About us
Welcome to Ohio Paddlers. If you enjoy paddling rivers, creeks and lakes, this is the group for you! Keep in mind that paddling involves some inherent risk. Because of this, some paddles may not be appropriate for new or beginner paddlers. You must read and accept our release of liability prior to joining or attending any event. Now, let's go paddling!
For information on donations to help fund the group, scroll down to DONATIONS
ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Your yes RSVP and by attending any event acknowledges that you have read and agree to our accident waiver and release of liability. With this in mind, please remember that we are not your guides. We are fellow paddlers offering notice of a group of friends that are gathering to share in ride-share to enable a fun day on the water for all. We love you guys, but we love our families more.
LINKS
Our Web Address: http://www.ohiopaddlers.net
Join us on Facebook?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohiopaddlers
International Scale of River Difficulty
The classes below are the American version of the rating system used throughout the world. This system is not exact. Rivers do not always fit easily into one category and there may be regional interpretations.
Rapids are classified by American Whitewater(opens in a new tab) as:
Class I -- Easy -- Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Self-rescue is easy.
Class II -- Novice -- Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers.
Class III -- Intermediate -- Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges is often required. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can occur.
Class IV -- Advanced -- Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. There may be large, unavoidable waves, and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. Rapids require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Self-rescue is difficult.
DONATIONS
Donations will be requested to make the group payment a couple times per year. A fair donation is roughly $10 per member per year. If that does not work, I will adjust it. Payments go out February and August. Donate using these 4 options
- Zelle to 214-909-7000
- Venmo George-Davis-17 (as a friend)
- PayPal @gdavis727
- Cash to me with a follow up email or text.
- Comments about donations....
If you donate money and your name is not on your PayPal or Venmo account , please add your name to the payment so I can identify the source.
I will report financial status periodically, at the bottom of this page. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me. Meetup has become too expensive for me to absorb. Annual fee right now is $384 paid out in two payments, 6 months apart. - Closing comments...This approach keeps the group functional. Your voluntary support is much appreciated.
- Feb 24, 2026 payment completed ($191.69)
- Current Balance in account: $204.
- Pending deposits: $10
- Second 2026 payment due on 8/24/26 - $191.69. ($384 total needed to fund 2026). 2026 is funded. Thanks all for your contributions to make this group work.
- For those that have not donated, please consider $10 per year. We survive because a precious few donote considerably more, as I have kept this a voluntary practice. Hope to see you on the water (SYOTW) this year.
Upcoming events
6
Volunteer at Bogg mobile food pantry! - Miamisburg Location
Bogg Mobile Pantry, 120 N 1st St, Miamisburg, OH, USLet's go volunteer at a mobile food pantry together!
If you are interested in giving back locally, I have found my time spent volunteering at Bogg very rewarding and I know you will too. I think it would be so fun to do this with some paddling friends.
I have 6 spots reserved for our group. Once these 6 spots are taken, please use the following link to sign up as an individual. Please post up in the discussion board below once you have signed up and I will manually add you to the Meetup so your friends will know that you are attending.
Sign up early as the spots fill quickly. There is a link below that will take you to the Signup.com web site.
All we do is hand out groceries and help carry bags. We should arrive at 5:40 pm and be finished at 7:50 pm. The event runs from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. If possible, please arrive 20 minutes early (5:40) for setup and help us cleanup afterwards (7:50).
We will visit a local Miamisburg eatery afterwards to socialize.
Once the first 6 slots I reserved are claimed, please use the steps below to sign up individually.
- Click here to sign up!
- Scroll down to the Miamisburg section and choose the [Miamisburg | 120 N 1st St, Miamisburg] location.
- Select the event for that date you have interest and then click confirm.
A little info about Bogg
Bogg Ministries began in 2010 when 2 guys named Jason saw a need in Dayton that wasn't being met in a big enough way. Food assistance is one of the most often overlooked issues in cities like Dayton, because it isn't always obvious at a first glance. What we see are folks working hard, living in communities just like any other; but when you look inside those homes, you see a different story. Many families struggle to put food on the table on a regular basis when they have worries like utility bills, transportation costs, and sometimes trouble finding steady work.
From this realization came Bogg, Because of God's Grace Ministries. Bogg has moved from feeding 4 families a week, to over 1500 people a month throughout the Dayton area. Food provided is distributed through mobile food pantries called Mobile Meals. These events occur at scheduled times and places each month, and there are no requirements for anyone to receive free food items. Anyone who comes out will be given a weeks' worth of groceries and a hot meal while they are there. How do we do it? We partner with the Dayton Foodbank and receive all of our food at a discounted price per pound, allowing us to give all that we purchase away for free. We are 100% donation funded, and work to find new and interesting ways to raise money to better our organization.
5 attendees
Little Miami paddle
Little Miami River * Caesar Creek Access, 39.497177, -84.100610, Waynesville, OH, USPlaceholder for a moving water paddle, SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON RIVER CONDITIONS.
Plan is to paddle the Little Miami River from Corwin W. Nixon Covered Bridge Access point to the Mather's Mill Access point, about a 6 mile paddle. Plan to meet at the covered bridge put in (address pinned) at 9:30, be unloaded and ready to shuttle at 9:45, and we'll plan to push off at 10:30 am. Be prepared to spend 3-4 hours on the water, pack all the essentials and a light lunch/snack. We'll plan to head out to Lebanon Brewing Company for a late lunch after the paddle.
This is a beginner level paddle, although some moving water experience is recommended and you'll need to have your own equipment. Lifejackets (PFD's) are required to be worn at all times on this paddle, no exceptions.
Directions to put in:
Corwin M. Nixon Covered Bridge Canoe Access - Google MapsDirections to take out:
Mathers Mill ODNR PUBLIC Access - Google MapsI'll provide my phone number closer to the event.
15 attendees
Camping at Breaks Interstate Park
Breaks Interstate Park, 627 Commission Cir, Breaks, VA, USDESCRIPTION
Join us for an unforgettable fall adventure from Friday October 23 through Saturday October 31 at Breaks Interstate Park in Virginia/Kentucky, a rugged and breathtaking destination often called the “Grand Canyon of the South.” This is peak fall in the mountains—cool air, fiery foliage, and the perfect backdrop for a week of exploration, challenge, and laid-back campfire nights.
Whether you're chasing adrenaline or just looking to unplug and take in incredible views, this trip delivers.
Come for the full week, just a weekend, or a few days in between—whatever works for your schedule. Just share your timing in the comments so others can coordinate.WHAT TO EXPECT
Breaks Interstate Park is raw, scenic, and made for adventure. Towering cliffs, deep gorges, and miles of trail set the stage for a choose-your-own-adventure experience. Join in on as much or as little as you want:
Whitewater Rafting – The Russell Fork River comes alive in the fall with dam releases that create some of the most exciting whitewater in the region. This is the real deal for those looking for a thrill.
Hiking – We’ll hit some of the best trails in the park, including routes to overlooks like Towers Overlook and the rugged Prospectors Trail. Expect big views and varied terrain.
Mountain Biking – Moderate, flowy trails wind through the forest, offering fun and challenge for intermediate riders.
Sightseeing – Not every moment has to be high intensity. Sunrise and sunset over the gorge are worth the trip alone.CAMPING AND LODGING INFO
I’ll be based in the campground at Breaks Interstate Park for the duration of the trip (October 23 through
October 31), making this a true basecamp-style adventure.
If you want the full experience:
Reserve your own campsite at Breaks Interstate Park Campground.
Last year, the "D" loop was open all year, I haven't been able to get a commitment from the camp office that this year they will do the same. I'll update this event when I hear back from them, and will reserve through Sunday November 1 if possible.
Coordinate with others if you want to share space and keep things social.
If camping isn’t your thing, you’ve still got great options:
Breaks Park Lodge offers comfortable rooms with incredible views of the gorge.
Cabins in the park provide a cozy middle ground.
Nearby rentals and small hotels are also available within a short drive.
Fall is a busy season here, so don’t wait to book.WHO SHOULD JOIN
If you enjoy being outside, you’ll fit right in. This trip is for hikers, bikers, paddlers, explorers, and anyone who wants to spend time in a beautiful, wild place with good people.
You don’t need to be an expert—just come prepared, stay flexible, and bring a sense of adventure.OPTIONAL EVENTS
Hike – Prospectors Trail Loop and other overlook routes
Mountain Bike Ride – Explore the park’s moderate trail system
Whitewater Rafting – Russell Fork River (depending on release schedule and conditions)
Sunrise and Sunset Meetups – Catch the gorge at its most dramaticFOOD
You are responsible for your own meals.
Camp cooking is part of the experience, so bring what you need and plan ahead.
For a break from camp, the Breaks Park Lodge Restaurant offers solid meals with one of the best views around.
Options outside the park are limited, so it’s best to bring groceries with you.MAPS AND INFORMATION
Breaks Interstate Park Reservation Information
Breaks Interstate Park General Information
Breaks Interstate Park Trail Maps
Trailforks and AllTrails (search “Breaks Interstate Park”)MORE ABOUT THE BREAKS AREA
This place is all about dramatic landscapes and outdoor access.
Breaks Gorge cuts deep through the mountains, creating one of the most striking natural features in the region.
Towers Overlook is one of the signature viewpoints in Breaks Interstate Park and easily one of the most rewarding stops in the entire area. Perched high above the Breaks Gorge, it offers a wide, unobstructed view of the canyon as it winds through the mountains, with the Russell Fork River cutting far below. From the overlook, you can take in the full scale of the landscape—steep, forested slopes dropping into the gorge, layered ridgelines stretching into the distance, and dramatic rock formations that give the area its “Grand Canyon of the South” nickname. In the fall, the view becomes even more impressive as the hillsides explode with color, creating a patchwork of reds, oranges, and golds. It’s an ideal spot for sunrise and sunset, when the light hits the canyon walls and creates deep shadows and glowing highlights across the terrain. On clear days, visibility can stretch for miles, making it a great place for photos or just taking a quiet moment to absorb the surroundings. Access is relatively easy, with a short walk from the parking area, making it a perfect stop whether you're out for a full day of hiking or just looking for one of the best views in the park without a long trek.
The Russell Fork River is the crown jewel of Breaks Interstate Park and a bucket-list destination for whitewater enthusiasts. Each fall, controlled dam releases turn this normally calm river into a powerful and technical whitewater run, attracting paddlers from across the country. The section that cuts through the Breaks Gorge offers a mix of fast-moving current, steep drops, and challenging rapids set against towering canyon walls. It’s not just about the adrenaline—the scenery is just as impressive, with sheer rock faces and dense forest rising up on both sides of the river. For those not running it themselves, the overlooks throughout the park provide incredible vantage points to watch the action below. Whether you’re paddling or spectating, the Russell Fork is one of the most unique and exciting features of the entire region.
In late fall, the forest comes alive with color, as crisp air, vibrant foliage, and active wildlife make every hike and overlook feel like part of the experience.RECOMMENDED GEAR AND WHAT TO BRING
Come prepared for changing mountain weather and a variety of activities.
Camping Essentials:
Tent, hammock, or shelter
Sleeping bag and pad suitable for cool nights
Camp chair
Headlamp or flashlight
Cooking setup and food
Water storage
Firewood or plan to share
Rafting Gear (if participating):
Plan to book with an outfitter if needed
Quick-dry clothing and layers
Water shoes
Dry bag
Hiking Essentials:
Durable hiking shoes or boots
Daypack with water and snacks
Layered clothing
Rain jacket
Mountain Biking:
Bike and helmet
Repair kit and spare tube
Hydration
General Items:
Warm layers (temperatures can drop significantly at night)
Hat and gloves
Sunscreen and bug spray
First aid kit
Camera
ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
By RSVPing and attending, you acknowledge and accept responsibility for your own safety. This is a group of peers getting together to explore—not a guided trip. Come prepared, make smart decisions, and look out for one another.
CANCELLATION
Plans may change if weather or conditions make activities unsafe.
Check the event page before heading out for any last-minute updates.
GUESTS
Guests are welcome. Please have them join Meetup and RSVP so they are aware of all event details and the liability waiver.
NOTE: Event details are subject to change.9 attendeesVolunteer at Bogg mobile food pantry! - Miamisburg Location
Bogg Mobile Pantry, 120 N 1st St, Miamisburg, OH, USLet's go volunteer at a mobile food pantry together!
If you are interested in giving back locally, I have found my time spent volunteering at Bogg very rewarding and I know you will too. I think it would be so fun to do this with some paddling friends.
I have 6 spots reserved for our group. Once these 6 spots are taken, please use the following link to sign up as an individual. Please post up in the discussion board below once you have signed up and I will manually add you to the Meetup so your friends will know that you are attending.
Sign up early as the spots fill quickly. There is a link below that will take you to the Signup.com web site.
All we do is hand out groceries and help carry bags. We should arrive at 5:40 pm and be finished at 7:50 pm. The event runs from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. If possible, please arrive 20 minutes early (5:40) for setup and help us cleanup afterwards (7:50).
We will visit a local Miamisburg eatery afterwards to socialize.
Once the first 6 slots I reserved are claimed, please use the steps below to sign up individually.
- Click here to sign up!
- Scroll down to the Miamisburg section and choose the [Miamisburg | 120 N 1st St, Miamisburg] location.
- Select the event for that date you have interest and then click confirm.
A little info about Bogg
Bogg Ministries began in 2010 when 2 guys named Jason saw a need in Dayton that wasn't being met in a big enough way. Food assistance is one of the most often overlooked issues in cities like Dayton, because it isn't always obvious at a first glance. What we see are folks working hard, living in communities just like any other; but when you look inside those homes, you see a different story. Many families struggle to put food on the table on a regular basis when they have worries like utility bills, transportation costs, and sometimes trouble finding steady work.
From this realization came Bogg, Because of God's Grace Ministries. Bogg has moved from feeding 4 families a week, to over 1500 people a month throughout the Dayton area. Food provided is distributed through mobile food pantries called Mobile Meals. These events occur at scheduled times and places each month, and there are no requirements for anyone to receive free food items. Anyone who comes out will be given a weeks' worth of groceries and a hot meal while they are there. How do we do it? We partner with the Dayton Foodbank and receive all of our food at a discounted price per pound, allowing us to give all that we purchase away for free. We are 100% donation funded, and work to find new and interesting ways to raise money to better our organization.
3 attendees
Past events
1491
