Kayak Twin Creek - Germantown Dam to RT 123

Twin Creek After-Work Adventure Paddle
Germantown, Ohio
Spring window.
Moving water!

FIRST RUN OF THE YEAR
Twin Creek only runs well certain times of year, and May is prime time. By summer it’s usually too shallow. Right now, it should have enough flow to make this a fun, technical, and engaging 4-mile stretch.
This is not a lazy float. Expect moving current, tight bends, downed trees, shallow sections, and possible portages. You must be a strong paddler with real moving water experience.
Here's a little video of this paddle.

Spring runs on Twin Creek don’t last long. If you’ve been waiting to knock the rust off and get back on moving water, this is your shot.
Come ready to paddle.

THE PADDLE
We will paddle from the Germantown Dam tailwaters to the Rt. 123 takeout.
Meet: 5:30 PM
Germantown Dam Tailwaters Boat Launch
7481 Creek Road, Germantown, OH
Launch: 6:00 PM sharp

Distance: ~4 miles
Time on water: ~2 hours
Finish: Around 8:00–8:15 PM
Sunset on May 12 is approximately 8:36 PM. We should finish in daylight but bring a small white light or headlamp.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
You must be comfortable:

• Reading current
• Ferrying and catching eddies
• Navigating strainers
• Getting out for possible portages
• Handling shallow rock sections

This is not for beginners. If you’re unsure, this is not the right paddle.
Requirements:

• 18 years or older
• PFD worn at all times
• Signed liability waiver

TYPICAL MAY CONDITIONS
Average high around 72°F
Average low around 51°F
Evening temps likely in the low 60s
Water temperature will be cold
Dress for the water, not the air.

WHAT TO BRING

• Kayak or canoe in good condition
• Paddle
• PFD (required and you must wear it)
• Headlamp or small white light
• Synthetic or wool layers (no cotton)
• Lightweight paddling jacket
• Secure water shoes
• Dry bag with extra layer
• Full change of clothes
• Towel (especially if sharing shuttle)
• Water and small snack

SHUTTLE
We will coordinate a participant shuttle at the launch. Be prepared to assist.

WATER LEVELS
This creek is only runnable at certain levels. We will monitor the USGS Twin Creek gauge. If water is too low or unsafe, the event will be cancelled.

GAUGES
USGS National Water Information System
USGS 03272000 Twin Creek Near Germantown OH

WEATHER
Cancelled for thunderstorms or unsafe river conditions. Watch Meetup for updates.

POST PADDLE
After we take out, we’ll head to a local Germantown restaurant for food and a proper river debrief.

LIABILITY WAIVER REQUIRED
By attending this event, you indicate that you have read and agree to the ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY located on this site.

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.