Panther Creek in Ohio

Trip Overview

Tucked away in between Bradford and Covington lays a kayaking paradise. My first trip down Panther Creek was an exciting one. At first, the river takes of gently, curving back and forth through fields and pastors. There are two sets of electric fence that cross the river, that you need to use caution, as we did not know if they were hot or not, but they are easily passable. Suddenly we found ourselves leaving the open and entering wilderness.

Here the river was all rock bottom, creating a strong flow and many obstacles to overcome. There are a total of three small sections of rapids resembling waterfalls, with the third being the worst. Before the third waterfall, you will have time to stop and enjoy the beauty of an ancient man made cave. The waterfall consist of two drops, one being around 6ft and the second in the range of 3-4ft. Many of the locals said that their had been a death there in the past. Call me crazy, but that still didn't change my mind in taking my 11ft Perception over the edge.

After scoping out the best route I was off to my kayak along with another of my crew. Without hesitation we were off in a exhilarating adventure down the falls. Thankfully no one was hurt and we had made it down safely. If you don't feel the need to go down the falls as a few of the crew, you can pass the falls and continue on your journey. Shortly after the falls, Panther Creek runs into the Stillwater River.

Overall the trip was amazing, and I can not wait to venture down it again. make sure you go when we get a good rain, the creek is spring fed and rises with the run-off from the fields.