The Mad River is an excellent river for you to discover the great outdoors by canoe or kayak and is home to various wildlife, including nesting Bald Eagles, on the upper and lower stretches. The Mad River is also Ohio's #1 trout fishing body of water. The water is clear enough to see the river bottom in the more shallow areas and has a variable current, which is based on river height and speed. Av
erage river speed, or CFS, is around 400. We have witnessed it up as high as 13,000 CFS, in the past, after heavy rains. Paddling skills, the ability to steer your boat around trees, through chutes, through current, is always recommended on the lower Mad River. If you want to test your paddling skills, there are 2 Class 1 rapids above our 3 mile trip, which we have noted as The Rock Garden and The Washboard Rapids. These rapids can always be a challenge, as we have to play the hand that Mother Nature deals us. There are also some relaxing straight-aways, on the Mad River, ideal for tubing. Many families and groups have found the Mad River to be a great way to discover the wonderful enjoyment of canoeing in Ohio. The Mad River has a long and extensive history, dating back to it's original flow from ancient icebergs, north of Bellfontaine, to its life sustaining use by the Shawnee Indians, its crossing during the Battle of Peckuwe, a battle between Tecumseh and George Rogers, and through its northern channelization, for agriculture, just 100 years ago. So, PLEASE, respect the Mad River and her beauty, and leave her as you found her.
