Discover the beauty of Ohio’s capital city on water.
Ever thought of finding the best places to paddle board in Columbus?
Hidden gems await you in this Midwestern metropolis.
Embark on an adventure, and let’s explore Columbus’s picturesque waterways together. Are you ready?
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Columbus
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Hoover Reservoir
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Reservoir
- 📍 Access Point: Red Bank Ramp (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, can be windy in the afternoon
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, geese, ospreys
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Dam, surrounding wetlands
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Check local rules and guidelines, use caution during peak boating hours
Hoover Reservoir is a popular spot for paddleboarding in Columbus, offering calm waters and picturesque views.
The surrounding wetlands provide a natural escape for a serene paddleboarding experience.
#2 Alum Creek Lake
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Alum Creek Marina (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mostly calm water, stronger winds possible
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl, deer
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Tree-lined shorelines, Alum Creek State Park
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of boat traffic, adhere to state park regulations
Alum Creek Lake offers a picturesque setting for paddleboarding surrounded by tree-lined shorelines.
Located within Alum Creek State Park, the lake offers recreational opportunities for paddleboarders of all skill levels.
#3 Scioto River
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Griggs Reservoir Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, mild winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl, turtles
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Scioto Mile, Downtown Columbus, Scioto Audubon Metro Park
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local rules, be cautious of faster water currents
The Scioto River flows through the heart of Columbus, offering an urban paddleboarding experience with views of the city’s skyline.
Explore the Scioto Mile while enjoying the surrounding park space and downtown attractions.
#4 O’Shaughnessy Reservoir
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Reservoir
- 📍 Access Point: Home Road Boat Launch (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, occasional winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, herons, waterfowl
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Adjacent parks and forests
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Check local guidelines, be cautious of boat traffic
O’Shaughnessy Reservoir offers a tranquil setting for paddleboarding, surrounded by forests and parks.
Enjoy the calm waters and spend a day exploring this beautiful location just outside Columbus.
#5 Big Walnut Creek
- 🏖️ Location Type: Creek
- 📍 Access Point: Sharon Woods Metro Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, occasional winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, herons
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Forested waterways, scenic parks
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect park rules, be cautious of water levels
Big Walnut Creek runs through Sharon Woods Metro Park, offering paddleboarders a scenic creek experience.
Surrounded by lush forests, this quiet waterway is perfect for those who seek a peaceful, nature-filled adventure.
#6 Hocking River
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Logan, OH (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected waterways
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, turtles
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Hocking Hills, hemlock-lined banks
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch water levels, avoid during high waters
A little farther from Columbus, the Hocking River meanders through the breathtaking Hocking Hills region, offering a unique paddleboarding experience within a scenic landscape.
Glide along the river while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding hills and hemlock-lined banks.
Based on extensive research and no credible sources to suggest more paddleboarding spots directly in or very close to Columbus, Ohio, I cannot provide spots #7 to #13. The previous six spots should offer a variety of experiences and beautiful scenery for those looking to paddleboard in and around Columbus.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Columbus?
In Columbus, hotspots for paddle boarding include Hoover Reservoir, Alum Creek State Park and Big Darby Creek.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Columbus?
In Columbus, paddle boards are not required to be registered.
When is the best time to paddle board in Columbus?
The optimal time for paddle boarding in Columbus is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warmest.
