Caesar Creek

There is a tree across the creek about 2 miles down. You can launch over it at 7.93 feet, but suggest caution. 2/6/2025

Ran this with my GF 03/21/2021 at just under 8ft on the gauge. Stream was clear of any major strainers. There is one kinda nasty looking pile of debris river right of the first rapid but plenty of room to the left to get around it (though it looks narrow when you first approach).

Its a pretty fun run with fast (but cold) water. Wish it was longer. The takeout at the bridge kinda sucks. Its not really a developed takeout and you come out onto the bike trail so you can't pull a vehicle up. I'd probably consider packing a lunch and floating on down the little miami on a nice day instead as its a pretty scenic area.

All clear at mid 7ish feet, some strainers partially restricting lines but none fully blocking river.

Correction to my report 6/12/16, water level was 6.5 ft. No small detail as it would not be runnable @ 1 ft. lower.

Made PFD today ( 6/12/16) @ 5.5 ft. in Katana, Axis, OT Trip 10 loaded for afternoon paddle. Had no problems w/ wood. Didn't portage or wade. Watch for boulders. scout on fly, our lines good but @ higher levels I'd say when in doubt, scout. it's a gorge. We're not very experienced but enjoyed it a lot. Def no Ca-Brew or what-ever they call it. Bring a pole, the fishing has to be awesome. You'll have it to yourself. Be safe and respect it, these my parts. Remember, you're on your own for all three miles of it, but extra innings can be had out on the Lil Miami. hit me up if you want.

When Caesar Creek is 'too high' the majority of the waves wash out and the river flows into the trees. Not much fun.

Put-In Access Rd GPS - N 39.489640 W 84.06221
Take Out GPS - N 39.49299 W 84.10167
^-- Take out is on SW side of bridge, walk SE across bike path & Bridge back to parking lot (20yds) - Per request of park rangers, please don't use the East bank next to the parking lot - it's a nature sanctuary.

Water flows nicely with very few issues, ran it 4x in last week @ 8.5ft - it's a quick run but easily doable twice in 2/2.5hrs

At 8.7 feet, the two main rapids of the run are good. Also, if you have a playboat, bring it along. After the second big rapid, there are a couple islands. The normal line around the first is always to the right, but the second, the line is usually to the left. However, if you run the second island to the right, there are a couple boulders, the second of which forms a great eddy line for squirts and plowing enders. Depth is pretty good as well. Just check the depth before you start flipping to make sure you are bumping your head.

The strainer after the first ledge has moved downstream and the river is easily run straight down the middle/little to the right. Also, most strainers have moved out of the way for an almost clear run down the entire river. At the last little rapid (just before the bridge and takeout), the strainer is out of the way now and you can run it down the deepest part of the river.

For video of this run:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZQS5B40Xq0

Level was 7.5 feet on the gauge, a good level for easy play.

Here's the first ledge wave on Caesar's. Catch the eddy on river left and have a run at it. It's shallow - be forewarned.

One of my paddling friends had his first 'waterfall' experience at this drop (notice the small rocks on the left side of the photo). He got stuck on the rock. This rapid, at higher water, has some fun waves to negotiate. This is just upstream of the 'S-Turn'.

This part of the river can give people some trouble. The river splits just above this photo around a small island. When it comes back together, it creates a funky eddy line that can take you into a strainer. Best to eddy out river right.

Catching a small surf at Caesar's Creek at low water.

At the end near the bridge, the right and center stream of water is pretty well blocked now by strainers. The left passage is still pretty clear. Hopefully, when I volunteer up there over summer I can get permission from ODNR to clear this out.

Team Hobo here! We just kayaked from the dam to the Little Miami. Water at about 7.5 ft. Exicting one hour run. Easy in at the gorge and easy out at Corwin. Good rapid action. One wipeout at the biggest rapid, 'Hermit's Eye'. Definately worth the time if the dam is is flowing out good. We tried a while back when the water was low and had to turn back because it was too shallow. No particular dangers out of the ordinary, just a few strainers and such. We highly recomend this run if you're looking for a little more action than the Little Miami. Great step up. Lots of fun in a short run. We're going to try to run it again tomorrow.

a little too low