Whether it’s the first time or the hundredth time, lazing down the river in a canoe, kayak, or tube—the sun on your face, with no sounds but birdsong—is the essence of summer relaxation. Bellbrook Canoe Rental has been providing hours-long trips to relax and unwind since 1972.
“It’s a way for people to get outside, it’s easy to do, it’s cheaper than a plane ticket to Florida or some other destination. It’s a way to get away from electronics for a few hours,” says Max Mullikin, who owns Bellbrook Canoe with his cousin, Sol Mullikin. “It’s good, relaxing fun. You can paddle through at your own pace, or not paddle, and float down the current.”
Bellbrook Canoe Rental was the first livery (rental) on the Little Miami River. Begun by Charlie Fife in 1972, it’s been in Max’s family for 15 years. “My dad thought having a canoe rental would be a cool, fun idea—something cool to pass on to his kids,” says Max. While he admits that his own involvement in canoes was limited to a Boy Scout outing or two prior to acquiring the business, Max agrees with his dad. “It’s turned out to be great. Running Bellbrook Canoe has been a blast.”
One of the great things about canoe, kayak, and tube trips is that they don’t require people to have prior knowledge or extensive training. No experience is needed. “We provide some basic directions, like how to turn. It’s not too difficult,” says Max. “We get a lot of nervous people who have never been out on the river before; but after they come back from their trip, they tell us it was a lot easier than they thought it would be.”
As far as whether to pick a canoe, kayak, or tube, that depends on personal preference and what kind of trip is desired. Canoes are either one or two-person; they can go faster with two people, but the two-person ones are also harder to steer. Max says that kayaks are easier to steer and harder to tip over than canoes. Tubes have no steering. “Tubes are especially good for hanging out, relaxing, and working on your tan,” he says. The canoes and kayaks go on the same 5.2-mile stretch of river. The tubes have a shorter route; but they can go over and over again at no extra charge, until the end of the day.
As far as how rough the water is, never fear. The Little Miami has few rapids if any. Most of the water is slow-moving. The water is usually great, with perfect conditions; however, if it gets too high, people aren’t allowed out in the boats or tubes. “If it rains up north a lot, where the Little Miami starts, then we get all that water, and it makes the water too high down here for people to go out boating or tubing,” says Max.
When arriving to canoe, kayak, or tube, Max advises not to wear your Sunday best! Wear swim trunks or a swimsuit. Wear old shoes (not flip-flops—those tend to get lost). Leave towels in your car. Wear whatever you would normally wear to the pool.
“The Little Miami is a Class 1, meaning it’s a super nice river. It’s pretty easy to navigate,” says Max. “There is also a ton of wildlife out there, and you’re likely to see a surprising amount of it. There are lots of turtles; we probably have hundreds out here. There are even some as big as trash can lids!” The turtles are often by the river, sunning themselves. There are also lots of birds. You may not see them, but you’ll hear them singing. It’s pretty common to see deer too.
Basically, he says, “If you’re wanting to get away for a few hours to experience nature, this is the place to go!”
Bellbrook Canoe Rental
3234 Washington Mill Rd.
Bellbrook, OH 45305
937.848.4812
BellbrookCanoeRental.com