LITTLE MIAMI RIVER • WAYNESVILLE , OHIO • SINCE 1984
Little Miami River
Canoe Rentals
Looking for a Little Miami River canoe rental the whole family can enjoy together?
RiversEdge Outfitters has helped generations of paddlers get out on the water, and our canoes make it easy to bring the kids along.
Reserve online in minutes and we’ll handle the rest, from paddles to shuttle rides.
CANOE RENTALS
Why Canoeing on the Little Miami River is a Family Favorite
Canoeing on the Little Miami River has been a tradition here for decades. Here’s what makes it a perfect choice for families, adventure seekers, and nature lovers:
- Trips are self-guided, so you can set your own pace and stop at gravel and sandy beaches along the way
- Many of our canoes include a third seat, so a child can ride comfortably instead of sitting on the floor of the boat
- The river has a steady, gentle current of about 2 MPH, so you’re never fighting the water
- Two clean, spacious changing rooms and restrooms are available on-site
- Every rental supports a $1 donation to the Little Miami Conservancy
- Watch for bald eagles, osprey, river otters, and beavers along the way
FEATURES & CAPACITY
Our Canoes: Roomy and Perfect for Families
Our fleet uses modern canoes built with durable plastic hulls, not aluminum. Seats are molded to fit comfortably, and with two paddlers sharing the workload, canoeing feels less like a workout and more like a float.
Every canoe requires two paddlers, which makes it a great option for couples, siblings, or parents paddling with an older child. For solo options, check out our kayak rentals instead.
Standard Canoes
Seat 2 adults, with many models offering an optional third seat for a child
Weight Capacity
Up to about 450-500 lbs total
TWO SELF-GUIDED FLOAT TRIPS
Plan Your Ohio Canoe Trip
BLUE JACKET'S BEST
Perfect for Beginners
FROM $40 per person
Weekdays $40 · Weekends $45
2-3
Hours
3.5
Miles
ALL
Boats
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Hourly departures 10am–4pm
- Rafts, canoes & kayaks available
- Scenic Little Miami River
- Great for families & beginner
Groups of 10 or more receive an automatic 10% discount through our reservation system, and groups of 20 or more qualify for 20% off. Learn more about our rates.
SIMPLE & FLEXIBLE
OUR BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY
Reservations are available online up to a year in advance and can often be made the same day. Kenton’s Run requires a reservation since we run limited vans. Walk-ups are welcome for Blue Jacket’s Best when space allows.
Cancellations are flexible and convenient. Full refunds are available with 24 hours notice, and we work with guests on weather-related changes regardless of timing. If thunderstorms are moving in, we’ll reach out directly to anyone who has a reservation that day.
What to Pack for Your
Little Miami River Canoe Rental
Closed-toe water shoes or sandals with a secure strap
Sunscreen and a hat or head covering
A soft-sided cooler small enough to carry in one hand
A change of dry clothes for the drive home
We provide a key rack at check-in so your car keys stay secure while you're on the water.
PREPAID · FLEXIBLE CANCELLATION
Ready to Book Your Little Miami River Adventure?
Reserving takes just a few minutes online. Pick your date, choose a canoe, and you’re all set! Reservations are prepaid, so all that’s left when you arrive is checking in and grabbing a life jacket.
Canoe Rental FAQs
What's the weight limit for a canoe?
Our canoes can safely hold up to about 450-500 lbs total, including paddlers and gear.
Can I rent a canoe by myself?
No. We don’t provide solo canoes, because canoeing works best with two paddlers who can coordinate their strokes. If you’re paddling alone, a single-person kayak is a better fit. In addition to canoes and kayaks, we also rent rafts for families and larger groups.
Can kids ride in the canoe too?
Yes! Many of our canoes include a third seat built specifically for a child, so little ones have a real seat instead of sitting on the floor of the boat.
Is canoeing harder than kayaking?
Canoeing requires a little more teamwork than using a kayak or raft. While kayaks use double-bladed paddles, canoe paddlers each use a single-bladed paddle. That means they occasionally need to switch sides to keep the boat tracking straight. With that being said, both activities are beginner-friendly and no prior experience is needed.
What makes canoeing the Little Miami different from other Ohio rivers?
Little Miami River canoeing stands out because of the steady, gentle current, which does most of the work for you. Add in the frequent wildlife sightings—plus the fact that the Little Miami is a federally and state-designated Scenic River—and it’s easy to see why so many people choose this stretch of water for their first canoe trip.
How should we sit in the canoe?
For the best control, the heavier paddler should sit in the back seat, since that position handles most of the steering. The lighter paddler (or the one with less paddling experience) typically sits up front. It’s a small adjustment, but it makes steering noticeably easier for both people.
Are canoe seats comfortable?
Our canoes feature molded plastic seats shaped to provide more support than a flat bench, making them a comfortable option for paddlers.
Do we need to switch paddling sides while canoeing?
Yes, occasionally. Unlike a kayak’s double-bladed paddle, a canoe paddle is single-bladed, so paddlers switch sides periodically to keep the boat headed straight. It takes a little communication between paddlers at first, but most people get a feel for the timing within the first 10-15 minutes on the water.