Our rivers and streams offer wonderful Great Miami River 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.

4 Indian MORAINE NORTHERN SECTION AUGLAIZE CO. Lake MAP SYMBOLS SOUTHERN SECTION 48 LAKEVIEW GM 73.8 SHELBY CO. 33 GM 00.0 River Access Dryden Rd. RUSSELLS GM 156.7 GM The Great Miami River Watershed POINT 00.0 River Miles Main St. GM 72.7 235 S. Dixie Hwy. M H u Great Miami River GM c 708 GM 156.7 GM 72.9 o h le i GM 155.0 s Creek n SW Stillwater River i GM 156.5 GM 72.4 p p MR Mad River JACKSON i GM 154.3 GM 71.7 HARDIN GM GM 72.0 TOLEDO CENTER C 71.7 CLEVELAND 274 r LC Loramie Creek e 274 GM 69.0 AUGLAIZE e MERCER k GM 153.5 FM Four Mile Creek Bear Creek W. Central Ave.WEST 75 TW Twin Creek 741 GM 152.1 CARROLLTON

OHIO 37 LOGAN LEWISTOWN WW Whitewater River Farmersville West Carrollton Rd. INDIANA 675 725 SHELBY 54 GM 151.5 Roadside Parking GM 66.7 S T 13 S. Dixie Dr. I L L W r MIAMISBURG A T R 4

E CO. SHELBY e LOGAN CO. LOGAN R E DAYTON Parking Lot R I v GM 66.4

V V i E I R COLUMBUS 235

DARKE R CHAMPAIGN R

D I Motor Vehicle a i

M GM y MIAMI 66.0 t GM 150.6 o m n

IA Parking Permit Required C

a Linden Ave.

M in i c

T R in E CINCINNATI n GM 64.0 M a V Restrooms t I CLARK 725 i P

R t k. GREA D A a M 207 e Drinking Water Shephard Rd. 207 r G GM 148.9 GM 63.8 GM 63.4 Tawawa Maplewood Rd. Picnic Area MONTGOMERY GM 63.5 Chautauqua Rd. Baker Rd 47 PREBLE Canoe Rental Germantown GM 62.0 GREENE Pasco Montra Rd. R E Dam V GERMANTOWN I Boat Ramp TC R k E 10.3 I e 47 21 e TC 5.6 GM M GM 146.9 r 61.7 A 73 I C Whitewater Feature M LOGANSVILLE Cre TC 8.2 T s e k GM A 60.5 a R E l d Twin Creek BUTLER R 47 a Camping TC . G h 10.1 123 GM 59.7 WARREN PORT Pence Rd. GM 145.9 e 29 64 g JEFFERSON n Recreation Trail Access TC 8.3 Miami Ave. GM 135.8 e TC FRANKLIN GM 137.3 k 9.0 CARLISLE 2nd St GM 132.3 Rd. Baker o Restaurant GM 132.9 B 725 GM 59.2 75 GM 143.5 HAMILTON 75 47 Amphitheatre Martz-Paulin Rd. GM 129.4 GM 140.6 DEGRAFF 4 GM 137.9 73 Astoria Rd. 73 123 OHIO Deweese Rd. 235 Oxford Rd. KENTUCKY Low Dam or GM 00.0 GM 128.5 Caution Area TC 1.3 GM 128.5 Johnston-Slagle Rd. QUINCY GM 143.3 Pasco Montra Rd. TC 0.9 GM 127.8 GM 128.0 MCD Flood GM 140.8 A GM 56.5 Logan-Shelby Rd. Protection Dam 47 GM 127.8 GM North St. 508 56.3 Court St. GM 127.6 SIDNEY Low Dam WARREN CO. 706 MONTGOMERY CO. GM S. Main Ave. Main S. 55.8 GM 127.4 4 BUTLER CO. BUTLER CO. GM 126.9 Caution Area LOGAN CO. . Rd GM 54.2 GM 126.4 n County Road kli CHAMPAIGN CO. n a Vandemark Rd. r 75

F

Ohio State Routes n MIDDLETOWN Central Ave.

o t

L GM 125.8 n e o Lindsey Rd. ra r GM 51.7

29 U.S. Highways T m 122 ie C 235 Interstate Highways re ek Infirmary Rd. GM 123.4 122 GM 51.6

Miami Conservancy Rd. GM 122.8

d. GM 122.1 E GM 50.8 R l 4 er k iv MAP LEGEND R k LC 2.0 i Cr e A m e 73 e a e r i 75 k C Lockington M ’s E. Lockington Rd. GM 48.9 ick Dam Vandermark Rd. D GM 82.0 Triangle Park, City of Dayton Joyce Park, 66 Great Miami River (GM) GM MONROE LC 1.8 GM 120.4 32.0 GM 48.5 LOCKINGTON Sidney-Piqua Rd. Hamilton Parks Conservancy W. Miami Shelby Rd. Island MetroPark (Helena St.), Howe Rd. DAM at Indian Lake GM GM 48.4 LC 0.4 GM 156.7 81.7 G N. Hardin Rd. Five Rivers MetroParks Heritage Park r GM 46.7 SHELBY CO. (portage right) e Landman Mill Rd. GM 23.8 (East Miami River Rd.), a E. Miami Shelby Rd. t MIAMI CO. DAM at Island MetroPark GM 117.6 Indian Lake State Park in GM Colerain Township TRENTON M 63 GM 156.7 85.2 P (portage left) i

i Russells Point a q GM 118.1 GM u DAM south of New Baltimore m 116.3 a

-L Wayne Madison Rd. i

Deeds Point R

o GM 143.5 SR 235 bridge (De Graff) GM 19.9 (washed out, proceed

c

GM 116.3 Troy-Sidney Rd. 73 i

k GM 80.7 (downtown Dayton), v

i

ng with caution) e

t N.Co Rd. 25A DAM at Quincy Five Rivers MetroParks r on GM 140.8 GM R (difficult portage right or left) 19.6 Dravo Park, Colerain Township d GM 114.5 . RiverScape MetroPark PIQUA GM 113.8 GM 80.4 (downtown Dayton), Whirlpool HAZARD at US 50 GM 140.6 SR 235 bridge (Quincy) GM 8.0 4 Five Rivers MetroParks bridge (portage left or right) GM 113.1 Garbry Rd. 36 WOODSDALE

S. Main St. DAM at Johnston Park GM GM 128.5 127 42.4 GM (portage right) GM 80.4 River Run – Drop 1 (small rapid) Shawnee Lookout, 113.0 GM 112.6 GM 3.4 Liberty Fairfield Rd. Great Parks of Hamilton County FM 2.0 GM 39.5 36 GM 112.4 GM 128.5 Johnston Park, City of Sidney GM 79.7 River Run – Drop 2 (small rapid) Augspurger Rd. GM 112.1 Oxbow Wetland eek GM 1.0 e Cr Custenborder Field, RiversEdge Park, il Brown Rd. GM GM (Exit 16 on I-275) M GM 111.7 75 128.0 79.9 ur CHAMPAIGN CO. CHAMPAIGN City of Sidney Miami Conservancy District Fo GM 40.7 GM 41.0

NEW MIAMI CO. MIAMI GM 110.3 DAM at Custenborder Fields DAM at Tait Station Loramie Creek (LC) MIAMI . GM 127.8 GM 76.6 downstream of I-75 GM 37.8 Peterson Rd. (portage left) Farrington Rd. Piqua-Troy Rd. (portage right) Lockington Dam 4 GM 109.9 Watch for this sign to A GM 36.5 Veterans Memorial Walkway at (portage left) 129 help you find the GM 127.8 Tait Station, Custenborder Field, GM 76.6 GM 36.4 GM 108.8 City of Sidney Miami Conservancy District access points along Stillwater River (SW) GM 36.2 Black St. HAMILTON k MLK Jr. Blvd. e the Great Miami River. GM 126.9 Berger Park, City of Sidney Boat Ramp off East River Rd., Main St. GM 108.1 re GM 73.8 High St. C Miami Conservancy District Englewood Dam 4 C GM 35.5 GM 35.4 By Pass Eldean Rd. ng Roadside Park, City of Sidney (portage right) N. Dixie Hwy. i r GM 126.4 GM 34.9 41 Sp (CR 25A) Miami & Erie Canal Park, GM 72.4 DAM at Englewood MetroPark Pershing Ave. GM 107.3 City of West Carrollton SW 8.9 Black St. Canal Feeder Trail, (portage right) GM 34.4 GM 122.8 City of Sidney Miami Bend Park, GM 33.7 GM 106.0 GM 72.0 Miami Conservancy District Englewood MetroPark GM 33.8 Adams St. GM 120.4 East Lockington Road bridge SW 8.9 (Aullwood Rd.), GM 105.8 DAM near Moraine Air Park, 4 MarketGM St. 105.2 55 Five Rivers MetroParks 127 TROY DAM at Piqua waterworks GM 71.7 downstream of Sellars Rd. GM 116.3 (portage left) SW 5.8 Dog Leg Road bridge GM 105.6 GM 104.8 (portage left) FAIRFIELD Boat Ramp downstream GM 32.0 GM 105.0 GM 116.3 Roadside Park, City of Piqua GM 71.7 Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark GM 104.1 side of dam,

SW 2.1 (Siebenthaler Ave.), N. Main Street bridge G

GM 114.5 Five Rivers MetroParks

41 Case Landing, r

River‘s Edge Access (right) GM 128 e River Rd.

66.0 ian Cr a

City of Miamisburg Ind ee t

55 SW k 1.4 DeWeese Park, City of Dayton M S.Co Rd. 25A GM 113.1 Lock 9 Park, City of Piqua

Rice Field i FOREST 75 SW 0.3 Ridge Avenue bridge a PARK 201 GM 113.0 GM 64.0 (Dayton-Cincinnati Rd.), 27 m E. Main Street bridge i Lost Creek City of Miamisburg R iv 275 GM 112.6 Bridge Street Mad River (MR) er BUTLER CO. DAM at Hutchings Station GM 63.5 HAMILTON CO. Tipp Elizabeth Rd. DAM at Piqua power plant (difficult portage left) Huffman MetroPark

Hyatt St. GM 112.1 GM 27.0 MIAMI CO. MIAMI CLARK CO. CLARK (portage left) MR 6.5 (Lower Valley Pike) GM 26.5 202 Boat Ramp Dayton-Cincinnati at GM 63.4 Five Rivers MetroPark Goodrich Giles Park, ROSS 27 127 GM 111.7 Shepherd Rd. 126 GM GM 98.2 99.0 Parkwood Dr. City of Piqua Huffman Dam 126 Colerain Rd. Colerain Ave. 571 H Crains Run Park D (portage right) GM TIPP Main St. o Farrington Reserve, GM 62.0 (Dayton-Cincinnati Road), 25.6 GM 97.3 n GM 110.3 ey Miami Township CITY GM 97.4 C Miami County Park District DAM at City of Dayton wellfield r GM For more information, a GM 97.2 571 eek (Stay far left, portage to river) 23.8 DAM at Chautauqua E r Twin Arches Reserve, GM 96.7 . Stillwater River - Play It Safe GM 108.8 MR 5.2 DO NOT continue straight M e GM 61.7 128 v Miami County Park District (washed out, proceed ia map & guide is available from i into mill race - m R ive i i with caution) R r Rd R The Miami Conservancy District. . i 27 VERY dangerous and illegal ve m Covered Bridge Park, r

a GM 108.1 R 126 126 i GM 59.7 2nd St. bridge d Concord Township DAM at City of Dayton wellfield NEW . M MR 202 4.1 BALTIMORE MIAMI CO. t (portage left) N a Barbee Memorial Park, Boat Ramp at Dayton-Oxford Rd., ew Rd. e GM 59.2 H en GM 21.2 GM 94.0 r GM 106.0 City of Franklin av MONTGOMERY CO. G 235 Concord Township 275 Eastwood MetroPark Blue Rock Rd. Ross Rd. Miami River Reserve, (Harshman Rd.), GM 19.9 Ronald Reagan Cross County Hwy 48 Treasure Island (Elm St.), GM 56.3 MR 3.0 N. Dixie Dr. GM 105.8 City of Troy MetroParks of Butler Co. Mad River Run Whitewater Park, Five Rivers MetroParks GM 19.6 75 40 DAM downstream of Market St. DAM at Middletown UNION GM 105.0 MR 1.6 N. Findlay St. bridge (portage left) GM 55.8 (washed out, proceed 128 Englewood with caution) Dam 40 MR .07 Valley St. Miami Shores Golf Course, E. GM 104.8 Mi SW 9.0 Peters Pk. VANDALIA GM GM 54.2 SR 4 at Carmody Boulevard am C 91.0 City of Troy i R 52 MR 0.3 Webster St. bridge ive Taylorsville Dam r R d r Cre . lo ek Recreational Trail Access GM 51.7 SR 122 bridge ay 74 SW 8.9 GM 90.8 GM 104.1 B GM 90.9 (SR 41 bridge), City of Troy Twin Creek (TC) GM 14.9 T Bicentennial Commons (SR 122), 70 201 70 GM 51.6 GM 14.4 SW 8.9 Rd. Leg Dog e. GM 90.3 City of Middletown n Av Taylorsville Rd. Parkwood Dr. bridge iso MIAMITOWN H SW 7.5 Germantown Dam rr arr N. Dixie Dr. a is HUBER H on CHEVIOT Little York Rd. GM 89.5 Tippecanoe Family Aquatic E A SW 7.9 (portage right) 74 ve St Armco DAM south of SR 122 52 52 . i HEIGHTS GM 99.0 Center, City of Tipp City GM 74 275 . Heathcliff Rd. ll 50.8 d w GM 89.4 R (difficult portage left or right) r a Chambersburg Rd. City Park, City of Tipp City e e Germantown MetroPark, iv ENGLEWOOD r TC 10.1 R R GM 88.3 Canoe Livery, City of Tipp City Five Rivers MetroParks i Boat Ramp upstream of SR 73, Hamilton Cleves Pike iRd.am iv Fishburg Rd. GM . M er Rd. Rap Rip 48.5 SW 5.8 GM 88.2 MetroParks of Butler County E 75 Honey Creek Preserve, Kercher Park (Astoria Rd.), Whitewater River For more information, a Mad GM 97.4 TC 8.2 275 SW 5.0 Frederick Pk. Miami County Park District Germantown GM 89.4 River - Play It Safe map & Rentschler Forest MetroPark, 49 Philadelphia Dr. GM 86.1 GM 41.0 guide is available from The MetroParks of Butler County 48 GM 96.7 Kyle Park, City of Tipp City TC 5.6 SR 123 bridge Needmore Rd. Miami Conservancy District. d. H GM Salem Ave. SW 2.9 R 85.2 DAM south of Rentschler Forest 128 Harshman Rd. Mad River GM 94.0 Ross Road bridge GM 40.7 Carmody Park CAUTION: N. Dixie Dr. 202 MetroPark (portage left) WW 2.4 GM 8.0 Do not boat on this TC 1.3 (Martz-Paulin Rd.), GM 8.0 SW 2.1 side stream. Stay Taylorsville MetroPark, DAYTON DETAIL Wagner Ford MR 6.5 GM 91.0 Combs Park, Warren County Park District WW 1.9 CLEVES SW 1.5 on the Mad River. Five Rivers MetroParks GM 36.5 48 Hamilton Parks Conservancy WW 1.8 Helena St Siebenthaler Ave. GM 84.3 D MR 5.8 Huffman Dam 50 GM 82.4 4 50 SW 1.4 Taylorsville Dam Four Mile Creek (FM) WW 1.7 d. R 75 GM 83.0 RIVERSIDE w R OHIO GM iv B DAM north of Black St. ie 81.3 e iv r (portage right) s GM 36.4 m i WW 0.2 a d SW 0.3 GM 82.7 MR 3.0 OHIO i er e MR (portage right) M iv

Ridge Ave. 5.2 D Four Mile Creek MetroPark, INDIANA R r GM . GM 81.6 io KENTUCKY 80.4 GM 82.0 MR Taylorsville MetroPark, FM 2.0 GM 6.0 h MR 0.7 4.1 GM 90.8 Monument Park, Antenen Nature Preserve Area, GM 79.9 GM 80.7 Five Rivers MetroParks O Salem Ave. GM MR GM 35.4 MetroParks of Butler County 81.7 3.0 Brower Rd. Helena St. Hamilton Parks Conservancy MR 0.3 GM 5.2 Monument Ave. GM 81.3 MR 1.6 675 Great Miami Trail Bridge 275 W. 1st St. GM 80.4 Wolf Creek MR 0.6 Findlay St. GM 89.5 Boat Ramp, GM 79.9 Little York Rd. Bridge GM Whitewater River (WW) Lawrenceburg Rd. . 34.4 Main St. GM 79.9 d Keowee St. v Detailed River Maps W. 3rd St. l Hamilton Parks Conservancy

B Webster St. W. 4th St. n Burkhardt Rd. o GM GM s 80.4 88.3 r Kemp Rd. Rip Rap Rd. at Fishburg Rd. 5180 Lawrenceburg Rd, W. 5th St. e GM 79.9 t Please visit MCDwater.org

t WW MONTGOMERY CO. MONTGOMERY 2.4 35 a 5th St. DAM south of Columbia Rd. P GM 80.4 GM 33.8 Whitewater Township GM 3.4 4 GM 88.2 Rip Rap Road Bikeway bridge bridge (portage left or right) for more detailed maps in 35 GM 78.7 35 Washington St. Dryden Rd. Riverview Park, 10-mile segments of the 4 Stewart St. DAYTON DAM at City of Dayton wellfield Kevin Lodder Park (Neilan Blvd.), WW 1.9 E 35 d GM GM 33.7 Whitewater Township

w 85.2 Great Miami Riverway 48 CO. GREENE in Wilmington Pk. Hamilton Parks Conservancy 75 (portage left) C 1 Main St. . Woodman Dr. M including river access, o GM 78.0 s e GM 76.3 s GM 1.0 75 B GM 84.3 Eintracht Club, City of Riverside l v trails, parks and more. d 48 . GM 76.9 KENTUCKY GM 76.6 50 GM Stewart St. MORAINE 0.0 275 GM 76.6 KETTERING Personal Flotation Devices/ Planning a Trip MCD is all about water. Enjoy the Great Miami River Life Vests • Scout the land area and stream prior to boating it. Protecting. Preserving. Promoting. & Play It Safe! Playing It Safe • File a “float plan” with a reliable person, indicating More than 80 percent of all boating fatalities occur because The Great Miami River originates upstream from Indian where you are going and when you will leave and return. Flood Protection the person wasn’t wearing a life vest. Many people think Lake and flows southwest to its confluence with the Ohio • Check river water levels and flow information for any People and businesses along the Great Miami River in a personal flotation device (PFD) or life vest says “non- River, west of Cincinnati. The watershed includes the river warning and flood information. Check a stream southwest Ohio enjoy life without flooding concerns. swimmer,” but the truth is no boating expert would be Great Miami, Stillwater, and Mad rivers; and is known for gauge level, if available, on the United States MCD’s system of five dry dams, retarding basins, 55 miles without one. And PFDs have come a long way since the its water supply, recreation, industries, productive Geological Survey’s web site at of levees, and preserved floodplain provide a nearly Hazards Found on Streams Low Dams and bright orange, uncomfortable life jackets of the past. From farmland and high-quality streams. The middle and http://waterdata.usgs.gov/oh/nwis/rt. unparalleled level of protection. Recreation on rivers and streams can be inflatable PFDs worn around the waist – that open only if upper Great Miami River contains some of Ohio’s best Waterfalls • Dress properly. Wear appropriate footwear. relaxing or thrilling, but it should always be they hit water – to lightweight life vests, everyone can find smallmouth bass fishing. 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. calm and can be incredibly dangerous. Low dams may Water is the key to healthy people and healthy communi- with proper training, these hazards are easily carry your boat around these hazards. range from a 25-foot drop-off to a mere 6-inch drop-off. ties. MCD monitors and protects our region’s water. managed. Boating safety classes that can • The streambed may be privately owned. Be sure to put Water flowing over the dam forms currents that can trap teach you to handle water hazards are Watercraft Laws and  in and take out only at public access points. River Fun objects and you. Backwash and re-circulating current • Carry adequate drinking water. available around the state of Ohio. And water isn’t just for drinking. Rivers are outdoor can trap you back against the dam then underwater be- Boater Responsibility • Be prepared for the worst. Know how to get to roads if Contact the Ohio DNR at 1-877-4BOATER playgrounds. MCD is working to bring more and more fore you are pushed along the bottom only to be sucked • All watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up you must “walk out.” or www.watercraft.ohiodnr.gov for more people to the river. back to the dam as you rise to the surface. This circulat- paddleboards, motorboats and most inflatable rafts, must information. • Display courtesy and respect to other stream users. ing motion repeats over and over again. The backwash be registered with Ohio DNR. Vision 38 E. Monument Avenue currents may even suck you in if you approach too • United States Coast Guard approved (USCG) personal Thriving communities, a healthy watershed and a higher Dayton, Ohio 45402 closely from downstream of the dam. The Great Miami flotation devices (PFDs) are required for every boater. Phone: (937) 223-1271 quality of life, sustained by well-managed water resources www.mcdwater.org River has many dams, with several more low dams on • Children under the age of 10 are required to wear a throughout the watershed. its tributaries. properly fitted, USCG-approved PFD at all times while on a watercraft less than 18 feet in length. Mission • It is illegal to operate any watercraft – boats, canoes, Protecting lives, property and economic vitality within the kayaks, jet skis, etc.– under the influence of alcohol. Great Miami River Watershed through an integrated and • It is illegal to litter in any ditch, stream, river, lake, pond The Secretary of the U.S. balanced system that provides unfailing flood protection, or other water area. Department of the Interior Designated by Ohio DNR in preserves water resources, and promotes enjoyment of • Children under the age of 12 operating a watercraft must designated the Great Miami 2010, the Great Miami River our waterways. River and its tributaries as and its tributaries are Ohio Taylorsville Dam near Vandalia is one of MCD’s five flood be directly supervised by an adult and may not operate HARDIN Paddlers should not boat on swollen rivers and streams like National Water Trails in 2016. Water Trails. protection dams . AUGLAIZE personal watercraft such as jet skis. MERCER this high water on the Great Miami River in downtown Dayton. The Great A

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IAN H LOGAN

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O Miami River IN SHELBY Funding/production of this publication was a cooperative effort between Floods and Other MCD Dams Boating Etiquette Great Miami Riverway MCD and Ohio DNR. CHAMPAIGN The Miami Conservancy District operates and maintains Group size and paddling skills are an important consideration The Great Miami Riverway Watershed DARKE MIAMI The information contained in this map is believed to be accurate. High, Swift Water five large flood-protection dams (not low dams), in the in choosing a waterway for your trip. The recommended connects the bike trails and Ohio’s The Miami Conservancy District is not responsible for any inaccuracies. Interpretation and use of the map and its contents are the responsibility Low dams can be deadly and should always be avoided. minimum is three boats. No one should paddle alone. Paddlers should never boat on a stream with water Great Miami River Watershed. These dams hold back Great Miami River with vibrant PREBLE CLARK of the user. spilling out of the banks or on a stream that is unusually water only when river levels are too high to pass through riverfront communities. The Each person has specific responsibilities in the overall MONTGOMERY This map has been printed on paper which swollen due to high rains or snow melt. High water causes the large concrete tubes (conduits) that pass through the Riverway offers access to GREENE group organization. The safety of the group is dependent is manufactured using an environmentally hazards such as low dams and strainers to become even Safety tips to follow dams. Do not attempt to boat through the dam’s conduits. abundant recreational activities BUTLER friendly process. This map may also be recycled. upon everyone carrying out these responsibilities. more dangerous. Unseen obstacles such as floating logs • Know the location of all low dams and waterfalls on Underwater portions of the dam create unpredictable along the water and into town, making it easy for residents WARREN © 2017 MCD. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. or submerged trees may also threaten a boater. Swift the river that you plan to boat. currents and turbulence, which can be extremely The lead boat is the first boat and should carry an and visitors to enjoy the region’s outdoor recreation HAMILTON MCD Report 2017-04 4/2017 OHIO currents are more likely to overcome a paddler’s ability • NEVER attempt to boat over a dam or waterfall. dangerous. Plan to start your river trip downstream from experienced river runner. The lead boat: scene and create memorable experiences. KENTUCKY to avoid hazards and may make it more difficult to reach • Portage (carry) your boat around a low dam and these dams or end your trip upstream from these dams. • Sets the pace and continually evaluates the pace for the shore once in the water. launch a safe distance, well downstream of the back- rest of the boats. What Stands Out Along The Riverway? wash of the low dam. • Selects and communicates to the rest of the group the Water levels are monitored on rivers and streams • Scout the river and know the location of hazards. Talk route to follow. Water Trail Partners 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. All of the access point information is provided by The warnings and current conditions. additional knowledge. • Carries first-aid and rescue equipment. Miami Conservancy District and the following water trail • Boat with experienced, responsible boaters and learn partners. Please contact them for more information. The sweep boat is the last boat and should carry an from them. experienced rescuer. The sweep boat will only pass other • Watch for a smooth line connecting the banks. This boats in the event of an emergency and: Logan County Ohio Department of may be the top of a low dam. Indian Lake State Park Natural Resources  Cold Water Immersion • Carries first-aid and rescue equipment. Division of Watercraft • Listen for the splashing sounds of turbulence and the 12774 State Route 235 N Sudden immersion in cold • Assists with keeping the group together. Lakeview, Ohio 43331 2045 Morse Road, Building A dangerous currents at dams. Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693 water can be deadly. The 937-843-2717 • Look for concrete retaining walls, which some dams The remaining boats have a responsibility to stay in 1-877-4BOATER or  initial “cold shock” City of Sidney Parks have at each bank, making the dams easier to spot. between the lead and sweep boats. (If a boat inadvertently (614) 265-6480 can cause immediate, 201 W. Poplar Street watercraft.ohiodnr.gov passes the lead boat, it should immediately stop and wait Sidney, Ohio 45365 involuntary gasping, It is nearly impossible to escape the force of a low Great Miami River for the lead boat to pass.) (937) 498-2335 Warren County hyperventilation, panic dam’s currents. www.sidneyoh.com Park District and vertigo – all of which The remaining boats: 300 East Silver Street Unless you are trained in low dam rescues, never enter Miami County Park District Lebanon, Ohio 45036 Map & Guide can result in inhaling • Maintain space to avoid collisions, but still stay compact the water in an attempt to rescue someone trapped by Learn more at greatmiamiriverway.com 2645 East State Route 41 Lebanon: 513-695-1109 water and drowning. It also as a group. Troy, Ohio 45373 Cincinnati: 513-925-1109 Sixth Edition a low dam. Immediately call for help, then throw a line Strainers can cause sudden changes in blood pressure, • Always keep the next boat upstream and downstream in Phone: (937) 335-6273 www.co.warren.oh.us/parks from shore to the trapped person. Untrained rescuers River obstructions that allow water to flow through them Fax: (937) 335-6221 heart rate and heart rhythm that also may result sight; stop if the downstream boat isn’t visible. MetroParks of should never approach the top of the dam or the back- but that block or “strain” people and boats are known as www.miamicountyparks.com in death. The longer you are immersed in cold • Communicate boating instructions. Butler County wash below the dam, even in a boat. The turbulence at “strainers.” They are frequently found in the form of 2051 Timberman Road water, the harder it is to control your body. Five Rivers MetroParks the dam will easily capsize a boat. branches and limbs, log jams and flooded islands. Because 409 E. Monument Avenue Hamilton, Ohio 45013 Manual dexterity and coordination deteriorate the water flows through strainers, river currents may carry Outdoor Ethic Third Floor 513-867-5835 rapidly, and within 30 minutes, hypothermia you and your boat right into the strainer. Those same Dayton, Ohio 45402 www.yourmetroparks.net (cooling of the body’s core temperature) can Dispose of litter properly – pack it out (937) 275-PARK (7275) currents will press against the side of your boat and cause www.metroparks.org Great Parks of begin. Loss of consciousness and death with or it to tip. If you should fall into the water, the current will • Repackage food to minimize waste. Hamilton County without drowning can result. • Never throw garbage into the water. 10245 Winton Road push you against the strainer and hold you in place with Cincinnati, Ohio 45231 • Plastics are dangerous to wildlife – plastic bags, six-pack To prevent cold water immersion, take all tremendous force. The current may hold you at the water 513-521-7275 rings, and other clear plastics float on the water. www.greatparks.org measures necessary to avoid capsizing your surface or below the water. All strainers should be avoided. Low dam boat. Keep your life jacket securely fastened to location Display courtesy and respect to help keep your head above water if you fall into Foot Entrapments riverfront landowners the water. (View looking downstream) If your boat capsizes, do not attempt to stand or walk if • The access points highlighted in this guide are located You don’t have to be submerged to become you are in high, swift-moving water. You may pin a foot on public property, but most of the shoreline and river hypothermic. Wind chill, rain and perspiration between submerged rocks or debris. Once pinned, the bottom are privately owned. can contribute to the condition. Uncontrollable force of the current can push you under the water and • Many landowners enjoy the stream’s peace and solitude shivering, slurred speech and lack of coordi- hold you there. Always keep your feet up, pointed from their property. Share the same courtesy that you nation are early symptoms. To guard against downstream, and swim to calm water before standing. would want. hypothermia, dress in layers using materials Leave what you find that wick moisture away and retain heat, such Report Spills Safety information provided by the • Leave artifacts and natural objects undisturbed. Avoid as silk, polypropylene, fleece and wool. Every Ohio DNR Division of Watercraft and MCD. introducing non-native species, including live bait, by Report spills, abandoned drums, and boater should be able to recognize and know cleaning equipment between trips. other environmental emergencies how to treat hypothermia. It looks calm and peaceful, but a low dam is Watch for this sign to help you find the only 200 feet beyond this boat, well in front of PHOTOS: Dusty Hall, Jordan Hart, 24 hours a day at 1-800-282-9378. access to the Great Miami River. the bridge. Sarah Hippensteel and Ryan Hulvat