Ohio Scenic Rivers Program

Today, Ohio has 14 river systems included as components of the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program totaling 800 scenic river miles. The newest river to join the system is the Ashtabula State Scenic River, located in northeastern Ohio.

Ohio pioneered the river preservation movement in 1968 with the passage of the nation's first scenic rivers act. This legislation created a state program to protect Ohio's remaining high quality streams for future generations.

River corridors are narrow natural areas only a few hundred feet wide and many miles long which are dynamic, linear natural systems. The interface of terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water) ecosystems produces an abundance of diverse plant and animal communities.

Scenic rivers retain most of their natural characteristics at a time when many rivers reflect the negative impacts of human activities.

Restoration of streamside forests is the single most important ingredient in maintaining the health of streams and rivers. The removal of forested corridors along waterways increases erosion, runoff and sedimentation, resulting in the degradation of water quality and the reduction of the natural diversity of aquatic communities.

Scenic Rivers District Contacts

Central Ohio

Big and Little Darby Scenic River
Kokosing Scenic River
Mohican Scenic River
Olentangy Scenic River

Central Ohio Scenic Rivers District
2045 Morse Rd., Bldg. F-1 - Columbus, OH 43229
Phone - (614) 265-6422 FAX - (614) 267-3096

Northeast Ohio

Ashtabula State Scenic River
Chagrin State Scenic River
Conneaut Creek Wild and Scenic River
Grand Wild and Scenic River
Little Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River
Upper Cuyahoga Scenic River

Northeast Ohio Scenic Rivers District Office
11027 Hopkins Rd. - Garrettsville, OH 44231
Phone - (330) 527-4184 FAX - (330) 527-9504

Northwest Ohio

Maumee Scenic and Recreational River
Sandusky Scenic River

Northwest Ohio Scenic Rivers District Office
1435 TR 38 W. - Tiffin, OH 44883
Phone - (419) 981-6319 FAX - (419) 981-2014

Southwest Ohio

Little Miami Scenic River
Stillwater/Greenville Creek Scenic and Recreational River

Southwest Ohio Scenic Rivers District Office
5349 Wilmington Rd. - Oregonia, OH 45054
Phone - (513) 934-0751 FAX - (513) 934-0180