LOGAN CO.CHAMPAIGN CO.

MONTGOMERY CO.

MIAMI CO.

CHA

MPA

IGN

CO.

MIA

MI CO

.

MIAMI CO.

SHELBY CO.

SHELBY CO.AUGLAIZE CO.

SHELB

Y CO.

LOG

AN

CO.

P

CLARK CO

.M

IAM

I CO.

MO

NTG

OM

ERY CO.

GREEN

E CO.

Indian Lake

274

235

235

708

235

508

47

706

47

4729

29

29

47

66

36

36

75

33

274

47Baker Rd.

Peterson Rd.

75

Farrington Rd.

Eldean Rd.

41

Troy Piqua Rd.

55

55

75

202

41

571

571

48

201

Tipp Elizabeth Rd.

70

Ross Rd.

202

County Rd. 25AN

orth Dixie D

r.N

orth Dixie D

r.

201

235

75

70

40

40

Little York Rd.

Chambersburg Rd.Fishburg Rd.

48

48

Siebenthaler Avenue

75

4

Wagner

Rip

Rap

Ridg

e

675

3535

4

49

Salem Ave.

Vand

erm

ark

Rd.

Infirmary Rd.

Lockington Rd.Frederick Pk.

Dog Leg Rd.

TROY

TIPPCITY

VANDALIA

De Graff

RussellsPoint

Quincy

Logansville

PortJefferson

LockingtonDam

JacksonCenter

Lakeview

TaylorsvilleDamEnglewood

Dam

HuffmanDam

Union

HUBERHEIGHTS

Trotwood

Englewood

DAYTON

AA

E

DC

A

B

F

G

BB

H

CCCC1

M

LK

DD

J

N 40˚ 18’ 10.30”W 83˚ 57’ 54.33”

N 40˚ 17’ 44.86”W 84˚ 08’ 35.79”

N 40˚ 17’ 24.13”W 84˚ 08’ 59.12”

N 40˚ 08’ 01.39”W 84˚ 14’ 08.87”

N 40˚ 02’ 26.22”W 84˚ 11’ 51.81”

N 39˚ 48’ 51.11”W 84˚ 09’ 16.08”

N 39˚ 46’ 32.75”W 84˚ 11’ 34.98”

N 39˚ 45’ 51.98”W 84˚ 12’ 95.65”

N 39˚ 43’ 46.40”W 84˚ 12’ 40.86”

2728

29

30

32

33

31

26

N

Northern Section

N O R T H

75

4

Wagner

Ridg

e Av

e.

3535

4

49

Trotwood

g

DAYTON

M

L

N 39˚ 45’ 51.98”W 84˚ 12’ 95.65”

N 39˚ 43’ 46.40”W 84˚ 12’ 40.86”

N48

J

Siebenthaler Ave.

N 39˚ 46’ 32.75”W 84˚ 11’ 34.98”

75

Helena St.

Monument

First St.

Third St.

Fourth St.

Fifth St.

Washington St.

Edwin C. M

oses

Riverside

Patte

rson

Blv

d.

Stewart St.

Main St.

Main St.

Salem

JN 39˚ 46’ 32.75”W 84˚ 11’ 34.98”

N 39˚ 45’ 51.98”W 84˚ 12’ 95.65”

M

75

D E T A I L

48

48

49

35

CAUTION:Do not boat on thisside stream. Stayon the Mad River.

Great Miami River Water Trail

Miami River R

d.

Taylorsville Rd.

202

Needmore Rd.

N. Dixie Hw

y.

S. Main

Sidney Rd.

Troy

-Sid

ney

Rd.

Piqua-Lockington

Miam

i Conservancy

Vand

erm

ark

Rd.

S. M

ain

Ave.

E. Miami Shelby Rd.

Sidn

ey-P

iqua

Rd.

Pasc

o M

ontr

a Rd

.Pa

sco

Mon

tra

Rd.

Pence Rd.

Baker Rd.

Tawaw

a Maplew

ood Rd.

Deweese Rd.

235

Twp. 21

Twp. 207Twp. 207

Riverside

PIQUA

LockingtonLocks

SIDNEY

I

N 40˚ 10’ 28.36”W 84˚ 15’ 26.50”

Revi

sed

10/1

3

Map Legend

48

40

75

AA

A

MCDFlood Control Dam

Low Dams

Ohio State Routes

U.S. Highways

InterstateHighways

Indian Lake State Park in Russells Point

DAM at Indian Lake (portage right)

SR 235 bridge (De Graff)

DAM at Quincy(difficult portage right or left)

SR 235 bridge (Quincy)

DAM at Johnston Park (portage right)

Johnston Park, City of Sidney

DAM at Custenborder Fields (portage left)

Custenborder Fields, City of SidneyVeterans Memorial Walkway, City of Sidney

Berger Park, City of Sidney

Roadside Park, City of Sidney (CR 25A)

Canal Feeder Trail, City of Sidney

East Lockington Road bridge

Lockington Dam on Loramie Creek(portage left)

DAM at Piqua waterworks (portage left)

Roadside Park, City of Piqua

N. Main Street bridgeRiver‘s Edge Access (right)

Lock Nine Park, City of Piqua

E. Main Street bridge

Bridge Street

DAM at Piqua power plant (portage left)

Goodrich Giles Park, City of Piqua

Farrington Reserve, Miami County Park District

Twin Arches Reserve,Miami County Park District

Covered Bridge Park, Concord Township

Barbee Memorial Park,Concord Township

Treasure Island (Elm Street), City of Troy

DAM downstream of Market Street(portage left)

Miami Shores Golf Course, City of Troy

Recreational Trail Access (SR 41 bridge),City of Troy

Tippecanoe City Park,(Tipp-Elizabeth Road), City of Tipp City

Canoe Livery, City of Tipp City

Honey Creek Preserve,Miami County Park District

Kyle Park, City of Tipp City

Ross Road bridge

Taylorsville MetroPark

Taylorsville Dam (portage right)

Rip Rap Road Bikeway bridge

Rip Rap Road at Fishburg Road

DAM at City of Dayton wellfield(portage left)

DAM at Englewood MetroPark(portage right)

Englewood Dam (portage right)

Englewood MetroPark (Aullwood Road)

Dog Leg Road bridge

DAM north of Shoup Mill Road bridge(portage right)

Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark(Siebenthaler Avenue)

DeWeese Park, City of Dayton

Ridge Avenue bridge

Triangle Park, City of Dayton

Island MetroPark (Helena Street)

DAM at Island MetroPark(portage left)

A

AA

CC

CC1

Huffman Dam and MetroPark (portage right)

DAM at City of Dayton wellfieldStay far left, portage to riverDO NOT continue straight into mill race -VERY dangerous and illegal

DAM at City of Dayton wellfield (portage left)

Eastwood MetroPark (Harshman Road)Mad River Run Whitewater Park

Deeds Point (downtown Dayton)

RiverScape MetroPark (downtown Dayton)

DAM downstream of I-75 (portage left or right)*River Run Whitewater Park coming soon

DAM at Tait Station downstream of I-75(portage right)

Tait Station

Boat Ramp off East River Road, Miami Conservancy District

Boat Ramp off Alex Road, Miami Conservancy District

DAM near Moraine Air Park, downstream ofSellars Road (portage left)

Rice Field (Dayton-Cincinnati Road),City of Miamisburg

DAM at Hutchings Station(difficult portage left)

Boat Ramp Dayton-Cincinnati at Shepherd Road

Crains Run Park (Dayton-Cincinnati Road),Miami Township

DAM at Chatauqua (washed out, proceed withcaution)

Germantown Dam (portage right)

Germantown MetroPark

Kercher Park (Astoria Road), Germantown

SR 123 bridge

Carmody Park (Martz-Paulin Road)Warren County Park District

Second Street at River Street

DAM at Middletown (washed out, proceed withcaution)SR 4 at Carmody Boulevard

Bicentennial Commons (SR 122),City of Middletown

Armco DAM south of SR 122(difficult portage left or right)

Boat Ramp upstream of SR 73,Miami Conservancy District

Rentschler Forest MetroPark,MetroParks of Butler County

DAM south of Rentschler Forest MetroPark(portage left)

Combs Park, City of Hamilton

DAM north of Black Street (portage right)

Monument Park, City of Hamilton

Boat Ramp, City of Hamilton

DAM south of Columbia bridge(portage left or right)

Dam Overlook (Neilan Boulevard), City of Hamilton

Joyce Park, City of Hamilton

Heritage Park (East Miami River Road)Colerain Township

DAM south of New Baltimore (washed out,proceed with caution)Dravo Park, Colerain Township

Whirlpool HAZARD at US 50 bridge(portage left or right)

5180 Lawrenceburg Rd, Whitewater Township

Riverview Park, Whitewater Township

Shawnee Lookout, Great Parks of Hamilton County

Oxbow Wetland (Exit 16 on I-275)

DD

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

W

X

Information compiled as of November 2013 and is subject to change.

MILES

KILOMETERS

0

0

1

1 2 3 4 5

2 3

1

1

Map Symbols

EE

B

C

D

E

F

G

BB

H

I

J

O H I O

CLEVELAND

COLUMBUS

TOLEDO

DAYTON

CINCINNATI

MERCERAUGLAIZE

HARDIN

SHELBY

LOGAN

DARKEMIAMI

CHAMPAIGN

CLARK

PREBLEMONTGOMERY

GREENE

BUTLERWARREN

HAMILTON

G R E AT

M I A

MI

RIV

ER

GR

EA

TM

IAM

IR

IVE R

S T I L L W A T E R R I VE R

M A D R I VE

R

IND

IAN

AO

HIO

KENTUCKY

OHIO

GM 156.7

GM 154.3

GM 153.5

GM 151.5

GM 148.9

GM 145.9

GM 143.5GM 140.6

GM 138.8

GM 135.8

GM 131.1GM 129.4

GM 128.4

GM 128.0

GM 126.4

GM 122.8

GM 120.4

GM 117.5

GM 113.8

LC 02.0

GM 110.3

GM 108.8

GM 106.0

GM 105.1GM 104.1

GM 102.0

GM99.1

GM94.0

GM91.0

GM88.2

SW09.0

SW05.8

SW03.0

SW02.0

SW00.4

GM82.0

GM81.7 MR03.0

GM80.7GM80.4

GM 100.6

12.4

GM 126.9

GM 116.3

GM 114.5GM113.7

GM113.0GM112.6

GM 112.1

GM111.7

GM 108.1

GM 106.2

GM 104.5

GM99.0

GM88.4

MR05.8MR05.2

MR04.1

GM79.9

GM76.6

GM 156.7

GM 143.5

GM 140.6

GM 128.4

GM 140.8

GM 128.0

GM 126.9

GM 126.4

GM 122.8

GM 120.4

GM 116.3

GM 114.5

GM 113.7

GM 113.0

GM 112.6

GM 111.7

GM 110.3

GM 108.8

GM 108.1

GM 106.2

GM 106.0

GM 104.5

GM 104.1

GM99.1

GM99.0

GM94.0

GM91.0

GM88.4

GM88.2

SW09.0

SW05.8

SW03.0

SW02.0

SW00.4

GM82.0

GM81.7

MR03.0

GM80.7

GM80.4

GM76.6

V

20.0

08.0

33.8

36.5

40.2

50.8

56.2

61.7

63.5

72.0

76.6

79.9

04.1

05.2

156.5

140.8

128.5

128.3

116.3

112.1

105.1

GM97.0

85.8

03.3

81.3

GM76.9

GM78.7

GM81.3

GM79.9

GM85.8

GM87.5GM86.2

GM90.3

GM90.9

GM98.2

GM98.2

GM 122.1

GM 118.2

GM97.0

GM76.6

GM81.3

SW03.3

GM 116.3

GM 156.5

For more information, aStillwater River - Play It Safemap & guide is available fromThe Miami Conservancy District.

For more information, a MadRiver - Play It Safe map &guide is available from TheMiami Conservancy District.

For the most up-to-dateinformation on river accesspoints and hazards visitwww.miamiconservancy.org/recreation/planatrip.asp

GM 125.9

Lockington Bridge

GM 128.5

GM 128.3

MONTGOMERY CO.

BUTLER CO.

BUTLER CO.

OHIO

INDIANA

4

725

725

725

123

Martz-

Paulin Rd.

48

4

4

75

127

Sheph

erd R

d.

Creek Rd.

Ast

oria

Rd.

127

127

27

275

27574

74

275

74 52

50

50

Cross County Hwy.

Miami River Rd.

Miami River

East

Rd.

73

4

73

73

4

4

4

741

63

122

Mia

mi

River

East

Rd.

South Dixie Hwy.

E. R

iver

Rd.

Dryden Rd.

Cinc

inna

ti

Dayt

onPk

.

Harrison

Germantown

Carlisle

FRANKLIN

MIDDLETOWN

GermantownDam

WESTCARROLLTON

MIAMISBURG

Trenton

NewMiami

HAMILTON

FAIRFIELD

Forest Park

Ross

Monroe

Cheviot

Cleves

P

O

QEE

R

S

T

U

W

N 39˚ 36’ 28.57”W 84˚ 17’ 09.33”

N 39˚ 35’ 14.53”W 84˚ 17’ 15.57”

N 39˚ 30’ 28.64”W 84˚ 25’ 06.01”

N 39˚ 24’ 49.17”W 84˚ 33’ 25.72”

N 39˚ 22’ 46.62”W 84˚ 34’ 00.78”

N 39˚ 40’ 46.46”W 84˚ 14’ 47.23”

N 39˚ 32’ 31.93”W 84˚ 21’ 48.60”

Miam

iview Rd.

Bro

wer

Rd.

Lost Bridge

128

52Miamitown

128

128

Blue Rock Rd.

128

River Rd.

GM54.2

GM51.7

GM49.0

GM48.4

GM41.3

GM36.5

GM34.4GM33.8

GM32.0

GM30.0

GM27.0

GM 23.8

GM22.0

GM19.3

GM17.0

GM 14.8GM 14.3

GM 11.0

GM08.0

GM06.0

GM05.2

GM03.3

TC 01.0

TC 05.4TC 08.1

TC 10.0

GM58.0

GM 62.0

GM 63.4

GM 64.0

GM72.2

GM 74.5

Exit 16I-275

N O R T H

Southern Section

675

27

River Miles - No Access12.4

River MilesWater Trail Access

Great Miami River

Stillwater River

Mad River

Loramie Creek

Twin Creek

GM

SW

MR

LC

TW

Roadside Parking

Restrooms

Drinking Water

Picnic Area

Canoe Rental

Boat Ramp

Camping

RecreationalTrail Access

Parking Lot

75

GM61.7

Michael A. Fox Hwy.

Liberty-Fairfield Rd.

Wayne-M

adison Rd.

High St.Main St.

GM35.4

KENTU

CKY

LOW DAM LOCATIONSThe known latitude and longitudeof the low dam locations alongthe Great Miami River areapproximate. Please carefullyscout your river trip route for allpotential hazards.

1

GM01.0

WW01.5

WW02.2

Whitewater RiverWW

GM 74.5

GM 72.2

GM 64.0

GM 63.4

GM 62.0

TC 10.0

TC 08.1

TC 05.4

TC 01.0

GM59.7

GM54.2

GM51.7

GM48.4

GM41.3

GM36.5

GM35.4

GM34.4

GM33.8

GM32.0

GM 23.8

GM19.3

GM03.3

GM01.0

WW02.2

WW01.5

GM09.0

GM18.0

NewBaltimore

GM21.1

GM26.6126

HAMILTON CO.

GM35.5

V

GM36.5Black St.

GM37.7

GM42.4

N 39˚ 25’ 30.35”W 84˚ 30’ 08.51”

Augsp

urge

r

GM48.3 GM46.7

GM50.8

GM56.2GM56.7

GM63.5

Farmersville-W. Carrollton Rd.

MainGM73.0

GM20.0

GM40.2

73

2nd St.

Ford

Rd.

X

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 Water Trail is a safe and fun adventure.

72.6GM

Miami & Erie Canal Park, City of West CarrolltonGM 72.6

Boat Ramp downstream side of dam, Miami Conservancy District

GM 72.0

GM 72.0

GM 69.0

GM 72.0

Linden Avenue bridgeGM 66.0

GM 66.0

Linden Ave.

Boat ramp Dayton-Oxford Road, FranklinGM59.2

GM 59.7

123

GM 59.2

GM 56.4

Four Mile CreekFM

Motor VehicleParking Permit Required

FM 01.5

River Trail Access, MetroParks of Butler CountyGM56.4

Four Mile Creek MetroPark, Antenen NaturePreserve Area, MetroParks of Butler County

FM 01.5

Watch for this sign to help you find the access points along the Great Miami River Water Trail.

Whitewater Feature

Moraine

Moraine

WARREN CO.

Enjoy the Great Miami River Water Trail & Play It Safe!The Great Miami River Water Trailoriginates upstream from Indian Lakeand flows southwest to its confluencewith the Ohio River, west of Cincinnati.The watershed includes the GreatMiami, Stillwater, and Mad rivers;and is known for its water supply, recreation, industries, productive farm-land and high-quality streams. Themiddle and upper Great Miami Rivercontains some of Ohio’s best small-mouth bass fishing.

Playing It Safe

PHOTOS: Ryan Hulvat, Dusty Hall and Sarah Hippensteel

Low dams can be deadly and should always be avoided.

Taylorsville Dam near Vandalia is one of MCD’s fiveflood protection dams .

Paddlers should not boat on swollen rivers and streams likethis high water on the Great Miami River in downtown Dayton.

Planning a TripFor the most up-to-date information on

river access points and hazards visitwww.miamiconservancy.org/

recreation/planatrip.asp

• Scout the land area and stream prior to boating it.• File a “float plan” with a reliable person, indicating

where you are going and when you will leave and return.

• Check river water levels and flow information for any river warning and flood information. Check a stream gauge level, if available, on the United StatesGeological Survey’s web site at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/oh/nwis/rt.

• Dress properly. Wear appropriate footwear.• Know the location of all dams and other hazards,

and carry your boat around these hazards.• The streambed may be privately owned. Be sure to

put in and take out only at public access points.• Carry adequate drinking water.• Be prepared for the worst. Know how to get to roads

if you must “walk out.”• Display courtesy and respect to other stream users.

The Miami Conservancy DistrictThe Miami Conservancy District protects the regionfrom flooding, preserves the quality and quantity ofwater, and promotes the enjoyment of our waterways.The organization dates back to 1915 and is a politicalsubdivision created by state law.

The Miami Conservancy District:• Operates and maintains five dry dams, 55 miles of

levee and other flood protection features in its system.

• Monitors the area’s groundwater and surface waterto protect the aquifer, which supplies 90 percent ofthe region’s drinking water.

• Owns or maintains nearly 35 miles of recreation trails for biking, skating, walking, jogging and enjoying.

• Coordinates a water quality credit trading programthat allows the region to improve water quality better, cheaper and faster.

• Works with communities to help identify and respondto water resource concerns.

The Miami Conservancy District operates throughoutthe Great Miami River Watershed which drains about4,000 square miles in southwest Ohio.

It looks calm and peaceful, but a low dam isonly 200 feet beyond this boat, well in front ofthe bridge.

Low damlocation

(view lookingdownstream)

Possible Day TripOnce you have carefully read the sections on PlanningYour Trip and Safety, you may want to explore the triplisted below. Be aware that rivers are constantlychanging and that new hazards may occur at any time.

Taylorsville Damto Island MetroPark(9.3 miles) (River Mile) - Parking is provided at thedownstream side of Taylorsville Dam. A carry-in boatramp is available for easy launch. Check for park hours,but generally the gate is unlocked from dawn to dusk. This stretch of the Great Miami River plays host toa variety of wildlife including Belted Kingfishers, GreatBlue Herons, and many songbirds. There is also plentyof habitat – deep holes and structure – for good fishing.Smallmouth bass are abundant. The first section of thetrip is heavily forested although you are just a few milesfrom downtown Dayton. As you paddle south, the scenerybecomes more urban. Just after launching, you float through an area thatcommonly has strainers – downed trees and logs – andthen paddle under the I-70 bridge.

I-70 Bridge Rip Rap Road Bikeway Bridge Rip Rap Road at Fishburg Road Needmore Road Bridge DAM - PORTAGE LEFT. This dam helps the City

of Dayton recharge the aquifer. to The Great Miami River becomes

wider and more shallow – although deep holes can formafter each rainstorm. Depending on recent weather, theriver can be slower in the last stretch and require morepaddling effort than in the earlier miles. This stretchalso has fewer trees along the banks, so wind may beencountered.

LAND at Island MetroPark. There is a boatramp on the left bank, and ample parking is nearby.Check for park hours, but generally the gate is unlockedfrom dawn to dusk.

Safety information provided by theOhio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft

and The Miami Conservancy District.

Report SpillsReport spills, abandoned drums, and

other environmental emergencies24 hours a day at 1-800-282-9378.

GM 90.3GM 88.4GM 88.2GM 86.2GM 85.8

GM 85.8 GM 81.0

GM 81.7

GM 91.0GM 81.7

GM 91.0

H

GreatMiamiRiverWaterTrailMap & Guide2013 Edition

Funding/production of this publication was a cooperative effort among TheMiami Conservancy District, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, FiveRivers MetroParks, Miami County Park District and MetroParks of Butler County.

The information contained in this map is believed to be accurate. The Miami Conservancy District is not responsible for any inaccuracies.Interpretation anduse of the map and its contents are the responsibilty of the user.

This map has been printed on a synthetic paper which is manufactured usingan environmentally friendly process. This map may also be recycled withmaterials showing the following symbol:

© 2013 Miami Conservancy District. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

MCD Report 2013-04

38 E. Monument AvenueDayton, Ohio 45402Phone: (937) 223-1271www.miamiconservancy.org

10M—12/2013

Water Trail PartnersAll of the access point information is provided by The Miami Conservancy District and the following water trail partners. Please contact them for more information.

Logan County Indian Lake State Park12774 State Route 235 NLakeview, Ohio 43331937-843-2717

City of Sidney Parks201 W. Poplar StreetSidney, Ohio 45365(937) 498-2335www.sidneyoh.com

Miami County Park District2645 East State Route 41Troy, Ohio 45373Phone: (937) 335-6273Fax: (937) 335-6221www.miamicountyparks.com

Five Rivers MetroParks409 E. Monument AvenueThird FloorDayton, Ohio 45402(937) 275-PARK (7275)www.metroparks.org

Ohio’s Great Corridorwww.ohiosgreatcorridor.org

Ohio Department ofNatural ResourcesDivision of Watercraft2045 Morse Road, Building AColumbus, Ohio 43229-66931-877-4BOATER or (614) 265-6480watercraft.ohiodnr.gov

Warren County Park District 300 East Silver StreetLebanon, Ohio 45036Lebanon: 513-695-1109Cincinnati: 513-925-1109www.co.warren.oh.us/parks

MetroParks of Butler County2051 Timberman RoadHamilton, Ohio 45013513-867-5835www.yourmetroparks.net

Great Parks ofHamilton County10245 Winton RoadCincinnati, Ohio 45231513-521-7275www.greatparks.org

Hazards Found on StreamsRecreation on rivers and streams can be relaxing or thrilling, but it should always be safe. Water offers several real dangers, but with proper training, these hazards are easily managed. Boating safety classes that can teach you to handle water hazards are available around the state of Ohio. Contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at1-877-4BOATER or www.watercraft.ohiodnr.gov for more information.

Floods and OtherHigh, Swift WaterPaddlers should never boat on a stream with water spilling out of the banks or on a stream that is unusually swollen due to high rains or snow melt. High water causes hazards such as low dams and strainers to become even more dangerous. Unseen obstacles such as floating logs or submerged trees may also threaten a boater. Swift currents are more likely to overcome a paddler’s ability to avoid hazards and may make it more difficult to reach shore once in the water.

Water levels are monitored on rivers and streams throughout the state. Check local media and sources for warnings and current conditions.

Cold Water ImmersionSudden immersion in coldwater can be deadly. Theinitial “cold shock”can cause immediate,involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, panicand vertigo – all of whichcan result in inhaling water and drowning. It also can cause suddenchanges in blood pressure, heart rate and heart rhythm that also may result in death. The longer you are immersed in cold water, the harder it is to control your body. Manual dexterity and coordination deteriorate rapidly, and within 30 minutes, hypothermia (cooling of the body’s core temperature) can begin. Loss of consciousness and death with or without drowning can result.

To prevent cold water immersion, take all measures necessary to avoid capsizing your boat. Keep your life jacket securely fastened to help keep your head above water if you fall into the water.

You don’t have to be submerged to become hypothermic. Wind chill, rain and perspiration can contribute to the condition. Uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech and lack of coordina-tion are early symptoms. To guard against hypothermia, dress in layers using materials that wick moisture away and retain heat, such as silk, polypropylene, fleece and wool. Every boater should be able to recognize and know how to treat hypothermia.

Low Dams and WaterfallsLow dams – like natural waterfalls – are deceptively calm and can be incredibly dangerous. Low dams may range from a 25-foot drop-off to a mere 6-inch drop-off. Water flowing over the dam forms currents that can trap objects and you. Backwash and re-circulating current can trap you back against the dam then underwater before you are pushed along the bottom only to be sucked back to the dam as you rise to the surface. This circulating motion repeats over and over again. The backwash currents may even suck you in if you approach too closely from downstream of the dam. The Great Miami River has many dams, with several more low dams on its tributaries.

Safety tips to follow• Know the location of all low dams and waterfalls on the river that you plan to boat.• NEVER attempt to boat over a dam or waterfall.• Portage (carry) your boat around a low dam and launch a safe distance, well downstream of the backwash of the low dam.• Scout the river and know the location of hazards. Talk with boaters who are familiar with the river to gain additional knowledge.• Boat with experienced, responsible boaters and learn from them.• Watch for a smooth line connecting the banks. This may be the top of a low dam.• Listen for the splashing sounds of turbulence and the dangerous currents at dams.• Look for concrete retaining walls, which some dams have at each bank, making the dams easier to spot.

It is nearly impossible to escape the force of a low dam’s currents.

Unless you are trained in low dam rescues, never enter the water in an attempt to rescue someone trapped by a low dam. Immediately call for help, then throw a line from shore to the trapped person. Untrained rescuers should never approach the top of the dam or the backwash below the dam, even in a boat. The turbulence at the dam will easily capsize a boat.

Miami Conservancy District DamsThe Miami Conservancy District operates and maintains five large flood-protection dams (not low dams), in the Great Miami River Watershed. These dams hold back water only when river levels are too high to pass through the large concrete tubes (conduits) that pass through the dams. Do not attempt to pass through the dam’s conduits. Underwater portions of the dam create unpredictable currents and turbulence, which can be extremely danger-ous. Plan to start your river trip downstream from these dams or end your trip upstream from these dams.

StrainersRiver obstructions that allow water to flow through them but that block or “strain” people and boats are known as “strainers.” They are frequently found in the form of branches and limbs, log jams and flooded islands. Because the water flows through strainers, river currents may carry you and your boat right into the strainer. Those same currents will press against the side of your boat and cause it to tip. If you should fall into the water, the current will push you against the strainer and hold you in place with tremendous force. The current may hold you at the water surface or below the water. All strainers should be avoided.

Foot EntrapmentsIf your boat capsizes, do not attempt to stand or walk if you are in high, swift-moving water. You may pin a foot between submerged rocks or debris. Once pinned, the force of the current can push you under the water and hold you there. Always keep your feet up, pointed downstream, and swim to calm water before standing.

Personal Flotation Devices/ Life VestsMore than 80 percent of all boating fatalities occur because the person wasn’t wearing a life vest. Many people think a personal flotation device (PFD) or life vest says “non-swimmer,” but the truth is no boating expert would be without one. And PFDs have come a long way since the bright orange, uncomfortable life jackets of the past. From inflatable PFDs worn around the waist – that open only if they hit water – to lightweight life vests, everyone can find a comfortable PFD to insure a safe trip.

Watercraft Laws and Boater Responsibility• All watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, motorboats and most inflatable rafts, must be registered with Ohio DNR.• United States Coast Guard approved (USCG) personal flotation devices (PFDs) are required for every boater.• Children under the age of 10 are required to wear a properly fitted, USCG-approved PFD at all times while on a watercraft less than 18 feet in length.• It is illegal to operate any watercraft – boats, canoes, kayaks, jet skis, etc.– under the influence of alcohol.• It is illegal to litter in any ditch, stream, river, lake, pond or other water area.• Children under the age of 12 operating a watercraft must be directly supervised by an adult and may not operate personal watercraft such as jet skis.

Boating Etiquette Group size and paddling skills are an important consider-ation in choosing a waterway for your trip. The recom-mended minimum is three boats. No one should paddle alone.

Each person has specific responsibilities in the overall group organization. The safety of the group is dependent upon everyone carrying out these responsibilities.

The lead boat is the first boat and should carry an experi-enced river runner. The lead boat:• Sets the pace and continually evaluates the pace for the rest of the boats.• Selects and communicates to the rest of the group the route to follow.• Scouts the route when a clear section isn’t visible.• Carries first-aid and rescue equipment.

The sweep boat is the last boat and should carry an experienced rescuer. The sweep boat will only pass other boats in the event of an emergency and:• Carries first-aid and rescue equipment.• Assists with keeping the group together.

The remaining boats have a responsibility to stay in between the lead and sweep boats. (If a boat inadvertently passes the lead boat, it should immediately stop and wait for the lead boat to pass.)The remaining boats:• Maintain space to avoid collisions, but still stay compact as a group.• Always keep the next boat upstream and downstream in sight; stop if the downstream boat isn’t visible.• Communicate boating instructions.

Outdoor Ethic Dispose of litter properly – pack it out• Repackage food to minimize waste.• Never throw garbage into the water.• Plastics are dangerous to wildlife – plastic bags, six-pack rings, and other clear plastics float on the water.

Display courtesy and respect to riverfront landowners• The access points highlighted in this guide are located on public property, but most of the shoreline and river bottom are privately owned.• Many landowners enjoy the stream’s peace and solitude from their property. Share the same courtesy that you would want.

Leave what you find• Leave artifacts and natural objects undisturbed. Avoid introducing non-native species, including live bait, by cleaning equipment between trips.

Watch for this sign to help you find the access points along the Great Miami River Water Trail.