Little Miami River in Ohio

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Little Miami - from Eagle Pass to Spring Valley Wildlife Preserve

Did about 15 miles. Put in several miles above the Narrows, which is where Spring Valley livery starts its trips, so the initial stretch of the river was largely unmanned. Almost immediately, we encountered a large natural dam created by fallen trees and other debris. It holds back a large pond. After some extensive scouting, we portaged from the first accessible pull - out on the pond. It was muddy and full of nettles, and the river was running very fast at that point. The kayaks got through but I had to make a second short portage of my canoe because of a strainer with an opening that was just too narrow to risk, given the current.

The river continued for another mile to look like a high - banked sluice. Then the banks dropped, the channel widened slightly, the riverbed became gravel and we entered a stretch lined by huge sycamores. It was absolutely gorgeous -- the best piece of the LMR I'd ever seen, with no houses or roads in sight. The good scenery continued almost all the way to the first possible (and recommended) takeout at Constitution Park.

We continued another five miles to Spring Valley Wildlife Preserve, where the takeout was a muddy mess.

Recommendation for this trip: be ready for the portage and take a saw.

Accommodations:

Parking is easy at both ends. But neither is well-maintained. Lots of mud.

Fees:

No

Directions:

Eagle Pass is at Trebein and US 35.

Resources:

Calculated mileage based on the state's online guide

Trip Details

  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location