LITTLE MIAMI RIVER • WAYNESVILLE , OHIO • SINCE 1984
LITTLE MIAMI RIVER
KAYAK & CANOE RENTALS
KAYAK RENTALS
DAYTON & CINCINNATI WHAT MAKES KAYAKING ON THE LITTLE MIAMI RIVER SO POPULAR?
Little Miami River kayaking is beginner-friendly by design. The river is Class I, meaning no rapids and no technical sections — just a steady 2 MPH current that does most of the work for you. Here’s what makes our kayak trips so popular:
- Trips are self-guided: we shuttle you upstream, then you float back to your car
- Double-bladed paddles are intuitive (most people get the hang of it in minutes)
- Suitable for ages 3+ and children 30+ lbs when in the front of a tandem kayak with an adult in the rear seat
- Solo and 2-person options available, perfect for couples or parents with kids
- Spot local wildlife like bald eagles, osprey, river otters, and beavers
- Your rental protects nature by providing a $1 donation to the Little Miami Conservancy
FEATURES & CAPACITY
BUILT FOR COMFORT
Our single-person, sit-on-top kayaks have a deep seat back for real support on longer trips, plus a built-in cup holder. Tandem kayaks work well for a parent and child or 2 adults sharing a boat.
We use lighter kayak paddles than most outfitters in the area. That makes a real comfort difference over a few hours on the water, especially for smaller paddlers.
Each kayak features a small storage area behind the seat, which fits most soft-sided coolers.
SINGLE KAYAKS
Up to 275 lbsTANDEM KAYAKS
Up to 450 lbsTWO SELF-GUIDED FLOAT TRIPS
CHOOSE YOUR KAYAKING TRIP
BLUE JACKET'S BEST
Perfect for Beginners
FROM $40 per person
Weekdays $40 · Weekends $45
1.5-3
Hours
3.5
Miles
ALL
Boats
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Hourly departures 10am–4pm
- Rafts, canoes & kayaks available
- Scenic Little Miami River
- Great for families & beginner
KENTON'S RUN
Mid-Level Adventure
FROM $50 per person
Weekdays $50 · Weekends $55
3-5
Hours
9
Miles
KAYAK
Only
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Departures at 10am & 11am
- Extended river experience
- Single-seat kayaks for adventure
- More scenic river views
Groups of 10+ get an automatic 10% discount through our reservation system. Groups of 20+ receive 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 BRING FOR KAYAKING
THE LITTLE MIAMI RIVER, OHIO
Water shoes or sandals
with a strap
Sunscreen
and a hat
A soft-sided cooler
small enough to carry
in one hand
A change of dry clothes
for the ride home (we have 2 changing rooms on-site)
WE PROVIDE A KEY RACK AT CHECK-IN SO YOU CAN KEEP YOUR CAR KEYS SECURE.
PREPAID · FLEXIBLE CANCELLATION
READY TO RENT A SOLO OR TANDEM KAYAK?
Reserving online only takes a few minutes. Just choose your kayak type and trip, and you’re all set! Reservations are
prepaid, so all you need to do on arrival is check in and grab a life jacket.
KAYAK RENTAL FAQS
What's the weight limit for a kayak?
Single kayaks hold up to about 275 lbs. Tandem (2-person) kayaks hold up to about 450 lbs.
What's the difference between a tandem kayak and a canoe?
A tandem kayak seats 2 people and uses double-bladed paddles, so paddling is intuitive and doesn’t require coordinating with your partner. Canoes use a single-bladed paddle and require both paddlers to switch sides and sync up, which takes more practice.
Is kayaking harder than canoeing?
No. Compared to canoeing, kayaking on the Little Miami River is actually easier for most people! We also offer comfortable, spacious rafts as another alternative.
Can I bring a cooler for the kayak?
Yes. Single and tandem kayaks have a small storage area behind the seat, about the size of a binder, that fits a soft-sided cooler. Soft coolers work better than hard ones since they mold to the space and stay put.
Do kayaks have cup holders?
Yes. Our single and tandem kayaks both feature built-in cup holders, which are located at the front of the seat.
Are kayaks restricted during high water?
When water levels rise, canoes are the first boats to be restricted since they’re harder to control. Our Little Miami River kayak rentals remain available because they’re easier to maneuver and less likely to flip.
Is it OK to kayak alone?
Yes, and solo paddlers kayak with us all the time! You’re never far from other groups on the water, and the river will always return you to RiversEdge.
Do left-handed paddlers need anything different?
No, kayak paddles work the same for everyone regardless of hand dominance.