Paddling Sports

Paddle craft can be launched from Otsego Rd.

The Nona France Area of Blue Creek offers paddling access to a clear quarry pond. Access to the water is a beach launch (there is no dock). Park address is 7035 Providence Street, Whitehouse, OH 43571. Blue Creek Kayak Rentals. Kayak rentals open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

• Restrooms: Porta John
• Amenities: Picnic facilities, hiking and biking trails
• Distance from Drop Off to Water’s Edge: 300 feet

Paddle craft can be launched into the pond. An accessible dock with rollers provides easy access to the water.

• Restrooms: Porta John
• Amenities: Accessible dock, camping, hiking and biking trails
• Distance from Drop Off to Water’s Edge: 100 feet

Water-based recreation has been a focus of Farnsworth Metropark since its conception. A boat launch has a ramp for small boats and personal watercraft allowing you access to the Maumee River directly from the park. The park overlooks Missionary Island, a popular destination for paddlers to explore. You can rent kayaks at the Farnsworth Kayak Concession operated by Maumee River Kayaks. Please note no coolers or backpacks will be permitted. For information please call (419) 340-0823 or email  maumeeriverkayaking@gmail.com. At this time we do not offer advanced reservations, rentals are first come, first serve basis.

Brought to you in a fitness partnership with MercyHealth!

Farnsworth Concession Hours of Operation

• Memorial Day Weekend through Sunday, August 13, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. closed Mondays.
• August 19 through Labor Day, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Monday through Friday.

Know-Before-You-Go

• Kayak Rentals will close when the river levels are too high, or too low.
• Transportation is included in the Downriver Trip rental fee (Farnsworth to Side Cut Metropark). Transportation is not offered for downriver trips using personal kayaks, only on rental trips.
• Paddles and lifejackets are provided with all rentals.
• Credit Card and ID required on file for all rentals.
• All renters must sign a waiver in advance.
• Kayaks are only rented to adults 18 and older.
• No coolers will be permitted.
• Pets are not permitted.
• You must be 12 and older for a single kayak and be with an adult.
• Tandem kayaks must have one adult 18 and up.
• Kayak Sizes/Weight Capacities Offered:
  • Single Kayak 11-1/2 foot in length and have a weight capacity of 350 lbs.
  • Single Kayak 9-1/2 foot in length and have a weight capacity of 300 lbs.
  • Tandem Kayaks have a weight capacity of 500 lbs.
• Check the river levels here: River Water Levels (USGS)| River Water Levels (NOAA)

Paddlecraft can be launched from the Corey Street Boat Launch, near Fort Miamis. This launch gives access to the Maumee River near the Audubon Islands State Nature Preserve, a popular paddling destination with great opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Kayak Cove and Adventure Boardwalk - Opening June 9 during Opening Weekend Celebrations.

Thanks to the generous support from Mercy Health, we’re thrilled to introduce this one-of-a-kind paddling experience surrounded by an Adventure Boardwalk that connects both ends of the cove, taking you over the water for a breathtaking journey. Park Address is 1001 Front Street, Toledo, Ohio 43605.

Kayak Share rentals are open June 9 at noon through Labor Day.

Restroom: Yes

Accessible only by water. Two primitive campsites and a rustic cabin available for reservations.

Howard Marsh, on State Route 2 at Howard Road, showcases six miles of water trail for canoeing and kayaking. Enjoy this unique experience of paddling through the marsh, and the convenience of not having to haul your own boat to the park, Howard Marsh Kayak Rentals. Kayak rentals are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

• Restrooms: Yes
• Amenities: Two accessible docks in separate paddling units, drinking water, hiking and biking trails, portage pads for portaging between paddling units
• Distance from Drop Off to Water’s Edge: 0 feet to boat ramp, 120 feet to kayak/canoe ramp

Paddle craft can be launched from the Kayak Cove, which provides access to the Maumee River in downtown Toledo directly from the park.

Paddle craft can be launched from Kuhlman Landing.

An accessible dock with rollers provides easy access to Silver Lake. Paddlers may also launch from a set of stone steps that access the water. Cartop boats can be launched under the I-475 bridge at Side Cut.

• Restrooms: Yes
• Amenities: Accessible dock, stone stepped launch, drinking water, picnic facilities, hiking and biking trails
• Distance from Drop Off to Water’s Edge: 250 feet to dock, 100 feet to stone steps

With access to a boat launch, Wiregrass Lake becomes a hub for paddling sports and fishing alike. This launch has rollers which makes it easier for paddlers to enter or return from the water.

• Restrooms: Porta John
• Amenities: Accessible dock, picnic facilities, camping, hiking and biking trails
• Distance from Drop Off to Water’s Edge: 200 feet