s Kayak Solutions staff will provide visitors with brief instructions prior to entering the water, which will include a safety tutorial, and help visitors get into their vessels.
All visitors will be required to wear a properly fitted life jacket. The life jacket will be included with the rental, along with other safety equipment.
Swimming is prohibited in the Great Miami River, but visitors should come prepared to get wet.
No lifeguards are on duty, and paddling is at all visitors’ own risk. All visitors must sign a waiver to participate.
Age and Weight Requirements
Visitors must be at least 14 years old.
The maximum weight for participation is 325 pounds. All participants must wear a lifejacket, and the maximum chest size for proper fit is 52 inches.
Discover Rowing
The Greater Dayton Rowing Association invites you to discover how rowing can boost your fun and fitness. Get introduced to the boats, oars, and basic body mechanics. Learn how to get in a boat safely, and get on the water in a team boat. Whether you are interested in recreational rowing or competition, this is an excellent introductory opportunity.
Experienced scullers and sweep rowers are welcome. Come down to the river and get back in the boat! We have membership discounts for summer-only college students, young adults, and the military.
Pre-registration is required. This event is for adults ages 18 years and older.
Be ready to row! Rowing is a water sport, and swimming skills are required. Wear close-fitting shorts and shirt, plus socks; and bring a water bottle.
For registration and more information, email us: discover@daytonrowing.org
Join the 2023 GREAT Float on the Great Miami River!
Calling all paddlers! Everyone is invited to the 2023 GREAT Float – a celebration of the Great Miami River. This is a 5-mile paddle in Miami County with over 100 participants in canoes, kayaks, and other human-powered craft. This event is hosted by the Great Miami Riverway, the City of Troy, and Miami County Visitors and Convention Bureau.The GREAT Float is scheduled for Thursday, June 29 from 2 to 5 pm. Paddlers will also enjoy an after-party at Treasure Island in Troy
Paddlers will park at Treasure Island, ride a shuttle bus to Farrington Reserve, and float down the Great Miami River to Troy.
The after-party features optional gourmet boxed dinners from Smith’s Boathouse to be ready after the paddle.
Registration is required. Participants can rent a kayak, paddle and life jacket for $50, or bring your own kayak or canoe for $15. Transportation is included.
For more information and registration: https://protix.cityspark.com/e/2023-great-float-troy. Registration deadline is June 14th..
Mudlick Tap House Float
Join Mudlick Tap House, MadTree Brewing, and Taiters Kayak Solutions for a guided kayaking tour! The evening is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and watch the sunset over the Gem city! Enjoy paddling by the light of the setting sun and experience the urban landscape from Eastwood MetroPark to Riverscape River Run!
No paddling experience or equipment required.
Kayak rental will be available or you are welcome to bring your own!
❝𝐊𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃!❞
𝗞𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 & 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: $5𝟱
Includes rental, lifejacket, paddle and shuttle service to launch point
Includes rental, lifejacket, paddle and shuttle service to launch point
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 $𝟮5
The shuttle leaves from Mudlick Tap House at 5:30pm. Boats can be dropped at the launch point as early as 4:30pm. Taiters Kayak Solutions will be there as a security measure to watch over equipment. They will also help you with any unloading. You are welcome to park near the takeout point and head over to the Tap House for a pre-float pint before boarding the shuttle at 5:30 to head back up to launch at 6pm!
The shuttle leaves from Mudlick Tap House at 5:30pm. Boats can be dropped at the launch point as early as 4:30pm. Taiters Kayak Solutions will be there as a security measure to watch over equipment. They will also help you with any unloading. You are welcome to park near the takeout point and head over to the Tap House for a pre-float pint before boarding the shuttle at 5:30 to head back up to launch at 6pm!
The float will be for a duration of approximately 90 minutes!
After the float, everyone is welcome to head back to the Tap House for an evening pint and a bite to eat! (Not included in ticket price)
Book a Twilight Canoe & Dinner For 2
Morgan’s Outdoor Adventures, is pairing up again with Valley Vineyards, for their Twilight Canoe & Dinner for 2!Come join Morgan’s for a guided 3-mile canoe trip down the Little Miami River, ending back at Valley Vineyards!
Valley Vineyards famous grill-it-yourself steak or salmon cookout and Live Music will be waiting for you at the end of the 1 hour float down the State & National Scenic Little Miami River.
The Little Miami River is an easy class 1 river. Mild rapids with calm pools in between. A short 5 minute canoe “refresher” course will given at the put in. No prior experience required. There is always a chance of tipping over, but it is very infrequent. Depending on the water level is approximately a 1-hour leisurely paddle. A bottled water will be provided at the put in. We recommend bringing a change of clothes for post-float cookout and live music at Valley Vineyards until 10 pm.
Cost: Twilight Canoe & Dinner for 2 is $130/couple and includes: Canoe rental, guided 3-mile float, all shuttles, Valley Vineyard’s famous grill-your-own dinner and 2 drink tickets/person, followed by live music!
Note: Rain or Shine, dinner and music will go on as planned at Valley Vineyards. A canoe voucher will be presented good for one year from Morgan’s. In the event of above normal river levels, 6-8 person rafts may be substituted.
Reservations are required as space is limited. Use the link to select a date!
Paddlesport Rentals at RiverScape MetroPark
Rent kayaks to explore the Great Miami River in downtown Dayton.
Paddle under the fountains with Taiter’s Kayak Solutions all Summer Long at RiverScape MetroPark. Regular walk-up rental hours will take place Thursdays, June- September from 4-8pm and launch from under the Riverside Bridge along the Great Miami Recreational Trail. The cost to participate is $10 per person per hour, and is a walk up experience.
Your Paddling Experience
Kayak rentals are targeted at beginner and first-time paddlers. Those renting will not be permitted to go through the RiverScape RiverRun whitewater feature.
Visitors will receive at least one full hour of paddling in the Great Miami River. They can paddle in the river area from RiverScape MetroPark to Deeds Point MetroPark. If they choose, visitors also can paddleunder the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights, which runs at the top of every hour.
Taiter’s Kayak Solutions staff will provide visitors with brief instruction prior to entering the water, which will include a safety tutorial, and help visitors get into their vessels.
All visitors will be required to wear a properly fitted lifejacket. The lifejacket will be included with the rental, along with other safety equipment.
Swimming is prohibited in the Great Miami River, but visitors should come prepared to get wet.
No lifeguards are on duty, and paddling is at all visitors’ own risk. All visitors must sign a waiver to participate.
Age and Weight Requirements
Visitors must be at least 14 years old.
The maximum weight for participation is 325 pounds. All participants must wear a lifejacket, and the maximum chest size for proper fit is 52 inches.
Rent A Kayak At RiverScape
Paddle under the fountains with Taiter’s Kayak Solutions all Summer Long at RiverScape MetroPark. Regular walk-up rental hours will take place Thursdays, June- September from 4-8pm and launch from under the Riverside Bridge along the Great Miami Recreational Trail. The cost to participate is $10 per person per hour.
Kayak rentals are targeted at beginner and first-time paddlers. Those renting will not be permitted to go through the RiverScape RiverRun whitewater feature.
Visitors will receive at least one full hour of paddling in the Great Miami River. They can paddle in the river area from RiverScape MetroPark to Deeds Point MetroPark. If they choose, visitors also can paddle under the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights, which runs at the top of every hour.
Taiter’s Kayak Solutions staff will provide visitors with brief instruction prior to entering the water, which will include a safety tutorial, and help visitors get into their vessels.
All visitors will be required to wear a properly fitted lifejacket. The life jacket will be included with the rental, along with other safety equipment. Swimming is prohibited in the Great Miami River, but visitors should come prepared to get wet.
Great Miami Riverway Hosts “The Great Float”
The Great Miami Riverway is hosting a Paddling Event on July 14, 2022 from 2-5PM and you’re invited!
It will launch at Miami Bend Park in West Carrollton and land at Case Landing in Miamisburg. Float down the beautiful Great Miami River with your family and friends. Enjoy lush green forested riverbanks and if we are lucky we will see Bald Eagles soaring overhead. Afterwards, join us for a “Taste of Miamisburg” private After Party and then stay to enjoy the Miamisburg DORA.
Rent a kayak, paddle and life jacket for $50 or Bring your own kayak or canoe for $10 – Transportation included.
After Party sponsored by the City of Miamisburg featuring – A Taste of Miamisburg – restaurants including TJ Chumps, Bennett’s Publical, Bullwinkle’s, and Ron’s Pizza.
Sponsored by the Great Miami Riverway and the cities of West Carrollton and Miamisburg
For More Information and To Register: https://protix.cityspark.com/e/the-great-float/tickets
Deadline for Registration is July 8th
Great Miami River Kayaking Trip
Join us for a 2 to 3 hour kayak or float down the Great Miami River.
All participants will meet at Star City Brewing, load up in the shuttle, and leave the brewery. (Shuttling will start at 5:00 pm)
We will unload just after the West Carrollton low dam, travel down river, to just before the Linden bridge in Miamsiburg. Then shuttled back to the brewery.
Once back to Star City Brewing we shall have drinks and share our stories of portages, running aground, getting wet, and just how fun the trip was.
Ticket price includes cost of kayak rental from Hometown Kayak, shuttling, and an adult beverage at Star City Brewing.
Riverway Maps Available in 10 Mile Segments
Love to paddle, row, fish or bird watch? You’ve come to the right place. MCD publishes river maps of the Great Miami River, Stillwater River and Mad River water trails to help you plan your next – or first – kayaking or canoeing experience. The water trail maps show you public access points, river miles, safety information and more. Download them or contact your local park district for a printed copy.
You can also download more detailed maps of the Great Miami River in 10-mile sections. These river access and bike trail 10-mile segment maps will give you a variety of trip ideas.
Within the Great Miami River Watershed Water Trail, you can enjoy
- 291 miles of rivers and streams
- 3 whitewater play kayak parks
- 117 public access points
- 100+ natural and urban parks
- World-class fishing
- Unique river cities and towns
Six rivers and streams – the Great Miami River, Stillwater River and Mad River, along with Twin Creek, Greenville Creek and Buck Creek – make up one of only 21 national water trail systems (designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior) and the only one in Ohio. The three rivers are state-designated water trails, too. And the Stillwater River and Greenville Creek are state-designated Scenic Rivers.
Discover Rowing
Have you ever wondered what rowing was all about? Now’s your chance to experience for yourself!
DISCOVER ROWING 
FREE
Saturday, June 5, 2021
Ages 18 years and up
Learn about boats, oars, basic body mechanics, how to get in a boat safely, and get on the water in a sweep or sculling boat.
Pre-registration is required.
Show times will be assigned via e-mail after you are pre-registered.
EMAIL: discover@daytonrowing.org
Riverway Talks: Old Town Canoe Co. Conversation! 
Join Dan Foley, director of the Great Miami Riverway for a conversation with Alex Sherbinow, Marketing Manager with Johnson Outdoors and Old Town Canoe Co., one of America’s largest manufacturers of canoes & kayaks. He will discuss the company’s interesting history, and the current unprecedented trends in watercraft sales.
Old Town Canoe Co., a Johnson Outdoors brand, has produced canoes, kayaks, fishing kayaks, life jackets, and paddles since 1898 . Their legacy began with they built canvas-covered wooden canoes. The company began making kayaks in 1995. In 2000 the company was making more kayaks than canoes.
