Stillwater River
The 67-mile river located in western Ohio is one of Ohio’s 11 state scenic rivers. The river headwaters begin in western Darke County and flow gently through the flat farmlands of western Ohio in a southeasterly direction to its confluence with the Great Miami River in Dayton.
This gentle river flow combined with varied types of stream habitat provides excellent fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass. The Stillwater River further provides good wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for various songbirds, wood ducks and great blue herons.
Boaters must learn the types and locations of any potential hazards to navigation and remember to always wear a life jacket to ensure a safe boating trip along the river. Dam locations include the area above the Ohio Route 70 bridge in Covington, the water plant off Ohio Route 48 north of West Milton, the area near the Englewood Reserve Dam near U.S. Route 40 north of Dayton and the Englewood Reserve Dam at U.S. Route 40 and Ohio Route 48 north of Dayton.
A commercial canoe livery is located in West Milton in Miami County. Various roadside parking areas can be found along the river corridor. A canoe ramp is located at Triangle Park off Helena Street in the north Dayton area.
Paddlers will want to make sure they include a visit to the 260-acre Stillwater Prairie Reserve in Covington that offers two miles of river frontage, a looped walking trail system, two fishing ponds, a wildlife viewing platform and picnic area. A second facility to visit is the Bruckner Nature Center in Troy that also borders the Stillwater River. Noted for its wildlife education and rehabilitation programs, the Center offers various naturalist programs and great opportunities to learn more about Ohio’s wildlife community.
Both facilities are operated by the Miami County Parks District.
For more information on the Stillwater River and its many recreation opportunities, visit ohiodnr.com and www.miamiconservancy.org |