Ohio Designated New 167-Mile River Water Trail
The state officially recognized a segment of the Ohio River stretching from Coal Grove to Cincinnati as a water trail.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Hiking
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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has designated a 167-mile stretch of the Ohio River as an official Ohio Water Trail. This new path begins at Ice Creek in Coal Grove and concludes at Shawnee Outlook Park in Cincinnati.
Why it matters
This designation provides formal recognition and support for the route, integrating it into the state network to encourage recreational use of the waterway. It represents the 18th water trail established within Ohio.
The new designation covers 167 miles of the Ohio River, serving as the 18th official water trail in the state. This segment complements the broader 308-mile Ohio River Way that spans across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
The players
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
This is the state government agency responsible for managing and protecting Ohio's natural resources, including forests, parks, and waterways.
The details
The newly named trail runs along the Ohio River from Ironton to Cincinnati, providing a mapped and recognized route for public use. It serves as an extension of broader efforts to promote water-based recreation across the region.
Timeline
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources issued the designation on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Culture Shift
This move reflects a sustained societal shift toward expanding public access to regional natural assets through official state-sanctioned route networks. By formalizing this path, the state continues the trend of prioritizing outdoor recreation infrastructure to cater to growing demand for accessible regional tourism.
Residents and visitors can now access a verified 167-mile route designed to facilitate navigation along the Ohio River. This designation helps outdoor enthusiasts better plan their trips from Coal Grove to Cincinnati with improved clarity on available water access points.
The takeaway
This official designation helps preserve and promote the river corridor for future recreational use by residents and tourists alike. Paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts should monitor official state resources for updated safety information and maps as the trail infrastructure matures.
What happens next
The Ohio Division of Wildlife is scheduled to release findings from their walleye spawning survey in early December 2026.
Further reading
For more information on outdoor recreation opportunities across the state, browse our Hiking section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cleveland.
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