Our rivers and streams offer wonderful opportunities for recreation, from kayaking and canoeing to fishing and wildlife watching. But it’s important to learn how to enjoy them safely. Review the information on the reverse side to make sure your next outing on the Great Miami River is a safe and fun adventure.

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MONTGOMERY DAYTON PREBLE SW 61.0 COLUMBUS GREENE R E V

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HAMILTON KENTUCKY

SW 55.0

SW 53.7 SW 49.0 SW 53.0 SW 47.0 SW 45.0 SW 43.0 SW 51.0 SW 38.6

SW 41.0 SW 37.5 SW 35.0 SW 35.9 GC 27.0

GC 25.0 SW 32.4

GC 20.8 GC 13.7 GC 21.3 GC 13.0 GC 03.0 SW 32.3 GC GC 11.0 GC 09.0 GC 05.0 GC 23.6 GC 21.3 GC 19.5 GC 13.7 06.2 GC 01.7 SW 31.2 GC 15.0 GC 07.0 GC 01.6 GC 21.6 GC 17.0 SW 30.5

SW 29.4

SW 27.6

SW 27.0

SW 25.0 MAP SYMBOLS SW 23.3 SW 23.4 Ohio State Routes Brukner SW 21.5 Nature Center SW Stillwater River U.S. Highways LC 01.0 GC LC 13.0 SW 21.0 Interstate Highways LC 03.0 LC Ludlow Creek Roadside Parking GM Great Miami River LC 01.2 Parking Lot LC 09.0 SW 00.0 LC 11.0 LC 05.0 River Access Restrooms SW 00.0 River Miles Drinking Water SW LC 07.0 00.0 Low Dam Picnic Area MR 00.0 Caution Area Canoe Rental SW 17.4 C MCD Flood Boat Ramp Protection Dam Whitewater Feature Dam SW 17.0 Camping Caution Area Recreation Trail Access SW 15.0 MAP LEGEND SW 13.0

Stillwater River (SW) SW 23.3 DAM below Fenner Road bridge GC 20.8 DAM at Greenville City Park (portage left) SW 12.6

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53.7 GC 19.5 Alice Bish Park, at Ohio Street, 12.3

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SW 41.0 Versailles-Southeastern Road at F Martindale Road Stillwater Beach Campground SW 17.4 West Milton Municipal Park, GC 13.7 DAM north of Bears Mill Road bridge (access river right) (portage left only) City of West Milton (access river right) Englewood SW 10.0 MetroPark SW 38.67 Goode Reserve Riverside Access S W 13. 0 DAM south of Frederick-Garland Road GC 13.7 Bear’s Mill, Friends of Bear’s Mill Inc. at Bradford-Bloomer Road, (portage left) (access river right) Miami County Park District SW 09.0 (access river left) SW 12.6 DAM north of Old Springfield Road Lienesch Drive GC 06.2 SR 721 bridge, (access river left) SW 08.5 bridge (portage left) C SW SW 08.0 37.5 Maple Ridge Access - GC 01.7 Greenville Falls State Scenic River SW 08.8 Stillwater Prairie Reserve SW 12.3 Old Springfield Road bridge (access river right) Area, Miami County Park District Miami County Park District (access river left) (access river left) SW 11.0 Martindale Road (access river left) GC 01.6 FALLS - Greenville Falls, ODNR SW 35.9 Rangeline Road Access - SW 09.0 Englewood MetroPark, Five Rivers upstream of Range Line Road bridge SW 05.0 Stillwater Prairie Reserve MetroPark Canoe Take-Out (portage right) Miami County Park District (access river right) (access river right) Ludlow Creek (LC) Englewood Dam (portage right) C FALLS - Ludlow Falls at SR 55 bridge GM 81.7 SW 32.4 Covington Community Park, LC 01.2 Village of Covington (access river left) SW 08.8 DAM south of Englewood Dam (portage right) (portage right) GM 81.3 SW 32.3 DAM at Covington Waterworks Great Miami River (GM) Watch for this sign to (portage left) SW 08.5 Englewood MetroPark, SW 03.0 GM 82.0 Triangle Park, City of Dayton help you find the Five Rivers MetroPark access points along SW 31.2 DAM south of Bridge Street (SR 41) (access river left) Aullwood Road GM 81.7 Island MetroPark, Five Rivers MetroPark the Stillwater River GM 80.7 (portage right) (Helena Street) SW 03.0 Wegerzyn MetroPark, Five Rivers Water Trail. GM 79.9 SW 02.0 SW MetroPark (Siebenthaler Avenue) 30.5 F.L.Blankenship Riverside Sanctuary GM 81.3 DAM at Island MetroPark GM 79.9 GM 82.0 at Faulknor Road bridge, (portage left) GM 80.4 SW 02.0 DeWeese Park, City of Dayton Miami County Park District GM 80.4 SW 00.4 GM 80.7 Deeds Point (downtown Dayton) (access river right or left) SW 00.4 Ridge Avenue bridge, City of Dayton GM 81.3 SW 29.4 DAM south of Painter Creek GM 80.4 RiverScape MetroPark, Greenville Creek (GC) Five Rivers MetroParks (portage right) GM 80.4 GC 23.6 DAM at Greenville Waterworks (downtown Dayton) GM 79.9 SW 27.6 DAM south of Lauver Road bridge (portage right) (portage left) River Run – Drop 1 GM 80.4 (small rapid) GC 21.6 Greenville City Park, off Main Street 79.9 SW 27.0 SR 718 Riverside Access, City of Greenville (access river left) River Run – Drop 2 Miami County Park District GM 79.9 (small rapid) (access river left) GC 21.3 Point Park, off Broadway Darke County Park District RiversEdge Park, GM SW 25.0 Penny Road bridge, public right of way (access river right) 79.9 Miami Conservancy District (access river right) Tait Station, GC 21.3 Prairie Ridge Meadow Park, GM 76.6 Miami Conservancy District SW 23.4 Fenner Road bridge, Stillwater Bass off Broadway, Darke County Park (access river left) GM 76.6 Club (access river right) District (access river left)

Information compiled as of February 2021 and is subject to change. MCD Report No. 2021-01 (Revised 2/2021)

02/2021 2021-01 Report MCD

Personal Flotation Devices/ Planning a Trip MCD is all about water. U.S.A. in Printed reserved. rights All MCD. 2021 ©

• Scout the land area and stream prior to boating it. recycled. be also may map This process. friendly

Life Jacket Protecting. Preserving. Promoting. environmentally an using manufactured is

which paper on printed been has map Playing It Safe • File a “float plan” with a reliable person, indicating This More than 80 percent of all boating fatalities occur because

where you are going and when you will leave and return. Flood Protection the person wasn’t wearing a life vest. Many people think user. the of

People and businesses along the Great Miami River in

• Check river water levels and flow information for any responsibility the are contents its and map the of use and Interpretation

a personal flotation device (PFD) or life vest says “non-

river warning and flood information. Check a stream southwest Ohio enjoy life without flooding concerns. inaccuracies. any for responsible not is District Conservancy Miami The

accurate. be to believed is map this in contained formation swimmer,” but the truth is no boating expert would be in The gauge level, if available, on the MCD’s system of five dry dams, retarding basins, 55 miles

without one. And PFDs have come a long way since the

Hazards Found on Streams Low Dams and Geological Survey’s web site at of levees, and preserved floodplain provide a nearly District. Park County Miami the and MetroParks, Rivers Five

MCD, MCD, bright orange, uncomfortable life jackets of the past. From between effort cooperative a was publication this of Production http://waterdata.usgs.gov/oh/nwis/rt. unparalleled level of protection. Recreation on rivers and streams can be Waterfalls inflatable PFDs worn around the waist – that open only if

relaxing or thrilling, but it should always be • Dress properly. Wear appropriate footwear. they hit water – to lightweight life vests, everyone can find www.mcdwater.org

Low dams – like natural waterfalls – are deceptively • Know the location of all dams and other hazards, and Water safe. Water offers several real dangers, but a comfortable PFD to insure a safe trip. 223-1271 (937) Phone:

calm and can be incredibly dangerous. Low dams may carry your boat around these hazards. Water is the key to healthy people and healthy with proper training, these hazards are easily 45402 Ohio Dayton,

range from a 25-foot drop-off to a mere 6-inch drop-off. • The streambed may be privately owned. Be sure to put communities. MCD monitors and protects our region’s managed. Boating safety classes that can Avenue Monument E. 38 Water flowing over the dam forms currents that can trap water. teach you to handle water hazards are Watercraft Laws and  in and take out only at public access points. objects and you. Backwash and re-circulating current available around the state of Ohio. • Carry adequate drinking water. River Fun can trap you back against the dam then underwater Boater Responsibility • Be prepared for the worst. Know how to get to roads if Contact the Ohio DNR at 1-877-4BOATER And water isn’t just for drinking. Rivers are outdoor before you are pushed along the bottom only to be • All watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up you must “walk out.” or www.watercraft.ohiodnr.gov for more playgrounds. MCD is working to bring more and more sucked back to the dam as you rise to the surface. This paddleboards, motorboats and most inflatable rafts, must • Display courtesy and respect to other stream users. information. people to the river. circulating motion repeats over and over again. The be registered with Ohio DNR.

backwash currents may even suck you in if you approach • United States Coast Guard approved (USCG) personal Vision Trail. Water River Stillwater the

too closely from downstream of the dam. The Mad River flotation devices (PFDs) are required for every boater. Thriving communities, a healthy watershed and a higher to access find you help to sign this for Watch has many dams, with several more low dams on its • Children under the age of 10 are required to wear a quality of life, sustained by well-managed water resources tributaries. properly fitted, USCG-approved PFD at all times while on throughout the watershed. a watercraft less than 18 feet in length. • It is illegal to operate any watercraft – boats, canoes, Mission kayaks, jet skis, etc.– under the influence of alcohol. Protecting lives, property and economic vitality within the • It is illegal to litter in any ditch, stream, river, lake, pond Great Miami River Watershed through an integrated and balanced system that provides unfailing flood protection, Englewood Dam is one of MCD’s five flood protection dams. or other water area. • Children under the age of 12 operating a watercraft must preserves water resources, and promotes enjoyment of our waterways. be directly supervised by an adult and may not operate HARDIN

Paddlers should not boat on swollen rivers and streams like www.mcdwater.org . AUGLAIZE visit copy your download To personal watercraft such as jet skis. MERCER

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The Miami Conservancy District operates and maintains SHELBY Water Ohio’s on information more For river. the along heritage cultural Boating Etiquette and natural the explore and craft; other and kayaks canoes, launch fish; Floods and Other five large flood-protection dams (not low dams), in the Miami River CHAMPAIGN DARKE MIAMI

Great Miami River Watershed. These dams hold back Group size and paddling skills are an important consideration Possible Day Trip to opportunities provide that facilities accessible publicly of network a High, Swift Water in choosing a waterway for your trip. The recommended Watershed is Trail Water A watchers. wildlife and fishermen, boaters, recreational

water only when river levels are too high to pass through Once you have carefully read the sections on Planning Your Paddlers should never boat on a stream with water Low dams can be deadly and should always be avoided. minimum is three boats. No one should paddle alone. CLARK to accessible waterway of miles 265 offers collectively system trail

the large concrete tubes (conduits) that pass through the Trip and Playing it Safe, you may want to explore the trip PREBLE spilling out of the banks or on a stream that is unusually dams. Do not attempt to boat through the dam’s conduits. MONTGOMERY This Ohio. in system trail water largest the – Trail Water Watershed

Each person has specific responsibilities in the overall listed below. Be aware that rivers are constantly changing GREENE swollen due to high rains or snow melt. High water causes River Miami Great the of part is Trail Water River Stillwater The

Underwater portions of the dam create unpredictable group organization. The safety of the group is dependent and that new hazards may occur at any time. Safe! It Play & hazards such as low dams and strainers to become even SAFETY TIPS TO FOLLOW BUTLER

currents and turbulence, which can be extremely upon everyone carrying out these responsibilities. more dangerous. Unseen obstacles such as floating logs Lauver Road bridge to Fenner Road bridge (3.6 miles) WARREN • Know the location of all low dams and waterfalls on dangerous. Plan to start your river trip downstream from River Stillwater the Enjoy or submerged trees may also threaten a boater. Swift the river that you plan to boat. these dams or end your trip upstream from these dams. The lead boat is the first boat and should carry an HAMILTON SR 718 Riverside Access Reserve. This park is O HIO currents are more likely to overcome a paddler’s ability • NEVER attempt to boat over a dam or waterfall. experienced river runner. The lead boat: KENTUCKY owned and managed by the Miami County Park District. to avoid hazards and may make it more difficult to reach • Portage (carry) your boat around a low dam and • Sets the pace and continually evaluates the pace for the shore once in the water. launch a safe distance, well downstream of the rest of the boats. This stretch of the Stillwater River plays host to a variety of backwash of the low dam. • Selects and communicates to the rest of the group the wildlife including belted kingfishers, great blue herons, wood Water levels are monitored on rivers and streams • Scout the river and know the location of hazards. Talk route to follow. ducks, and many songbirds. There is plenty of habitat - deep National Water Trail and throughout the state. Check local media and sources for with boaters who are familiar with the river to gain • Scouts the route when a clear section isn’t visible. holes and structure - for good fishing. Smallmouth bass are Ohio Scenic River warnings and current conditions. additional knowledge. • Carries first-aid and rescue equipment. abundant along this section. The river banks are forested. Six rivers and streams – the Great Miami River, Stillwater • Boat with experienced, responsible boaters and learn River and Mad River, along with Twin Creek, Greenville The sweep boat is the last boat and should carry an Penny Road bridge Stillwater from them. Creek and Buck Creek – were officially designated by the experienced rescuer. The sweep boat will only pass other Between the Penny Road and Fenner Road bridges the • Watch for a smooth line connecting the banks. This U.S. Department of the Interior as a national water trail boats in the event of an emergency and: Stillwater River makes several big bends. At different times may be the top of a low dam. system in 2017. The three rivers became state-designated Cold Water Immersion • Carries first-aid and rescue equipment. of the year the sand and gravel that washes downstream River • Listen for the splashing sounds of turbulence and the water trails in 2010. • Assists with keeping the group together. can form large beaches along the riverbanks and islands in Sudden immersion in cold dangerous currents at dams. In 1975, the Stillwater River and Greenville Creek System water can be deadly. The the middle of the river. This means that the path of the river • Look for concrete retaining walls, which some dams The remaining boats have a responsibility to stay in became Ohio’s eighth scenic river. Designated sections Map & Guide initial “cold shock” could look and flow differently after each rain event. have at each bank, making the dams easier to spot. between the lead and sweep boats. (If a boat inadvertently include the Stillwater from Riffle Road bridge in Darke can cause immediate, Sixth Edition passes the lead boat, it should immediately stop and wait County to its junction with the Great Miami River in Dayton involuntary gasping, It is nearly impossible to escape the force of a low Route 48 bridge. There is no public access from the for the lead boat to pass.) (58 miles), and Greenville Creek from the Ohio border to its dam’s currents. bridge to the river at this location. hyperventilation, panic confluence with the Stillwater (35 miles). and vertigo – all of which The remaining boats: Unless you are trained in low dam rescues, never enter Strainers Land at Fenner Road bridge. The parking area is Through most of their course, the Stillwater River and can result in inhaling • Maintain space to avoid collisions, but still stay compact the water in an attempt to rescue someone trapped River obstructions that allow water to flow through them downstream of the bridge on river right (west side). Greenville Creek meander with a gentle grade across the water and drowning. It also as a group. by a low dam. Immediately call for help, then throw but that block or “strain” people and boats are known as glaciated plains of western Ohio. With excellent habitat can cause sudden changes in blood pressure, • Always keep the next boat upstream and downstream in a line from shore to the trapped person. Untrained “strainers.” They are frequently found in the form of and good water quality, the Stillwater and Greenville Creek heart rate and heart rhythm that also may result sight; stop if the downstream boat isn’t visible. rescuers should never approach the top of the dam branches and limbs, log jams and flooded islands. Because Scenic River system provides exceptional fishing. in death. The longer you are immersed in cold • Communicate boating instructions. or the backwash below the dam, even in a boat. The the water flows through strainers, river currents may carry water, the harder it is to control your body. turbulence at the dam will easily capsize a boat. you and your boat right into the strainer. Those same Manual dexterity and coordination deteriorate currents will press against the side of your boat and cause rapidly, and within 30 minutes, hypothermia Outdoor Ethic it to tip. If you should fall into the water, the current will (cooling of the body’s core temperature) can Dispose of litter properly – pack it out push you against the strainer and hold you in place with begin. Loss of consciousness and death with or • Repackage food to minimize waste. tremendous force. The current may hold you at the water without drowning can result. • Never throw garbage into the water. surface • Plastics are dangerous to wildlife – plastic bags, six-pack To prevent cold water immersion, take all or below the water. All strainers should be avoided. Water Trail Partners rings, and other clear plastics float on the water. measures necessary to avoid capsizing your Low dam All of the access point information is provided by the boat. Keep your life jacket securely fastened to location Foot Entrapments Display courtesy and respect to Watch for this sign to help you find access Miami Conservancy District and the following Water Trail help keep your head above water if you fall into riverfront landowners to the Stillwater River Water Trail. partners. Please contact them for more information. the water. (View looking If your boat capsizes, do not attempt to stand or walk if downstream) • The access points highlighted in this guide are located Darke County Park District Five Rivers MetroParks you are in high, swift-moving water. You may pin a foot on public property, but most of the shoreline and river You don’t have to be submerged to become between submerged rocks or debris. Once pinned, the P.O Box 801 409 E. Monument Avenue hypothermic. Wind chill, rain and perspiration bottom are privately owned. 4267 State Route 502 Third Floor force of the current can push you under the water and Greenville, Ohio 45331 Dayton, Ohio 45402 can contribute to the condition. Uncontrollable • Many landowners enjoy the stream’s peace and solitude hold you there. Always keep your feet up, pointed from their property. Share the same courtesy that you (937) 548-0165 (937) 275-PARK (7275) shivering, slurred speech and lack of www.darkecountyparks.org www.metroparks.org coordination are early symptoms. To guard would want. Report Spills Miami County Park District Ohio Department of against hypothermia, dress in layers using Leave what you find Report spills, abandoned drums, and 2645 E. State Route 41 Natural Resources materials that wick moisture away and retain other environmental emergencies Troy, Ohio 45373 Division of Watercraft Safety information provided by the • Leave artifacts and natural objects undisturbed. Avoid heat, such as silk, polypropylene, fleece and (937) 667-1086 or (937) 335-9547 2045 Morse Road, Building C Ohio DNR Division of Watercraft and MCD. introducing non-native species, including live bait, by 24 hours a day at 1-800-282-9378. fax: (937) 667-0919 Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693 wool. Every boater should be able to recognize cleaning equipment between trips. www.miamicountyparks.com 1-877-4BOATER or  and know how to treat hypothermia. It looks calm and peaceful, but a low dam is (614) 265-6480 only 200 feet beyond this boat, well in front of PHOTOS: Dusty Hall, Jordan Hart, watercraft.ohiodnr.gov the bridge. Sarah Hippensteel and Ryan Hulvat