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
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Brown County State Park - Hiking, Paddling, Mountain Biking
Brown County State Park, 1801 IN-46, Nashville, IN, USThis is a paddling, car camping, hiking, biking and just chill out weekend.
We have been to Brown County State Park many times to camp, hike, and mountain bike. This is an absolutely stunning area. We want to extend our stay to explore this wonderful area. We have planned 5 nights of camping. Let's go get it!DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE - SAVE THE DATE!
If you are not a camping type, no problem, below are options where you may find a place to lay your head at the end of the day. Come for the day or come for the entire time. Just come and experience this great park with friends.
THE PADDLES
- Our paddle to Yellow Wood Lake- Includes a hike and a picnic.
(will be posted later) - Our paddle to Monroe Lake Includes cave exploration, geode hunting, and shore dinner with sunset. (will be posted later)
THE HIKES
- More than 18 miles of easy to rugged hiking trails meander through Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana.
THE MOUNTAIN BIKING & GRAVEL GRINDING
- Our Mountain Bike Ride Meetup event will be posted later.
- Experience the best mountain biking in the Midwest!
- Rentals are available at Q's Bikes or Brown County Bikes.
- There are nearly 30 miles of beginner to expert mountain biking trails, with 400 feet of elevation change. Trails (mostly singletrack) wind around hills, through ravines and across streams. A permit is required.
THE CAMPING
I have reserved Brown County State Park Rally Camp #2 for this event. The rally camp will accommodate up to 75 people. This site has plenty of room for tent camping and has afternoon sun. This site is primitive with no access to electric but does have water and vault toilets nearby. There are modern toilets and showers available in the main campground within walking/biking distance. You will not have the ability to drive into the main campground. If you have a travel trailer and wish to camp with the group at the rally camp, please message me for details.DAILY ENTRANCE FEES: For cars, trucks and campers, the entrance fee is $7 per vehicle for in-state plates. The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle for out-of-state plates (seven days a week including holidays.) When staying overnight, you will be required to pay the entrance fee the first time you enter and your receipt or hang tag will serve as your in/out pass the remainder of your stay.
PETS
Well behaved and controlled pets are acceptable. However, please be aware that this is an outing where there may be others that do not enjoy the presence of your pet. Aggressive pets will be asked to leave.GRUB
Let's do a chili dump dinner Friday night. Please bring a quart of your favorite chili to dump into the pot and a dish to share. You are on your own for all other meals.ACCOMMODATIONS
Most of us are camping at the state park. If you prefer to reserve an electric site for your RV, You can make reservations through this link.For lodging at the State Park Lodge or Cabins you can make reservations through this link.
ADDITIONAL LINKS AND LOCAL FAVORITES
- Brown County State Park
- Brown County Indiana
- Hard Truth Distilling Company - Entertainment
- Hobnob Corner Restaurant - Great Breakfast
- Heavenly Biscuit - Yum
- OoeyGooey Cinnamon Rolls and Café - Awesome!
ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Your yes RSVP and by attending this event acknowledges that you have read and agree to my accident waiver and release of liability. With this in mind, please remember that I am not your guide. I am a fellow adventurer that is offering notice of a group of friends that are gathering to share in ride-share to enable a fun day on the trail, water or in camp for all. I love you guys, but I love my family more.CANCELLATION
This event will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather or unsuitable river conditions. IMPORTANT: Check this MEETUP event page on Friday morning for last minute details and watch your email for additional updates.21 attendees- Our paddle to Yellow Wood Lake- Includes a hike and a picnic.
Sunrise Paddle, a Hike and a Picnic at Yellowwood State Forest!
Yellowwood Lake South Boat Ramp, Nashville, IN, USLet's get on the water early and watch as this little this lake prepares for its day. The launch location is 20 minutes southwest of Brown County State Park. When we finish paddling, we will hike Yellowwood State Forest and have a picnic lunch at a nearby shelter.
THE PADDLE
We will paddle from Yellowwood Lake South Boat Ramp and back taking a leisurely pace. We will meet at The Yellowwood Lake South Boat Ramp and prepare our boats for launch.
• Start
We will push off from the shoreline at 7:40 AM. Please be early and have your boat unloaded and ready to paddle.
• Finish
We should be out of the water near 9:00 AM. Sunrise is at 7:40 AM.
• Duration
Expect to spend about 2 + or - hours on the water.
• Pace
We will take a leisurely paddle giving plenty of time for camera opportunities.
• Distance
This paddle is determined by the pace of the group.
• Difficulty
This paddle is suitable for all paddlers. You must be 18 years of age or older and sign the liability waiver. It's not a hard paddle.
• What You See
This area is excellent for viewing waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and wading birds. Many migrant passerines also use this area. We may even see and hear migrating loons!
• Restrooms
Available at the launch area.
• Food
Bring water and snacks.
• Equipment
A boat that tracks well would be ideal, but not necessary. You will be required to wear a PFD so bring it, put it on, and be happy we care about you.
• What to Bring
PFD (required) and all your fall-weather stuff...sun hat / water / sunscreen / bug spray, lights, dry clothes, dry shoes, cold weather paddling apparel, and safety equipment.
• What to leave home
No pets on this paddle. Please leave fido and the other critters at home. This is for the safety and enjoyment of the attendees.THE HIKE
We will hike 4.5 miles around Yellowwood Lake. We will begin the hike once our boats and gear are secured. We will take a leisurely pace. The hike will likely take about 2 hours and we should be complete somewhere around lunchtime. We will not be timebound.THE PICNIC
As we hike, we will discover the many picnic areas along the lake shore. We will select which area we would like to use at this time. When we return to our vehicles, we will drive to our picnic location. Please bring an item to share with others.MAPS AND INFORMATION
Launch Location: Yellowwood Lake South Boat Ramp
Address: 7699 E Pine Grove Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401
Yellowwood State Forrest Map
Sunrise 7:40 AM
Sunset 7:32 PM
Yellowwood State Forrest Website
More about Yellowwood State Forrest
Yellowwood State Forest was created in 1940 when federal land was leased to the state of Indiana. The land was deeded to the state in 1956. Prior to that time, the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Project Administration completed three lakes, a shelter house, and a residence, all still in use.
More than 2,000 abandoned and eroded acres were planted to pine (red, jack, shortleaf, white, and scotch), black locust, black walnut, white, and red oak. Red and white pines are the true northern pines and are still in good condition. The other pines are succumbing to insects, disease, and extremely cold winters.
Yellowwood Lake was completed in 1939. The 133-acre lake is about 30 feet deep.
Yellowwood State Forest is close to Brown County State Park, the quaint village of Nashville.ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Your yes RSVP and by attending this event acknowledges that you have read and agree to my accident waiver and release of liability. With this in mind, please remember that I am not your guide. I am a fellow paddler that is 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. I love you guys, but I love my family more.
CANCELLATION
This paddle will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather or unsuitable river conditions.
GUESTS
No guests on the sign up. Just ask your friends to sign up on Meet Up and RSVP to the paddle. In this, we ensure everyone has accepted the liability waiver. this protects everyone on the event.11 attendees
Visit North Fork State Wildlife Refuge, Find Geodes on Beautiful Monroe Lake!
Pine Grove State Recreation Area, 7699 E Pine Grove Rd, Bloomington, IN, USLet’s get on the water late in the day and explore Monroe Lake, the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area, and the Stillwater–North Fork Wildlife Resting Area. This section of the lake offers quiet coves, wildlife‑rich shorelines, and a peaceful evening paddle as the day winds down. A camping Meetup is happening nearby at Brown County State Park — you’re welcome to join that too, but please sign up separately.
THE PADDLE
We’ll paddle roughly 6 miles from the Pine Grove Boat Ramp and back, taking a slow, exploratory pace with plenty of time for photos, wildlife viewing, and shoreline wandering.• Start
Meet at Pine Grove Boat Ramp (Pine Grove State Recreation Area, 7699 E Pine Grove Rd, Bloomington, IN). Please arrive early with your boat unloaded and ready. We push off at 4:30 PM
• Finish
We expect to be off the water around 8:30 PM PM. Civil twilight ends: ~8:32 PM EDT
• Duration
Expect to spend about 4 + or - hours for this event.
• Pace
Slow, relaxed, and explorative — perfect or cameras, binoculars, and curiosity.
• Distance
Approximately 6 miles, depending on group pace.
• Difficulty
Easy under normal conditions, but this is a big lake. If it’s windy, expect waves and open‑water conditions. You must be comfortable on large lakes and able to perform a self‑rescue reentry on your own. Ages 18+ only. You must be able to rescue reentry into your boat on your own.WHAT YOU WILL SEE
We’ll explore the beautiful Charles C. Deam Wilderness shoreline — a 12,953‑acre protected hardwood forest with 36 miles of trails and a long history of conservation under the 1964 Wilderness Act. Expect scenic ridgelines, quiet coves, and a natural, undeveloped shoreline.We’ll also visit the Stillwater-Northfolk Wildlife Resting Area. This zone is one of Monroe Lake’s most important habitats for migrating and overwintering waterfowl. Outside the October 1–April 15 closure period, paddlers can quietly explore the edges of its marshy inlets and sheltered bays. Herons, egrets, loons, raptors, and other wildlife are commonly seen here. Because this is a sensitive ecological area, we’ll move respectfully and avoid disturbing birds.
Along the way, keep an eye out for eagles, waterfowl, small mammals, and the geodes that dot the shoreline.
• Restrooms
Available at the launch area only.• Food
Bring water, snacks and your dinner — we’ll cook and eat on the beach. Backpacking‑style meal prep is ideal.EQUIPMENT
A boat that tracks well would be ideal. A 12+ foot boat is highly recommended. As we are paddling late in the day, bring illumination for your boat. and a headlamp for your noggin.The navigation of Indiana’s waters after dark prompts a need for illumination. Unpowered canoes and kayaks demand at least a luminous white lantern, ensuring visibility from all angles to thwart potential collisions. Additionally, the State encourages red and green bow lights for kayaks and canoes navigating the dark waters.
You will be required to wear a PFD so bring it, put it on, and be happy we care about you.
• What to Bring
PFD (required) and all your fall-weather paddling stuff...sun hat / water / sunscreen / bug spray, lights. Dry clothes, dry shoes, stored in a drybag is required. Your rescue and reentry safety equipment as you need (paddle float, sling, and pump).• What to leave home
No pets on this paddle. Please leave fido and the other critters at home. This is for the safety and enjoyment of the attendees.PLEASE NOTE: A $5.00 permit is required for your boat. Info can be found in Monroe Lake Website
MAPS AND INFORMATION
Launch Location: Pine Grove Boat Ramp
Address: 7699 E Pine Grove Rd · Bloomington, us
Monroe Lake Map
Monroe Lake Website
View daily lake level report
Note: Civil twilight ends: ~8:32 PM EDT on September 6th, 2026CANCELLATION
This paddle will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather or unsuitable lake conditions. Check the event page for updates.SAFETY, WAIVER & REQUIREMENTS
ACCIDENT WAIVER & RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Your YES RSVP and attendance acknowledge that you have read and agree to the accident waiver and release of liability. I am not a guide — just a fellow adventurer organizing a group of friends to enjoy the outdoors together. I love you guys, but I love my family more.
Waiver located here!GUESTS
No guests on a single RSVP. Please ask friends to create a Meetup account and RSVP individually so everyone acknowledges the liability waiver.15 attendees
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
Past events
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