Whitewater Kayaking in Northwest Ohio
Many of our club members enjoy the thrill of whitewater kayaking. Below are some popular areas to find play waves, local to Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Despite the traditionally flat and lazy rivers, the areas below tend to have whitewater – depending on water level.
Maumee River Kayaking
There are two places TRG members go for whitewater kayaking on the Maumee River: Turkey Foot rapids and Roche De Boeuf (aka The Rock). For more information about where to put-in and take-out, download the PDF: Toledo River Gang Water Levels.
The pictures depict places to paddle on the Maumee for distance seekers — click to zoom and see more detail. The images include Maumee River access points and official boat launch sites. Whether you seek to paddle a great distance or casually float, these maps might help decide where to shuttle cars/boats.
Sandusky River Kayaking
For whitewater on the Sandusky River in Tiffin, TRG members frequent the Huss Street Bridge. There is plenty of play downriver — but none as good as the wave at Huss Street. See page two of the Toledo River Gange Water Levels for more information.
BE AWARE: there is a low-head dam up river of the Huss Street Bridge. Proceed with extreme caution and avoid it at all costs!
Recreational Kayaking
Metroparks Toledo
Starting in 2014 the Toledo Metroparks have created a paddling sport program including adaptive paddling boat launches at Wiregrass and rental kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) on the Maumee River at Farnsworth.
http://metroparkstoledo.com/outdoor-adventures/paddling-sports/
http://metroparkstoledo.com/features-and-rentals/farnsworth-kayak-concession/
City Parks Toledo
For a casual paddle on the cusp of Lake Erie visit Cullent Park in Point Place.
Cullen Park, Point Place, North Toledo, 4526 N. Summit St, Toledo, OH
http://cullenpark.org/
Sea (Open water) Kayaking
Enjoy the challenge of sea or lake kayaking? Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan offer some fantastic paddling views and adventures. Lake Erie specifically features popular island to which anyone can paddle from the mainland. Below you’ll find some popular paddling put-ins and destinations.
Lake Erie
South Bass Island (better known as Put-in-Bay)
For more information about Put-in-Bay: VisitPutinBay.org
Middle Bass Island
For a more laid-back version of island life, Middle Bass Island offers a primitive campground http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/middlebassisland
North Bass Island
Kelleys Island
Last updated 2018
Toledo River Gang 