How do I go canoeing/kayaking?

First, make a reservation in advance by calling 1-800-291-0099! Reservations are REQUIRED for all groups, including private transports.

 

Ten minutes before your scheduled time, please arrive at the Trailhead and head into the bike shop to sign in. You’ll be outfitted with life jackets and paddles before climbing aboard our vans and riding upriver. Your group will be launched and you'll paddle downstream to the Trailhead, ending at your car — no waiting around to be picked up after your trip!

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What do I bring?

ONE member of your group will need:

✔  PHOTO ID

✔  CREDIT CARD

✔  CAR KEYS

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Once you arrive, we'll make an imprint of the credit card and return it to you. The imprint, your ID, and your car keys will remain with us until you return in order to secure our equipment.

 

EVERYONE in your group will need:

✔  COMPLETED LIABILITY FORM

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Liability forms may be printed out, completed, and brought with you (we recommend this for larger groups), but we also have blank forms here at the livery.

 

On the river, we strongly recommend, but do not require, closed-toe shoes. We also suggest bringing drinking water, bug repellent, and sunblock, all of which are available for purchase here at the Trailhead.  We recommend storing your phone and any other valuables in a watertight, floating bag or container (also available for sale here at the livery) — or, even better, leaving those items behind. Life jackets are included with your rental, but you're welcome to bring your own as long as they're Coast Guard-certified.

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What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash and all major credit cards. We ask that all groups larger than 4 people pay for their rentals in a single transaction.

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Can we bring our dog?

Yes. No extra charge! Just let us know that the pups are tagging along when you make your reservation.

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Can we bring our own boats?

Yes! We can transport your private canoes and kayaks as long as you call for a reservation at least one day in advance. Transport is $15 per boat. 

 

Can we use your launches?

Nope. While the river is open to the public, our launches are private property. If you would like to use our launches, you will need to pay for and use our transport service. No unaccompanied private crafts, and no vehicles other than official Trailhead Canoe Livery vans, are permitted at our launch points.

 

More information about the Tuscarawas River and its public access points is available here.

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Can I bring a cooler with food and drinks?

Yes! We recommend taking a canoe if you're transporting a large, hard-sided cooler, since storage space in kayaks is limited.

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Can I fish while I'm on the water?

Yes! The water quality of the Tuscarawas River has improved greatly in the past few years. Cleaner water has led to an abundance of northern pike, bass, blue gill, crappie, and other fish. Bait is not available at the Trailhead, so be sure to stock up on your way in.

What if it rains?

We operate rain or shine. We will suspend operations if the rain is accompanied by lightning or conditions become otherwise unsafe.

Does the river ever get too high to go canoeing?

Yes. If the river is too high for safe paddling on a day you've made a reservation, we'll call to let you know as early as possible. It's never a bad idea to call ahead to check water levels, especially if we've experienced lots of rain. Closures due to weather conditions will also be announced on Facebook.  

How many people can fit in one boat?

Our canoes can hold up to three adults or two adults plus two children. Larger canoes that will hold up to four adults or two adults plus four children are available, and can be rented by requesting them when you make your reservation. (No additional charge for these boats.)

 

Most of our kayaks are single-person. We have a very limited number of double kayaks, which are first-come, first-serve only.

And remember: our prices are per person, not per boat. Four adults in two canoes is the same price as four adults in one, so spread out and get comfy!