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Have questions or need more information? We’re here to help! Whether you’re planning your next paddling adventure or looking for details about our trips, feel free to call or email us. We can’t wait to get you out on the water!
Frequently Asked Questions
Our section of the Hocking River is ideal for beginners, featuring no rapids or tricky navigation.
Our trips are self-guided; we’ll transport you upriver for either 5 or 7 miles, and you’ll paddle
back to the livery where your vehicle is parked. Simply follow the flow of the river to return to
your starting point.
A reservation isn’t required as we take walk-ins every day. We do highly recommend a
reservation for a Saturday kayak trip. Saturdays are our busiest day and kayaks do tend to be
rented rather quickly. We also do require a reservation for our 7-mile trip on Saturdays from
Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend.
No worries! This is the perfect place to learn. The water is calm and the current is slow, so you
don’t need to be a pro to navigate your way around. We want you to come back with a smile
on your face. We’ll gladly show you the ropes and give you any tips you might need so that
your maiden voyage is a successful one. Our staff is always happy to help!
Participants must be at least 3 years old to go on the river—no exceptions. Please note that
age requirements may increase based on river conditions, water levels, and experience. Safety
is our top priority, and we reserve the right to adjust restrictions as needed to ensure a safe
and enjoyable trip for all guests.
Our canoes are designed with two seats. If a third person joins, they will be seated in the
middle on a seat pad, which is typically best for children.
Trip A: One adult or 1-2 small children can usually ride in the middle.
Trip B: Only one child under 12 may ride in the middle.
Please note: Water levels may occasionally restrict adding a third person to the canoe. Be sure
to check with us for the latest guidelines before your trip!
We offer two styles of kayaks to suit your adventure:
Single Kayaks: Designed for one paddler, these kayaks accommodate only one person.
Tandem Kayaks: Built for two paddlers, these are a great option for pairing up. Children
ages 3 and up are welcome to ride with an adult.
For younger paddlers, we also offer a child-friendly kayak that is slightly shorter for easier
handling. It includes a built-in tow rope, allowing for assistance if needed during the trip.
Yes, life jackets and paddles are included with your rental. If you prefer to bring your own life
jacket, it must be Coast Guard certified. Simply show it to one of our office staff when you
arrive.
We welcome guests to bring their own life jackets. Upon check-in for your river trip, our
office staff will need to verify that your life jacket is Coast Guard certified.
Rafting is available only when river levels are high enough to ensure a safe and enjoyable
experience. We use large, whitewater-style rafts for an exciting ride on the water.
When water levels are too low, we only offer canoe and kayak rentals. Because rafting
depends on river conditions, reservations cannot be made in advance. Be sure to check with us
on the day of your visit for availability!
The Hocking River is naturally a fairly shallow river. The water depth can range from just
a few inches to over 12 feet in spots. Of course, water levels vary based on time of year, rain,
etc.
Many of our customers love observing wildlife during their river trip. You may commonly spot
fish, turtles, snakes, deer, river otters, mink, beavers, osprey, and eagles. Popular fish in the
Hocking River include smallmouth bass, rock bass, and catfish. Keep in mind that wildlife
sightings are less frequent when the river is busier.
We’re thrilled to welcome pets of all kinds—not just dogs—to join you on your river
adventure!
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:
Keep your pet on a leash at all times while at our facility.
Clean up after them as needed.
Never tie your pet to your boat.
Enjoy your time on the river with your furry, scaly, or feathered friends!
Guests are welcome to bring their fishing poles for a relaxing day on the river. Please
remember that since it's a public waterway, a valid fishing license is required. The only type of
boat that we do not allow fishing from is rafts.
Guests are welcome to bring coolers along on river trips for drinks, snacks, or even a
picnic lunch. However, please note that Styrofoam coolers and glass bottles are not permitted.
While we don't check coolers, remember that alcohol is prohibited while operating a
watercraft on all Ohio waterways.
Our river trips still go out in the rain. We will not send trips out if there is lightning.
Along your trip, you'll find plenty of gravel and sand bars or islands where you're welcome to
stop and take a break. If river levels are low, you might need to step out of your boat to guide
it through shallow spots. If you have any questions about the river levels, just ask—we're
happy to help!
We offer group discounts for parties of 12 or more people using at least 6 canoes. While
kayaks are not included in the discount, they can still be added to your reservation.
Note: Children 12 and under who sit in the middle of a canoe will be charged the regular extra
child rate rather than the group rate.
Yes! We offer personal boat transport services for 5-mile and 7-mile trips on the Hocking
River. Let us handle the logistics so you can enjoy your paddle!
We offer transportation for your personal canoe or kayak, but we generally do not transport
inflatable tubes or rafts due to our transportation methods. Our put-in locations are private
properties with limited space, so we can only accommodate our own buses, trucks, and
trailers.
We take multiple methods of payment-cash, credit cards, and touch pay.
Our team is genuinely passionate about what they do. Many of our staff members have
been with us for years, and they take great pride in ensuring that every customer has an
exceptional experience.