A scenic and sometimes challenging kayak trip can be experienced along a stretch of Greenville Creek that spans from Historic Bears Mill in Darke County to the Stillwater River in Covington. This is a distance of about 14 miles and can be completed in one long day, or over two days.
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Technically, the trip can be extended many more miles by continuing south on the Stillwater River in Covington. After all, these are two of the most pristine rivers in western Ohio. Both are designated State Scenic Rivers!
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While not as popular as the Great Miami River for kayaking, or as commercial (there are no outfitters that service Greenville Creek), if you have your own equipment, it’s actually quite impressive and worthwhile. It’s filled with surprises, including waterfalls and wildlife, limestone cliffs and rock formations, an abandoned train trestle, and some pretty good rapids. It’s also very convenient to undertake, with easy access to the river at several locations along the stream and public parking.
Taking the Trip
In many ways, this trip can be broken down into three sections that each has its own unique character, scenery and challenges.
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The trip starts at Historic Bears Mill (6450 Arcanum Bears Mill Rd.), which has a designated launch point for kayaks (pleasantly located next to the Mill), as well as public parking.
The stream then travels through the farmland of Darke County before reaching the bridge at State Route 721 in Miami County—a distance of about 7 miles. The bridge (a great half-way point) has a public parking area and river access.
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Finally, the stream enters the Stillwater Valley, where it begins to move a little faster as it cuts down and through the ancient bedrock toward the Stillwater River, crossing over the famous Greenville Falls, past a natural rock arch and through tall limestone cliffs that line the stream all the way to Covington, where Greenville Creek empties into the Stillwater River.
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All in all, you’ll be kayaking through a mix of peaceful farmland, deep wooded areas and past geological features that are rare in western Ohio. It’s something you definitely can’t experience on the Great Miami River! As you'll see, there are some challenges you might face on this trip, so be prepared for a rugged adventure on the water!
With that said, here’s what you can expect…
Section One – Historic Bears Mill to State Route 721 (7 Miles)
After entering the gentle, yet flowing waters next to Bears Mill, kayakers ease into the trip with a quiet and mostly calm section of the stream. This section, although shallow, is fairly steady-flowing in the spring and early summer, but it may begin to dry up as it heats up, which could make it too shallow to navigate. (Note: Late spring and early summer are the best times to kayak in western Ohio).
Less than a mile-and-a-half into the trip, kayakers will come to an old abandoned train trestle that crosses Greenville Creek (videos above) in the middle of the woods! The trestle is a remnant of the old Pennsylvania Railroad's Columbus-to-Saint Louis train line, which dates back to the mid-1800s and is now part of the Tecumseh Trail/Bike Path in Darke County. This section of the abandoned railroad, however, is on private property, so you can look, but not touch. Regardless, it’s a unique sight to come across!
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A short while later, kayakers will pass beneath another old bridge (this time a steel bridge that is part of the Tecumseh Trail) near the Village of Gettysburg. (NOTE: If you are in need of a restroom or food/drinks, the bridge at Gettysburg-Pitsburg Rd. is located about 500 feet from a Marathon gas station, which has a deli with hot food).
After Gettysburg, the stream enters a nearly two-and-a-half mile stretch of wilderness (which is mostly shallow, still waters), followed by one of the first big challenges of the journey—a sea of tornado debris, seen below...​
Due to several tornadoes that have passed through this part of Darke County in recent years, just west of Smith Road is a point in the river where hundreds of fallen trees and debris have collected in one spot. They block the main artery of the river for about 40 to 60 yards, making it impossible to pass through on a kayak (it would be easier to walk across it!) However, just as you approach this jumbled mess, you’ll notice a small, strong-flowing channel that swiftly cuts to the right and through the trees. The channel is only a few feet wide, but it leads to a side stream that then safely returns kayakers back to the main artery and past the clogged area without leaving the comfort of your kayak. If this little section is blocked, follow it on foot for a short distance to the side stream.
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A short time later (after passing through the territory of a local family of eagles!), you’ll come to the St. Rt. 721 bridge. With a few short breaks here and there, this section takes about four hours to complete. If you’re ready to break for the day, have your second vehicle parked at the bridge. If not, continue on!
Section Two – State Route 721 to Greenville Falls State Nature Preserve
From the moment you launch in the water beneath the St. Rt. 721 bridge, the stream begins to flow a lot faster. The calm waters of the first part of the trip give way to some fun rapids and obstacles. There are also some beautiful houses and farms right next to the river in this area, including a very picturesque scene where the river passes beneath the Croft Mill Road bridge (a steel bridge) and by the old mill homestead. It’s like something from another time to see!
After the bridge, the stream enters a very long stretch of wilderness, which lasts all the way to Greenville Falls State Nature Preserve.
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Again, there are some great rapids and obstacles to enjoy as you get closer and closer to the cascading waterfall at the nature preserve. (In fact, if you’re only interested in rapids, skip the first part of this trip and begin at Section Two!)
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Since it is potentially dangerous to go over the waterfall, you can portage to the right and drop your kayak in the deep pool beneath the waterfall before continuing on.
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NOTE: Right before reaching the falls, look for remnants of an old dam that used to cross the stream, pictured above right.
Section Three – Greenville Falls to the Stillwater River in Covington
Just after the cascading waterfall, kayakers will pass a rare limestone rock arch and a wall of tall cliffs on the north side of the stream and the remnants of an old power plant on the other side. Also, just before reaching the waterfall, if the water is shallow enough, you can see the relics of an old dam that once crossed the river and served the power plant.
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After passing beneath the Rangeline Road bridge, kayakers will follow the stream through a series of rock cliffs and wilderness areas (probably the most beautiful part of the trip) before eventually reaching the Stillwater River in downtown Covington.
This part of the trip is less than a mile-and-a-half long, but it’s probably the most rewarding section, both in terms of scenery and the amount of rapids.
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Although it is not convenient to do so, it is possible to park your second vehicle on Wright Street in Covington (or get picked up there), which dead-ends at the river across from Greenville Creek. Or…
Section Four – On to the FL Blankenship Riverside Sanctuary (less than 2 miles)
If you have the strength and time, it might be easier to continue on the Stillwater River for less than two miles longer to the FL Blankenship Riverside Sanctuary, which contains a designated kayak pullout and public parking off of State Route 48, south of Covington, pictured above.
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The extra effort will be worth it, as this is a very pretty stretch of the Stillwater River with a few good rapids. It’s a nice ending to a great trip.
NOTE: An official map of Greenville Creek and the Stillwater River is available HERE. Always check water conditions before kayaking and never kayak alone!