MAHONING RIVER TRIPS
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Planning a paddle on the Mahoning River? This guide helps you compare trip sections by distance, timing, access points, and experience level. Whether you’re looking for a short beginner-friendly float, a half-day adventure, or a longer river trip, use this page to find the right stretch for your day. Always check current river conditions, wear a life jacket, and plan ahead for dams, portages, and changing water levels.
Important: Trip distances and times are approximate and may vary based on water level, river conditions, weather, strainers, and portages. Hazards and dams are present along parts of the Mahoning River. This information is provided for general trip planning only and is not intended for navigation.
🦺 Wear your life jacket
📍 Know your route
🚧 Avoid dams
🌊 Read the water
👥 Paddle with others
⚠️ Bring safety gear
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Put-in: Foster Metropark (RM 0)
⚠️ Log Jam at RM 3/ Reported 5/18/26- Required Portage
🚩 Dam at Rotary Park/ Must Take-out
Take-out: Rotary Park (RM 6)
Distance: Approx. 6 miles
Trip Length: About 2.5–4 hours
Best For: Short half-day paddle, beginners with some experience, casual recreation
Overview:
A solid introductory stretch from the river’s starting reference point at Foster Metropark. Good option for paddlers wanting a manageable trip without committing to a full day.
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Put-in: Rotary Park (RM 6)
Take-out: Thomas Swift MetroPark (RM 12.5)
Distance: Approx. 6.5 miles
Trip Length: About 3–4.5 hours
Best For: Half-day paddlers, return visitors, beginner/intermediate trips
Overview:
A moderate stretch that builds off the first section. Great for those wanting a little more time on the water while still keeping the day comfortable.
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Put-in: Thomas Swift MetroPark (RM 12.5)
Take-out: Canoe City Metropark (RM 17)
Canoe City is Closed
🚩Alternate Take-Out Lover Lane Park(RM18.6)
Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles
Trip Length: About 2–3.5 hours
Best For: Shorter family-friendly outing, quick rental trip
Overview:
A shorter paddle that works well as an easy option for customers who want a lighter trip or are new to river paddling.
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Put-in: Canoe City Metropark (RM 17)
Canoe City is Closed Use Lovers Lane
Take-out: Lovers Lane Park (RM 18.5)
Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles
Trip Length: About 1–2 hours
Best For: Intro paddles, youth groups, skill sessions
Overview:
A very short stretch ideal for instruction, short float trips, or paddlers who want minimal shuttle time and a relaxed experience.
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Put-in: Lovers Lane Park (RM 18.5)
Take-out: Burbank Park (RM 21.5)
Distance: Approx. 3 miles
Trip Length: About 1.5–3 hours
Best For: Beginner-friendly short trip, easy rentals
Overview:
A simple short section that can fit nicely into a morning or evening paddle offering.
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Put-in: Burbank Park (RM 21.5)
Take-out: Packard Park (RM 23)
Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles
Trip Length: About 1–2 hours
Best For: Very short paddle, first-timers, guided intro trips
Overview:
One of the shortest mapped options. This is a great “try paddling” segment or a low-commitment trip.
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Put-in: Packard Park (RM 23)
Take-out: Perkins Park (RM 24)
Distance: Approx. 1 mile
Trip Length: About 45 minutes–1.5 hours
Best For: Intro classes, quick floats, youth programming
Overview:
A compact section best suited for education, skills practice, or short guided outings.
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Gould Park (RM 25)
Last take-out before Dam
Not offical take out/ primitive
🚩🚩 Republic Works Dam/Portage
Niles Riverside Park (RM 32.5)
Distance: Approx. 8.5 miles
Trip Length: About 4–6 hours
Best For: Full half-day to full-day trip, intermediate paddlers
Overview:
A longer trip option for paddlers looking for more time on the water. This works well as a featured route for more adventurous guests.
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Put-in: Niles Riverside Park (RM 32.5)
🚩🚩 Girard Mills Dam/Portage
Take-out: Marshall rd (RM 35.5)
Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles
Trip Length: About 2–3.5 hours
Best For: Moderate day trip, returning paddlers
Overview:
A balanced trip length that fits nicely into a half-day experience and offers a good next step after beginner routes.
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Put-in: Don Rex Canoe Launch (RM 37)
🚩🚩 Crescent St Dam/ Portage
Take-out: West Ave (RM 42)
Distance: Approx. 5 miles
Trip Length: About 2.5–4 hours
Best For: Half-day paddle, intermediate trip
Overview:
A solid mid-length run that can work well for standard river rental offerings.
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Put-in: West Ave (RM 42)
Take-out: Spring Commons (RM 42.5)
Distance: Approx. 0.5 mile
Trip Length: About 30–60 minutes
Best For: Instruction, demo paddles, event-based use
Overview:
A very short downtown-style segment better suited for quick access, educational programming, or limited-duration outings.
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Put-in: Spring Commons (RM 42.5)
🚩Marshall St Dam/ Stay Left or Portage
🚩Center St Dam/ Stay Left or Portage
Take-out: Struthers Launch (RM 47)
Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles
Trip Length: About 2–3 hours
Best For: Moderate trip, guided group paddle
Overview:
A practical half-day route with enough mileage to feel like a real trip without requiring a full-day commitment. Experience Recommended
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Put-in: Struthers Launch (RM 47)
Take-out: Lowellville Riverfront (RM 50.5)
WEST AVE USGS GLOW GAUGE (upstream of launch)
LOWELVILLE USGS FLOW GAUGE (near take-out)
Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles
Trip Length: About 1.5-2 hours
Best For: Easy-moderate paddle, shorter group trip
Overview:
A good shorter outing in the downstream section of the mapped corridor.
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Put-in: Lowellville Riverfront (RM 50.5)
Take-out: Beyond Corporate Launch, PA (RM 53.5)
Distance: Approx. 3 miles
Trip Length: About 1.5–2 hours
Best For: Short downstream trip, Ohio-to-Pennsylvania route
Overview:
A nice shorter end-section paddle and a unique cross-state trip option for marketing purposes.