Sandusky

The put in is street parking infront of the AEP Ohio building: 1408 Oakwood St, Fremont, OH 43420

Parking is located in front of a gate along the roadside, which was installed to prevent vehicles from accessing the riverbed. This access point was originally used for heavy equipment during the dam removal. Simply park near the gate, walk around it, and follow the trail down to the river. GPS Coordinates for the Gate Access Point: 41.327051341108934, -83.13359784968422

Before the Ballville Dam was removed, it played a critical role in breaking up upstream ice before it reached downtown Fremont. To prevent future ice jams, an Ice Control Structure was constructed just downstream prior to the dam’s removal.

Today, this structure doubles as a highly effective debris catcher—particularly for trees floating downriver. Credit where it’s due: local authorities have done an excellent job of cleaning debris off during low water conditions, ensuring it remains functional and safe.

Dam. What Could Have Been.
What remains here appears to be the remnants of the Ballville Dam. The river left side seems to have portions that act like a small low-head dam—though it’s unclear whether this is part of the original structure or a natural ledge the dam was built on. The river right side has a much gentler gradient. I haven’t investigated it much, so more exploration is needed.

That said, there are surf opportunities at the right levels if you’re willing to experiment. Just keep an eye out for changes in flow and always scout before you drop in.

On any other river, this would just be called Surf Lab. But in Fremont, things are… different. Here, the Haunted Hydro casts its shadow over the river, and the waves brew strange energy.

Welcome to Paddler’s Cauldron—a place for experimentation. Throw in odd lines, unusual angles, and a pinch of nerve. Stir it all together and hope you conjure up the perfect surf. Or at least survive the spell you cast.

Whatever you do, don’t forget: around here, the river doesn’t just test your skills—it tests your soul.

What is the Haunted Hydro, you ask?
It’s the old generator house that once powered by the dam. Active from 1911 to 1943, is was supplied with water from the Ballville Dam via a large steel pipe along the left bank. After decades of silence, it was resurrected in 1989—not as a hydro plant, but as a haunted house. Every fall, it still comes alive with screams and fog, becoming one of the most iconic haunted attractions in Ohio.

Boo...😔...Hope you enjoyed the ride—because it’s all snooze from here.

Pay your toll by catching one last surf opportunity.

As you approach the bridge, the river serves up one last playful wave—your last chance to show off before the run ends. Miss it, and the troll gets your style points. Catch it clean, and you just might earn safe passage… for now.

Take out at Don Miller Memorial Park: 1329 Tiffin St, Fremont, OH 43420

GPS Coordinates: 41.329183768097614, -83.12173051342005

Side note: This was once Thornwood Golf Course.