The Ohio River isn't just something you cross on your morning commute or while passing through the Cincy Region. It's the reason Cincinnati exists in the first place! It's our front porch, our city backdrop, and now - officially - part of a nationally recognized water trail. 

 

The Ohio River Way is a 308-mile National Water Trail (one of only 40 in the entire country) spanning from Ashland, Kentucky and Ironton, Ohio, down to West Point, Kentucky. If you're wondering how to get out and explore it from the Queen City, the answer is: it's easier than you think. 

 

Here's how to launch your next river adventure, without even leaving the 513. 

A rural strip of the Ohio River, illuminated during golden hour
The Ohio River defines the Cincy Region - historically, geographically and culturally (photo: Mark Alan Young)

Where to Launch a Canoe or Kayak 

There are several nearby spots to dip your paddle in and start exploring! Here are some great places to start: 

  • Schmidt Boat Ramp (East End): A popular public ramp with lots of parking and access for both motorboats and paddlers. Ideal for launching upstream or downstream trips. 
  • Cincinnati Public Landing: Just steps from downtown (and the beautiful Smale Park, Yeatman's Cove/Sawyer Point), this spot is best for experienced paddlers due to busy boat traffic and barge activity.
  • General James Taylor Park: Located in Newport at the confluence of the Ohio and Licking River, it's a great and convenient location to access both rivers. 
  • Gilday Riverside Park Boat Ramp: Situated four miles downstream from downtown Cincinnati, this put-in spot can accommodate powerboats, canoes, or kayaks. Bonus - free parking!
  • Otto Armleder Memorial Park: If you want to canoe or kayak on the Little Miami River, a tributary of the Ohio River, Otto Armleder Park provides easy access. Also with free parking. 
A group of people paddling on the Ohio River
Paddling the Ohio River in the Cincy Region gives you the unique opportunity to see views from two different states at once! (photo: The Jerry Schulte)

Pre-Plan Your Destination

One of the best things about paddling the Ohio River Way is that you can choose your own adventure. Take a short float, push downstream for hours, or plan an overnight excursion. 

 

The Ohio River Way has 13 segmented paddling maps for you to navigate different sections of the river. Here are a few paddling options directly from Cincinnati: 

 

  • Explore the Little Miami and the Ohio on this short paddle: Starting at Otto Armleder access site, head two miles down to the Little Miami, Ohio's only National Wild and Scenic River, to its confluence with the Ohio. Then travel about 2 miles down the Ohio to the Schmidt Boat Ramp. 
  • Start at Schmidt Boat Ramp for a 4-mile trip to Covington Landing or Cincinnati Public Landing: Paddle by the Great American Ball Park and under the iconic John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. 
  • Paddle 22-miles from downtown Cincinnati to Lawrenceburg, Indiana: Leave Cincinnati from either the downtown Public Landing or Covington Landing, then wind through steep, forested hills until you reach the trail's northernmost point in North Bend, Ohio. From here, the trail hugs the Indiana shoreline for the first time. For a detour, paddle upstream at the confluence of the Great Miami River, where you'll discover the Oxbow Nature Conservancy, a 2,500-acre nature preserve known for its wetlands and rich birdlife. Then, continue to Lawrenceburg, Indiana, an adorable little town with a charming main street worth exploring. 
  • Ripley, Ohio to downtown Cincinnati - 51 miles with an overnight stay in New Richmond, Ohio: This one is for the ambitious overnight trippers! You'll pass through multiple river towns and even go through the Capt. Anthony Meldahl Lock and Dam. Keep an eye out for a bald eagle sighting!

 

No Boat? No Problem.

Schack's Yaks is a truly unique opportunity to rent kayaks from self-serve kiosks! It's that simple: walk up, grab a boat (paddles and lifejackets are included), and hit the water. Just return your kayak to the same kiosk when you finish. Check their website for additional rental locations. 

A locker/rental kiosk of kayaks
Schack's Yaks makes it super easy to rent a kayak on the Ohio River - complete with paddle and lifejacket (photo: The Ohio River Way)

Before You Go: A Few Safety Things to Keep in Mind

The Ohio River is surprisingly accessible, especially from a city the size of Cincinnati. 

  • Watch for barges. These massive vessels can't stop quickly or maneuver around you. Stay out of the channel and always give them the right of way. 

  • Know your launch and exit points. Especially if you're doing a one-way trip. Don't forget, tell others your plan before you depart. 

  • Wear a life jacket and whistle. Yes, even if you're a great swimmer. 

  • Check river conditions before you go. Rain upstream can affect currents and water levels.

 

For more in-depth safety info, head to ohioriverway.org/safety. Also, download the free Visitor's Guide to the Ohio River Way to discover hidden attractions, great places to explore, dining, and other places to continue your adventure. 

An Ohio River Way representative holds a paddle in front of an official designation/trail sign
The Cincy Region is a huge portion of the Ohio River Way - a National Water Trail spanning 308 miles through Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky (photo: The Ohio River Way)

Looking for more ways to get outdoors in the Cincy Region? Check out our guides below to water activities, biking the Little Miami Trail, and where to camp. Order your free copy of the 2025 Cincy Region Visitors Guide and start planning your trip today!