The Great Miami River (also called the Miami River) is a tributary of the Ohio River, approximately 160 mi (257 km) long.The river is named for the Miami, an Algonquian-speaking Native American people who lived in the region during the early days of white settlement.
Our course takes you through approximately 8 miles of that length. We will shuttle you to the put in location just south of the last dam on the river in Hamilton, Ohio to begin your adventure. You'll then be carried by the gentle, yet surprisingly strong, currents past the Riverside Natural Area and Joyce Park. Be sure to keep an eye out for the wildlife that thrives in this area. This stretch of river is also a great place to stop and picnic. Just don't leave your boat unattended!
Deer will often be seen in the morning or evening hours, coming to the river for a sip of cool fresh water. Blue Heron and Canadian Geese, along with several species of duck, will honk, quack and circle above your head. Look at the shoreline to see frogs, turtles, and the nesting sites of sparrows, dug into the mud like miniature highrises.
As you continue by the natural wonders offered, if it's the weekend, you'll soon hear the throaty roar of the drag races held at Tri-State Raceway on the right bank, across from Joyce Park. You'll hear the announcers, and engine roars echo across the river.
Then you will come to the sharkfin, a sharp bend in the river shaped, as it's name suggests, like a shark's fin.
Just past the Sharkfin, comes a long bend in the river and a trip under a private bridge/conveyor belt that links the properties of Martin Marietta. Please avoid beaching your boat in this area, as it is private property.
As you lazily float along further south, you will come one of our favorite features of the river. A bend we lovingly call "The Nose". This area has also been known as Blackbottom and Fairplay. This was the location of a ferry and a grist mill in the 1800's. You will be able to see East Miami River Rd. Wave to the poor people forced to go about their day in the cramped confines of a car or truck, they would gladly trade places with you!
Past the nose you will come to the mouth of Indian creek on the right. There may or may not be water in the creek depending on the time of year. No worries, you can't get confused and paddle up Indian creek, it is too shallow.
Once past Indian Creek inlet, you will finally come to the most exciting part of the trip, the climax, so to speak. You'll come around a lazy left bend and before you know it, the current will begin to pick up. You'll find paddling is easier, and there is a reason why...
You are approaching the SR27 bridge, a massive concrete structure, built over the river, and just before that bridge, is a set of cool rapids. You can get a view of them right here on this website in the Pictures & Videos page.
Just follow the current and enjoy the ride through the rapids.
Once you punch through the rapids and pass the 27 bridge, you'll find the livery about a 1/2 mile down on the left.
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