Little Miami

Put-in at Kelly and Take-out to at Bass Island. Opted for further take-out than Milford for longer float time. Height on Milford Guage was 6.2ft. R2 Rafted in a RMR storm (not a kayak). Good flow. Flat water stretches were fine, they were really of no concen as little paddling needed to get through them. I would this stretch again without a doubt. Effort level minimal. We would have been off the river after like 2 hours if we took the Milford exit. Glad I opted for the further take-out. We did Milford Take-out last week from Kelley and took us like 2.5 hours at 7.2ft.

The bass-island take-out gives you like another 3-4 rapids to go through. So its a nice option.

Class 2 rapid near Milford not near as fun compared to last week's trip with levels at 7.2ft. Rapids all together were kinda meh. I feel like some of the rocks shifted since last season. Wave trains were not bumping.

18/May/2024 05:00PM

11/May/2024 1:30 PM[Saturday] AUTHOR: Brandon Gum

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• River = Little Miami River, Kelley Nature Preserve to Milford
• R2 Rafting with RMR Storm
• Float time = ~2.5 hours
• Height = 7.2ft
  • Practically no flat water paddling required.
  • I do agree that most rapids are washed out at this height. Probably gets better closer to 9-10ft. 6 to 6.5ft are definitely the better heights for good rapids.
  • The class two rapid just ahead of Milford takeout was roaring. 3ft waves at least. Lots of fun with no consequences.
  • At this height you could run to the bass island take-out to hit a few of the extra rapids past the Milford take-out without excessive flat water paddling
• Wind Speed = 15 MPH with 30MPH gusts
  • You would never know it though. Wind was not a problem at all. Either because of tree coverage or maybe the wind was with us.
• Scenic River Canoe was not running this day. Plenty of private boaters out. Gorgous day. Dont let the washed out rapids talk you out of going, still a really good time.
• Strainers were not an issue. THis was my first run of the season. I didnt see any deposits from over the winter that will be a problem this season

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Just an FYI, you're site isn't displaying the current gauge level for this run, August 29, 2021

This is a good little trip for the area. It gets boney pretty quick without pretty high water though. Try not to block the driveway at the top of the takeout when collecting your boats. People come and go on that road a lot and don't appreciate it. There is plenty of room to pull a car or truck off to the side and still keep the path clear.

Little spin in a little hole. At the right level, this catch on the fly hole is the best playspot on the river next to Boathouse Rapid.

Alternate put-in is either at the bridge or down the road the follows the river next to these bridges. OH-126 and Loveland Bike Trail bridge shown.

Why not drop down a 10 foot hill?

Eddyline formed by old piece of dam and an upstream rock.

Take-out up the ramp.