Class I Ohio River, IN/OH

Unfortunately, the Ohio River is very underutilized by paddlers, largely due to the misconception that it is more dangerous than paddling other waterways, or that the water quality is particularly poor. During the summer months the speed of the current in the Ohio River is usually about 0.5 MPH which is generally barely noticeable and essentially turns the river into a long lake. Like any stream, the water level will vary depending on how wet the season has been, and it's necessary to watch the water levels as well as make a careful observation of the river's conditions before setting out to paddle. The main thing to watch out for is large floating debris (like trees) when the river level is high. But, in general, paddling on the Ohio is just as safe as paddling on any lake in the area. (Louisville Area Canoe & Kayak)