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Outdoor Adventures: Best Places to Canoe and Kayak in North Central Ohio
From kayaks and canoes to less traditional options like tubes and stand up paddle boards, Richland County offers numerous destinations for summertime fun on scenic lakes and rivers.
Photos Courtesy of Mohican Adventures
1. Mohican Adventures, Loudonville
Looking for a fun water activity but lacking proper gear? Mohican Adventures has a variety of watercraft available onsite, including canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes.
Canoe or kayak down the Mohican and Black Fork rivers with the seven- or fifteen-mile trips. Both one and two-person kayaks are available. After you've finished, Mohican offers a free shuttle back to your vehicle.
For a more relaxed trip, rent a tube and float down the river, taking in the wildlife and natural scenery as you go. Four- to six-person rafts are also available and make a great choice for families and groups. Shuttle service is available.
Photo courtesy of Pleasant Hill Marina
2. Pleasant Hill Lake Park, Perrysville & Charles Mill Lake Park, Mansfield/Mifflin
Pleasant Hill and Charles Mill are great destinations for every skill level. Guests can bring their own boats; however, both the Pleasant Hill and Charles Mill Marina offer various rental options including kayaks, pontoon boats and stand-up paddle boards. Newbies can enroll in free "try-it" sessions or sign up for beginner lessons. Themed kayak tours offer the chance to discover the wildlife and history of the lakes. Fishing from your kayak is permitted with a valid fishing license.
Photo courtesy of The City of Mansfield
3. Clear Fork Reservoir, Mansfield
Bring your own kayak or canoe to the reservoir and take in the natural beauty of the Clear Fork Valley's 997-acre reservoir. Pontoon and fishing boats are available for rent at the marina. The reservoir has no horsepower limit but does have an 8 mph speed limit and no wake policy.
The surrounding park has spaces for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and picnicking. Three picnic areas located along State Route 97 are free to the public and include tables, charcoal burners, shelters, restrooms and drinking fountains. Picnic area #2 is handicap accessible.
Fishing from boats is allowed except within 500 feet of the dam. Shore fishing is allowed on the south and west shores.
Photo courtesy of Loudonville Canoe Livery
4. Loudonville Canoe Livery, Loudonville
One of the oldest canoe leasing companies in Ohio, Loudonville Canoe Livery offers plenty of options for floating down the Mohican river. Choose between eleven canoe trip options that range from a three mile trip to a seven day excursion. Single or double kayaks, tubes and rafts are available for rent.
After your journey down the river, bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the free, onsite picnic areas or head to the River Room Lounge for pizza or barbecue on the patio.
Photo courtesy of the City of Shelby
5. Reservoir No. 3, Shelby
Located northeast of Shelby, the reservoir is open to row and paddle boats and boats with electric engines. Boats with gas-powered engines are not permitted. Guests can also stroll along the paved walk path that surrounds the reservoir (1.25 miles) or hike through the wooded nature trail (3 miles). Fishing is permitted in part of the reservoir.