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SITE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!
Canoe & Kayak Rentals
in Ohio
Explore the Waters Your Way
CANOES
- 2 person boat for 3, 8, 11, or 16 mile trip
- 3 MILE TRIP ONLY - up to 3 adults, 13 and older or 2 adults and 2 small children, ages 5 - 10
- 600 lb. weight limit
- space for large cooler - no styrofoam or glass please
- life jacket required and provided
- paddling experience required
- COST per boat: 3 mile - $50, 8 mile - $55, 11 mile - $60, 16 mile - $80
- 3 adults to a boat, add an additional $20 per boat
- children 10 and under are free
KAYAKS
TUBES
- single person boat for 3, 8, 11, or 16 trip
- 275 lb. weight limit
- space for small cooler - no styrofoam or glass please
- life jacket required and provided
- paddling experience required
- COST per boat: 3 mile - $40, 8 mile - $45, 11 mile - $50, 16 mile - $70
- single person open center tube
- 3 MILE TRIP ONLY
- 2 - 3 hour float
- must be 49 in. tall or taller
- 250 lb. weight limit
- cooler tubes available to rent
- ages 13 and under, life jacket is required and provided
- no paddling experience required
- no personal tubes
- COST: $30 per tube, $5 per cooler tube
- swimming experience is recommended
CAMPING
- TENT CAMPING ONLY
- must have boat reservation to camp
- campgrounds are on the property site and contain fire ring and wood, picnic table and trash can
- please leave our campsites as you found them; trash dumpsters are at the lodge
- COST: $10 per person, per night
- children 12 and under are free
PERSONAL BOAT SHUTTLES
- want to eliminate some of the time and risk with putting your own boat on the river, take advantage of our personal boat shuttles
- limited to canoes and kayaks only
- no inflatables or personal tubes
- COST per boat: 3 mile - $15, 8 mile - $20, 11 mile - $25, 16 mile - $30
TRIPS & DEPARTURE TIMES
- 3 mile: weekends 2 and 3:00
weekdays 12, 1, 2 or 3:00
paddle time: 1.5 hours
- 8 mile: 11, 12, or 1:00
paddle time: 2.5 hours
- 11 mile: 9 or 10:00
paddle time: 4 hours
- 16 mile: 8:00 A.M. ONLY
paddle time: 5 to 6 hours
- 16 mile reservation requirements:
2 boat minimum and minimal 24 hour, in advance, reservation
- check-in time is a 1/2 hour prior to departure time. all customers must be checked in and paid no later than 15 minutes before departure time.
- ALL TRIPS REQUIRE A RESERVATION
TAKE-OUTS
- if you are putting yourself on the river and would like to park in our parking lot and/or take out on our river landing, we do charge a $5 fee per boat
- we ask that when you arrive to park your vehicle, come to the counter, let us know what kind of vehicle you have parked, how many boats you will be taking out, and take care of your fees, at that time
- no personal tubes please
About the Mad River
Where Eagles Soar
Begin your adventure on the cool, clear, spring fed waters of the historic Mad River.
Did you know that the Mad River is considered a geologically young river of only 10 to 15,000 years old? Or, that it was shaped as glaciers receded from Ohio? It is a fossil bearing river and was a key waterway for many indigenous tribes, including the Shawnee, as well as for the early pioneer settlers of the late 1700's.
The Mad River has endured its history from great battles to great floods to channelization and urbanization and still remains the largest cold-water fishery and one of oldest trout streams in Ohio. The river has been ranked #1, for multiple years, as the best trout stream in the state.
The river runs 72 miles from Campbell Hill in Logan County to the Great Miami at Dayton's Deeds Park. As the Mad River is a major tributary to the Great Miami, so is Buck Creek a major tributary to the Mad River, as Buck Creek joins its flow around Springfield.
The Mad River derives its name from the "mad", broken, and rapid current that can be experienced, at times, in some sections of the river, especially when the river depth is elevated. Please, always know the river conditions before you go, as well as, what are your paddling and swimming skills, And, always wear a life jacket!
The river also has a calm, natural beauty to it, as well. The northern most portion of the river is serene. While, as you get closer to its mouth, at the Great Miami, the river speed or CSF, increases. River goers love the fun mix of the rapid and the calm and if you get the chance to experience the rivers two canoe liveries, Birchbark and Mad River Adventures, you will have the opportunity to paddle at least 26 miles of this beautiful river, unguided.
The Mad River is also home to multiple species of birds, mammals, rodents, amphibians and reptiles, including, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Herons, Mink, Otter, Beaver, Salamanders, Turtles, Snakes and Frogs.
So, we at Mad River Adventures love and respect the river. It is not perfect but it is our home. We believe in promoting river safety and river cleanliness. All we ask, is that you do the same. Thank you.
check out our Drone video!
