Get outside and enjoy nature with a paddle on the water this summer! Don’t know where to go? We’ve gathered a list of the best places for canoeing and kayaking in Columbus, along with places to rent your boats or stand up paddle boards.

Explore the waterways and the banks of the rivers and lakes around the city and Central Ohio with friends or family – or even on a solo trip!

It’s hot, and there aren’t many ways to get relief from the heat this summer with most public pools and indoor attractions closed. Canoeing and kayaking in Columbus is a great way to cool off.

Canoeing and kayaking are great for both relaxation and fitness, and no experience is required! The rental outfitters will make sure you understand the rules and safety details.

Some liveries, outfitters, and private launches will allow those who own their own kayaks and canoes to launch for a small fee.

Tips for Canoeing and Kayaking in Columbus

Wear shoes or strap-on sandals. If you end up in the water, flip flops and crocs will fall off.

Bring sunscreen and bug spray, and make sure to reapply sunscreen as sunlight reflects off the water.

Wear comfortable clothing that can get wet. While you’re unlikely to end up in the water, you may get water on yourself while paddling. Dress for the temperature of the water, but it always helps to have layers. 

Wear the life jacket provided to you. All boat rentals come with paddles and PFD for safety. 

Put your keys, wallet, and cellphone in a waterproof bag, just in case – or in a ziploc bag in a zippered pocket at the very least.

Check weather and river conditions. The rental place will help you make a decision for both of these, but if you are inexperienced, you may want to avoid times when rivers are high. 

Bring plenty of water and a small snack for longer trips. Even though you are ON water, its easy to get dehydrated in the heat of summer. 

Follow ALL rules of the water and boats as provided by the rental company.

Canoeing and Kayaking in Columbus

Scioto River in Dublin and Powell

Sunrise Kayaking

Offering kayaking trips in Delaware and Dublin. Kayaks are tandem, and can fit 1-2 adults, or 2 adults and a small child.

Book trips on Sunrise Kayaking website.

Big Darby Creek

Big Darby Creek is a dedicated National Scenic River, and is one of the most biologically diverse aquatic systems in the Midwestern United States. 

Trapper John’s Canoe Livery 

7141 London-Groveport Rd, Grove City, Ohio 43123 (614) 877-4321
Trapper John’s Canoe Livery sits on the banks of Big Darby Creek and offers rentals, tours, and more for your paddle adventure. There are trips perfect for beginners to advanced paddlers lasting from 1-6 hours. You can bring your own kayak or canoe, or rental the equipment from them.

Get on the water with Trapper John’s Canoe Livery on Big Darby Creek

Scioto River O’Shaughnessy Reservoir 

O’Shaughnessy Reservoir is located about 9 miles northwest of Columbus in Delaware County. The O’Shaughnessy Reservoir was formed by the The O’Shaughnessy Dam on the Scioto River.

Paddle Gahanna

Gahanna Parks & Rec offer to options to get out on the water with Paddle Gahanna. Choose your experience at Creekside Park, 117 Mill St. (kayak or paddleboat). Should reopen Memorial Day for the 2023 season.

It’s a GREAT way to try it out before you go on a longer paddle. Book online in advance; walk up may be available. 

They offer tandem, sit-on-top style kayaks and pontoon style paddle boats (paddle boats Creekside only). Kayaks can have up to three riders (third rider must be a child). Kayaks are 2 person kayaks, a 3rd rider age 10 and under can be included, weight capacity is 550lbs

Paddle boats can fit 5 people, weight capacity is 830 lbs. There is no age limitation on riders, all riders 12 and younger must have an adult on boat.

See more details about paddling and other fun events in Gahanna. 

Upcoming Summer fun and festivals in Gahanna

Hoover Reservoir

Hoover Reservoir is a 3000+ acre lake is just east of Westerville, Ohio and has a 10hp limit, which makes it safe for kayaks, canoes, and SUP. There are multiple launch areas and boat ramps. Most of the reservoir (besides coves) is in full sun, so bring sunscreen and/or protective clothing.

Hoover Adventures

Don’t have your own kayak or canoe? You can rent and take lessons from Hoover Adventures. They offer kayak and canoe rental hourly, half day, and full day, and every boat comes with life jackets and a whistle. You can also book self-guided tours, lessons, classes and more.

Classes include Beginners, Deep Water, Adaptive Kayaking, Kayaking for kids, fitness kayaking, and Kayaking for ages 50+. (614) 423-9234. See launch sites and rental info here.

Paddle & Roll

Offering kayaks, tandem kayaks, and stand up paddle boards, Paddle & Roll will meet you at the boat dock of your choice on the Hoover Reservoir. They’ll review the equipment with you and help you launch.

Not sure which boat or dock to choose? Ask them! They typical meet in the Oxbow Boat Ramp on the Reservoir.

SUP Columbus

Not updated for 2025

SUP Columbus teaches stand-up paddle board lessons by certified paddle board instructors at Hoover Reservoir in Westerville. They can teach beginners – you don’t have to have any experience – just a willingness to learn! Paddle board rentals are available after completing a 15 minute tutorial (one time only).

Want to try something new? Take an SUP Yoga class! You’ll perform standard yoga poses on your paddle board on the water. If you can do the poses on land, you can do them on the water!

Alum Creek

Alum Creek Lake is in Delaware County about 7 miles north of Columbus. It was constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers in the early 1970’s, and is about 3,269 acres. There are lots of boats on the lake, but plenty of coves and inlets to enjoy safely. 

Alum Creek Marina Rentals

​4000 Hollenback Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035. (740) 548-6056
In addition to motorized boat rentals, the rent 1 and 2 person kayaks, pedal boats (in marina cove only), canoes, and paddleboards at Alum Creek Marina Rentals. 

Hughes Outdoors

(614)327-4424
Hughes Outdoors offer kayak, canoe, and SUP rentals for Alum Creek. They also offer kayak and SUP lessons too! Check the events page to see if there are any upcoming events such as night floats or other special guided trips.

Scioto River Downtown

Olentangy Paddle

Olentangy Paddle offers guided tours along the Scioto River in downtown Columbus. Rentals include single kayaks, paddles, life jacket, a basic lesson, and a guide on the water. Tours are approximately 2.5 hours, with 2 hours on the water.

Tours are recommended for ages 12 and up to ensure they can paddle for 2 hours. You have the option of towing their boat as well. 

Know of other great places to canoe and kayak in Columbus, or where to rent gear? Let us know in the comments!

Buckeye Lake

Buckeye Lake is a reservoir in Fairfield, Licking, and Perry counties. The lake was created in the 19th century as part of the Ohio and Erie Canal project. The lake is now used for recreation, with lots of boating and fishing throughout the year.

You’ll find islands (including inhabited ones), restaurants with docks, and more.

Water levels are lowered in the winter, and once the lake freezes over, you’ll find lots of ice fishing, ice skating, hockey, and even dirt bike and ATV riding on the ice!

Looking to enjoy the lake in warmer weather? Grab a kayak and explore the lake! The lake gets very busy with boats during summer weekends, so we’d warn against kayaking on the Lake during busy times if you aren’t familiar with the lake and boating precautions.

Buckeye Lake Boat Rental

Offering sit in, sit on, or 2 person kayaks for rental (as well as other boats) for as little as one hour at a time. These are picked up/launched at Copper Penny Marina and is a super easy process. Read more/reserve online.

15396 Township RD 403, Thornville, OH 43076

3XP Tours

Offering fun tours around Buckeye Lake, including brewery tours, bike tours, family tours, and more. 

Also offers a self renting Kayak Kiosk at the North Shore Boat Ramp. See details on Facebook or website. 

Hocking River in Hocking Hills

The Hocking River is a 102-mile-long river winding through southwestern Ohio and through Hocking Hills. It’s a popular place for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and tubing. The Hocking is calm class I river with few big rapids or rocks to watch out for.

Hocking Hills Adventures

Hocking Hills Adventures offers a full range of fun in Hocking Hills with River Trips (canoe, kayak, tubes, rafts), camping and rustic cabins, and fun center including go-karts, miniature golf course, game room, and more.

River Trips range from 2 hours to all day on the 9 miles stretch. Reservations are required for rentals, and some options are restricted depending on water levels.

Night canoeing at Hocking Hills Adventures

Hocking Hills Canoe Livery

Hocking Hills Canoe Livery offers river trips with canoes, kayaks, and rafts, as well as tent camping and cabin rental. Trips are 5-7 miles, and will last 1.5 to 3 hours. You can even rent kayaks and canoes by the hour to try out the sport without committing to a longer trip.

This is a great option for beginners or families with younger children. Rafting is dependent on river conditions, and may only be available during Spring. Reservations are required for all trips, as they often sell out during the summer.

Birch Bark Canoe Livery in Champaign County

1455 River Road, Urbana, Ohio, 43078. (937) 652-2663

Mad River in Champaign County is a perfect place to explore in a canoe or kayak. The cool and clear water is spring fed and only 2-3 feet deep in most places. Birch Bark Canoe Livery offers 5 miles trips will take 2 hours in a kayak or canoe, or 4-5 hours in a tube.

Kids ages 7-8 may be able to maneuver a boat on their own. Younger kids can be in a canoe with parents; ages 3 and up only. You can bring your own boat and pay for shuttle services. They offer primitive camping for just $12/night. Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday every week