Wet and wild on the Little Miami river.
The Eastside has one of the prettiest and cleanest rivers in Ohio. You can fish for one of the 86 species of fish found in the river. You can canoe, kayak or boat the whole 86 miles of canoeable water or just a few miles. Whichever you choose to do your view will be impressive. Over 340 species of wild flowers are known along the river, not to mention the abundent wildlife.
If you have your own vessel or are considering buying one you can make as many trips as you like this summer and fall without being charged (other than your Ohio boat sticker). There are many access points along the Little Miami and the East Fork Watershed. The East Fork Water shed begins at the East Fork State park and travels thru Batavia and Milford finally connecting to the Little Miami in Terrace Park (across from the Round bottom Bridge).
Here’s some good access points.
East Fork Park Access
Take Slade Rd. east off of SR. 222, and follow the signs to the tail waters of the Dam. Park in the small lot on the left side half way down the long hill. To the left of the parking lot, there is an abandoned road that you can walk down to the river.
Sycamore Park (Clermont Co.) Access
This access point is one of the best on the river. Located on SR. 132, approximately 1 ½ mile south of Main Street in Batavia, this access is the easiest there is. Parking is available all the way to the riverbank.There are tables and shelters available for picnics on first come, first served, and reservations basis.
Batavia Village Dam Access
A low level dam is located south (up stream) from the Main St. bridge in Batavia, and straight across from the old Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles office on SR. 132. There is off-street parking.
Clermont County Park Maintenance Canoe Launch Access
Located on SR. 222, approximately 1 ½ miles north of the Batavia Bridge, this access point is beside the Clermont County Park Maintenance building. There is one picnic table and a gravel road loop that extends to the river.
Stonelick Olive Branch Bridge
Limited access is available at the bridge on Olive Branch Stonelick Rd. Land on both sides of the river is privately owned and most is posted. Still it’s a great drop point if you don’t need to leave a vehicle.
Lake Isabella Park.
To access the park take I-275 Exit 52, Go 0.5 mile south on Loveland Road. Nominal fee required.
SR-126 Bridge, Remington Rd.
You can access the river from the road. Once again no place to leave a vehicle.
Kelley Nature Preserve Cler. County Park
The canoe launch is just west of Miamiville off SR-126.
SR-126 Bridge (Miamiville Road) and bike path bridge. Just a drop off point no parking.
Jim Terrell Park, City of Milford.
Just south of US-50 and SR-28 Bridge in Milford, You can access the river on the right.
Bass Island Access, Hamilton County Park,
This is on the southside of Newtown Road Bridge just south of the intersection withUS-50 about 2 miles east of Mariemont, you can access the river on the left. Nominal fee required, ample parking.
Magrish Recreation Center Access
Located at US-52 (Kellogg Ave.) bridge just south of Cincinnati Municipal Airport (Lunken Field). Take Canoe Lane to the parking lot, you can access the river on the left.
Crutchfield Place in Loveland.
You can access river on the left, just past railroad bridge, with permission. Ample parking at Nisbet Park.
Whether have your own boat or just rent one, canoeing and kayaking the Little Miami is a blast. Bring along a fishing pole and troll, bait cast or fly fish and it’s even more fun. I like to go out just after a small rain so the river runs more swiftly because I love the rapids. Beware of the beautiful water...it has taken the lives of many. Rapids can easily overturn your boat hurting or even killing you. Stay safe, obey the rules, wear your life jackets and you will enjoy the experience.
