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On a blistering dog day, there’s no substitute for a dip in a lake, stream or river. Immersing yourself in a natural waterway draws the heat off you body, washes the sweat from your brow and leaves you with a cool feeling that you’ll carry through the rest of your day.
There’s no shortage of waterways and swimming holes in Cincinnati. Clear blue surfaces are a short drive away, just waiting to be broken by the pass of an oar, the touch of a hand or the crash of a belly flop.
Here are a few waterborne adventures to check out during those steamy summer days:
Acton Lake in Hueston Woods State Park
The region’s most pristine lake is found in Oxford, just a few miles from Miami University campus. It includes a 1,500-foot swimming beach with concession stand and bathhouse, boat launch ramps, public docks and fishing. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish and bluegill. Open 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Beach is free, call for boating and fishing fees. Located off of Todd Road near U.S. 27, Oxford.
513-523-6347.
Caesar Creek State Park
Caesar Creek offers an expansive lake with many private nooks and a 1,300-foot beach. Watch where you step — bird droppings abound in July and August. Showers, restrooms and concessions are on site. Fishing for small and largemouth bass and crappie is allowed at the lake. There’s also a scenic waterfall. Open 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Beach is free, call for boating and fishing fees. 8570 East SR 73 off I-71, Waynesville. 513-897-3055.
Lake Harsha at East Fork State Park
Lake Harsha is a popular local waterway for swimming and boating and the occasional windsurfer, with 2,160 acres of water and unlimited horsepower boating. Open 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Beach is free, call for boating and fishing fees. 3294 Elklick Road, Bethel. 513-734-4323.
Cincinnati Kayaks Downtown
This volunteer-run kayak enthusiast organization offers tours of the Ohio and Licking Rivers in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. It’s a two-hour tour beneath the bridges, city skyline and scenic hills. May through September by appointment. Free boat, life vest and guided tour, but donations are appreciated. 513-582-4031.
Paddlefest 2006
Don’t forget the annual Ohio River festival that attracts serious and fun-loving enthusiasts with kayaks, canoes and good ol’ inner tubes. Events are scheduled July 7-8, with the big races beginning Saturday at 8 a.m. at Four Seasons Marina in Columbia-Tusculum and ending at the Public Landing downtown. 513-588-6936.
Loveland Canoe Rental
Rent tubes, canoes and kayaks for five- and 10-mile trips. Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. $10-$37. 200 Crutchfield Place, Loveland. 513-683-4611.
Green Acres Canoe Rental
Offers aluminum or plastic canoes for three- and eight-mile trips along the Whitewater River. Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. $26-$31 per canoe. 10465 Suspension Bridge Road (exit 21, Kilby Road, off I-275), Harrison. 513-353-4770.
Thaxton’s Canoe
Offers six- to 21-mile trips along the Licking River. Overnight camping trips are available. Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., daily. Tubes are $10 and canoes are $15-$36 per person. Cabins available for $60 a night. At U.S. 27 and SR 177, Butler. 859-472-2000.
Cincinnati Diving Center
Learn open water diving, with beginners learning about diving in a pool. Call for Discover Scuba training schedules. Introductory class is free. 8412 Winton Road, Forest Park. 513-521-3483.
BB Riverboats
Take a trip back in time with a steamboat cruise along the Ohio River. Sightseeing, all day, lunch and dinner cruises are available. Call for cruise times. $15-$50. 101 Riverboat Row, Newport. 859-261-8500.
This article appears in May 31 – Jun 6, 2006.