Ohio: where serenity meets adventure.
Ever considered paddling through beautiful wetlands or alongside charming islands?
The best places to paddle board in Ohio are waiting for you.
Embark on a journey to explore Ohio’s gorgeous bodies of water. Ready to make a splash?
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Ohio
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: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Red Bank harbor (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, can be windy at times
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, bluegill, catfish, herons, eagles
- ️🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Beautiful wooded shoreline, panoramic views
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: No wake zones, avoid fishing areas
Hoover Reservoir, located in Westerville, offers a serene and tranquil paddleboarding experience. The reservoir’s calm waters, surrounded by picturesque forests, make it the perfect spot for a refreshing paddle session.
With a variety of access points and no shortage of natural beauty, it’s no wonder Hoover Reservoir is a favorite among Ohio’s paddleboarders.
#2 Alum Creek Lake
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Cheshire Boat Launch (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, bluegill, white-tailed deer, waterfowl
- ️🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Alum Creek Dam, overhanging cliffs, lush forests
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect no-wake zones, be aware of boating traffic
Alum Creek Lake, situated in Delaware County, is an ideal destination for paddleboard enthusiasts. With a beautiful shoreline encompassing overhanging cliffs and lush forests, this lake offers a peaceful escape from daily life.
Paddleboarders will find themselves surrounded by vibrant nature as they explore the winding inlets and coves that make this location unique.
#3 West Branch State Park
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: West Branch State Park Marina (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, slight wind at times
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Crevalle jack, kingfish, dolphins
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Dense forests, hiking trails
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to park rules, watch for boat traffic
Located in Portage County, West Branch State Park provides paddleboarders with a natural haven. With its lush forests surrounding the water and several hiking trails nearby, there’s always something new to explore.
The picturesque lake offers calm, inviting waters, making it an excellent spot for paddleboarders of all skill levels.
#4 Cuyahoga River
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Kent Dam Area (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Encounters: Walleye, smallmouth bass, kingfishers, herons
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Forests, waterfalls, remnants of old mills
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Steer clear of dams, respect private properties
The Cuyahoga River, winding its way through Northeast Ohio, offers a unique paddleboarding experience. Surrounded by dense forests and featuring breathtaking waterfalls, this river is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
The gentle currents and wind protection make it a scenic and comfortable location for paddleboarders looking to immerse themselves in nature.
#5 Lake Erie
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Edgewater Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, afternoon winds can pick up
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Smallmouth bass, walleye, waterfowl, migratory birds
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Cleveland skyline, picturesque sunsets
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of sudden storms, monitor lake conditions
Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes, offers an exciting paddleboarding adventure near Ohio’s shores. The Cleveland skyline serves as a vibrant backdrop as paddlers glide across the lake’s calm waters.
Whether soaking up the sun or taking in the breathtaking sunsets, Lake Erie is a must-visit for paddleboard enthusiasts in Ohio.
#6 Grand Lake St. Marys
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Grand Lake St. Marys State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional light winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Catfish, bluegill, bass, waterfowl
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Green islands, beautiful shorelines
- ⚠️Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park rules, watch for boating traffic
Grand Lake St. Marys, located in Mercer and Auglaize Counties, boasts a peaceful and scenic place for paddling. The largest man-made lake in Ohio and a state park, it offers a picturesque shoreline and calm waters for a delightful paddleboarding experience.
With an abundance of wildlife and green islands scattered across the lake, it’s a Southern Ohio gem worthy of exploration.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Ohio?
Popular places to paddle board in Ohio are Lake Erie, Maumee River, Grand Lake St. Marys, and Cuyahoga River.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Ohio?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in Ohio.
When is the best time to paddle board in Ohio?
The optimal time for paddle boarding in Ohio is during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall.
