Solo Kayaking Adventure on One of Ohio's BEST Rivers - The Mad River

During a brutal heat wave I set out on an intended overnight thru-paddle trip on the Mad River. I put in at Lipponcott Rd. just South of West Liberty Ohio and planned to take out at Deed's Park in Dayton where the river merges with the Great Miami River. An incident at the low head dam in Urbana changed the course of this float but with a quick change of plans the evening was salvaged with a surprise visiter that ultimately brought us to Buck Creek State Park in Springfield Ohio for a campfire cookout.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Man you are moving fast even without paddling. Looks very relaxing and peaceful.

[@jasonwish-]

I love swift moving water...hate kayaking on lakes, but I would for the perfect campsite 😁

[@dbharby832]

Great day trip! And an appearance from the colonel!

[@jasonwish-]

He always seems to find his way into my videos 🤣

[@SouthernPaddler]

Lol- I had to rewind that final shot and watch it again! That was awesome! 😁 Great to see you on the water again even if the trip didn't go as planned. Always good to see the Colonel, too!! 👍🛶👊

[@jasonwish-]

hopefully we can make it out for a big fall trip this year. I do have a solo three day trip in the works for mid July. That final shot was all Colonels idea😂

[@SouthernPaddler]

@@jasonwish- Sounds great- looking forward to the upcoming trips! The Colonel does not disappoint!! :-D

[@jamesosborne5950]

That looks so fun . Great video . I hope one day I’m well enough to kayak it . Thanks for sharing your adventure brother

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks James , hope you get well soon to get back out there and enjoy the outdoors.

[@JourneyontheTrail]

Haha that ending cracked me up with you just standing there in the dark! Always good to see the colonel in the videos. Really sucks about the camera…was it ever able to be salvaged? At least the footage was. Glad to see you get on the river though especially with some current. Thanks for sharing!

[@jasonwish-]

Camera won't turn no. Time for a gopro 10 for kayaking. Hope to get out for a quick overnight kayak trip here very soon! Thanks AJ!

[@JourneyontheTrail]

@@jasonwish- I use a Hero 8 and it does a great job I think and great for on the water.

[@jasonwish-]

@@JourneyontheTrail I may look for an 8 but my son said his would still freeze up on him from time to time and the buttons were not as easy to push and activate as his 10 so maybe I'll just splurge for a 10 this summer 😁

[@JourneyontheTrail]

@@jasonwish- I have had that happen a few times plus I think the 10 has a larger battery.

[@berniebroering7438]

Good fun in Ohio Jason! For what had happened your backup carried it through. Hopefully your camera dries out without incident. Thanks for bringing us along. Cheers!

[@jasonwish-]

No luck yet on the camera unfortunately but sometimes those things happen. Btw, still loving the Topos and ready to try out another pair soon...the latest Altra Olympus 5’s just didn’t fit right.

[@berniebroering7438]

@@jasonwish- I'm still rocking the Topo's too. Some delamination on the side of the balls of my feet but they still look new, I love the grip they give me but i tend to annoy some co-workers when I go screeching by them. Again Cheers!

[@cgriggsiv]

It looks like you are enjoying yourself Before the planting storms Another excellent video young man and when you're busy busy busy weeks or in this case months You take whatever time you have to relax in some way shape or form

[@jasonwish-]

This time of year to stay sane I try to enjoy myself any chance I get!

[@ryanwalden9072]

Jason,come to Tennessee,we can yack many rivers and I got a great place on a lake here. Bring the colonel!?!?!? Love your videos, gotta watch more of your growing tomatoes videos next year for sure. Your videos are the only ones that the wife jumps in there and says,who's that!? Is that that wish guy!?? I'm like ugggh!!lol Michigan looks like heavens playground,and I thought Ga and TN was! Pc out Jason, keep it real brother!

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Ryan. I’ve been wanting to do the Buffalo but just never found the time. Had several others I was looking at too, the duck, elk Piney, Clinch, Caney Fork, obed and others…too many rivers and not enough time.

[@spunkyspunky1771]

This look so fun

[@jasonwish-]

Indeed!

[@olddad67]

I’ve started as far up as Zanesville before on the backside of the mountain planning on repeat in the summer with my little girl, taking a two day trip down the mad

[@jasonwish-]

I’ve always wanted to start way up there but West Liberty is as far up as I’ve paddled. A few miles up river from Zanesfield is where the river actually originates, right along the edge of a field at a little pump house beside my buddies house.

[@olddad67]

@@jasonwish- yeah, I live in Bellefontaine 56 years old. I’ve been doing the mad river since I was about 15 years old so many mini trips down the river and lots of great memories. Maybe sometime this summer will see you. I’ll have to join your page my friend.

[@jasonwish-]

@@olddad67 very similar story here, 49 and started canoeing the Mad at age 15...met my first girlfriend on that church canoe outing

[@MossHomestead]

I haven't made it to the mad river yet this year. Your video definitely makes me want to go.

[@jasonwish-]

It’s a really great river but just be sure you go prepared with the proper dry bags for all of your gear and electronics, I guess I still haven’t learned my lesson ha ha

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

This looked like a super fun trip!! I’m super sorry to hear about your camera. Did you try to leave it in rice and see if that fixed it? That’s what I did with my old RX100 when it took a swim and it brought it back to life. Also, that Sasquatch blooper had me rolling!!🤣

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Samuel! I never did try the rice thing but I had it in my windowsill in the sun for a month now and it makes a beep when I try to turn on but nothing else happens. That darn river has cost me a lot of money over the years lol. I wish I would’ve actually done a Sasquatch style walk off in the ditch that would’ve been much better ha ha, or better yet I’ll borrow Colonel’s Gilly suit next time 🤣

[@gam3rkid954]

Always nice to see the Colonel. Sorry about your camera, you handled the situation much better than I would have.

[@jasonwish-]

Time for a waterproof gopro 10 for kayaking! At least I didn't loose the camera and the footage was salvaged!

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

After today's chores, I could really go for dunk in the river!

[@jasonwish-]

This time of year a dunk in the river always sounds nice! Beats backpacking during the summer any day!

[@jeffreyt7177]

Appreciate the heads up on some possible stops along the way. Any advice on some closer to the end of the Mad River run??

[@jasonwish-]

I wish I could help you out but I've only done the section from Springfield to the end at Deeds Park once and it was 4 years ago so its getting a little foggy for me. I just remember that there was slow dirty water after springfield and we drug a lot on the final few miles before it enters the Great Miami. I would still do it again though....its still one of Ohio's best, just not very conducive to overnighting along it unfortunately.

[@wazoologist]

Beautiful place, very blessed. You might want to check your video, I think you caught a bigfoot on camera at the end.

[@jasonwish-]

Big foot is a mysterious fellow! Hahahaha! Hope to get back on the water again very soon...I have a new river to check out!

[@danielmccarthy1883]

Is there overnight parking near west liberty for the mad river, I’m wanting to spend the whole weekend on it. Thanks, btw love your videos

[@jasonwish-]

Hey Daniel, glad you enjoy the videos , the Mad River is an awesome river, and I am overdue myself to get back on it. There are several places that I would not hesitate leaving my vehicle overnight as long as it’s not a really nice vehicle because there is the possibility of vandalism especially on a busy weekend. I would feel safe leaving my truck at Lions Park in West liberty If you wanted to do the entire river or State Route 296. The only problem with starting at 296 is that you miss the first 4 miles or so of good river from Lippincott Road or a total of 9 miles from Lyons Park Right along Lippincott Road, where birchbark canoe livery drops people off would be the only one I would be a little hesitant about but I’m pretty confident it would still be OK. I believe there is a parking lot at Eagles Road Neer Springfield, and at where State Route 41 crosses the Mad River in Spring Field, just below the bridge to the south about 100 yards. Another location much further down is on Spangler Road. Just a mile north of I 675. Below that area, I have no experience with parking other than the southernmost part of the Mad River at Deeds Park. And what we did was called the sheriffs department or the police department I can’t remember to make sure it was OK to leave our truck in a big parking lot near the confluence with the great Miami river, and put a note in our windshield and everything was fine. Hope that helps, just let me know if you have any further questions

[@cheese7fold]

I loved kayaking the Mad River but I’m closer to the Big Darby. Just curious, I’ve seen folks paddle on Alum Creek and the Big Walnut down to three creeks metro, but I never see anyone paddle the third creek (Blacklick). Know anyone who’s paddled Blacklick? I’d love to see it explored. Btw I love that you’re showing off Ohio. Keep it up!

[@jasonwish-]

I’ve done part of the Big Darby and Three Mile Creek near Plain City but have never ventured out onto the Big Walnut yet but have always wanted to. I don’t know of anyone that’s done Blacklick but my guess is someone has...it sounds fun to explore.

[@joelcarminati7822]

Nice video Jason. That sucks about your camera. Electronic stores must love you🤬😂. Looks like the colonel moved up the ladder to be able to end video.😃

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Joel! Camera is toast, time for a gopro 10 to kayak with. I thought I would give him a shot at the outro and he got it on one take! 😂

[@joelcarminati7822]

Well he is a natural you know😂😂

[@jasonwish-]

@@joelcarminati7822 careful, he might just start his own channel 😂...we discussed the possiblilty of starting a podcast together but I doubt we could sustain it with running our businesses, but it would be fun.

[@joelcarminati7822]

Podcast would be cool. But I wouldn’t want it to cut into Jason and colonel kayaking time😂😂

[@jasonwish-]

@@joelcarminati7822 hahahaha!

[@cabinvibeetsystore9094]

New sub ! Liked 🙏❄️⛄️😘

[@daniellonngren3293]

Hey Jason, love your kayak trips. question: you had a gps that gave the speed and distance. What unit was that? thanks

[@jasonwish-]

I was just using my Gaia gps app. When I’m not using that, I use my COROS Apex watch, which sinks to Strava. Thanks!

[@SinchuwusOutside]

Awesome video - I've got the same kayak as you but mine is blue. I've been wanting to do a kayak camping trip for some time now. I'll have to do some research on the Mad River. Can you just pull over and camp anywhere or are there designated places to camp? Thanks for sharing!!! -dave

[@jasonwish-]

Not too many camping options along the river, pretty much have to use gravel areas along the water’s edge, probably no legal camping either except at the one campground near the river. Still a fun river though.

[@DMSAdventures]

Whats the verdict on the camera? Were you able to resurrect it? Great use of time even though you had the planting to take care of. Spur of the moment is the best when you can pull it off. Did you beat the rain on the planting? Hope you are doing well!!

[@jasonwish-]

Camera is toast. Time for a gopro 10 for kayaking. I got everything planted and the season is going well. Hope to be on another kayak float overnight trip here very soon!

[@mittouts5047]

wish... I knew you were just a few mins up the road. would like to paddle with, and meet you and the col.

[@jasonwish-]

It's a great river but with so many other rivers I want to experience I doubt I will be back on the Mad this year.

[@natecoleman2334]

Dude I'm like an hour from you and do a ton of kayak camping. Would love to get together!

[@jasonwish-]

Have you ever been on the Little Miami river? I just finished an overnight on the northern section and hope to complete it yet this year.

[@MI_is_Home]

You guys need to offer to guide a hike and/or float in Michigan or Ohio!

[@jasonwish-]

I would love to do that but not sure how to go about it...maybe just a FB post on some of the kayaking/hiking groups 🤷‍♂️

[@MI_is_Home]

Good Idea! My son and I will be watching!

[@natecoleman2334]

We've got a fb group real camping friends of ohio, we put together outings often. Feel free to hope on there and create an event!

[@georgeroberts3407]

considering kayaking Mad River in Ohio. Trying to decide where to fish it and how long in one day to fish.

[@jasonwish-]

I see most people fishing at four different locations whenever I'm kayaking the Mad. Above and below Rt. 36 and Rt. 55 near Urbana and the deep holes with the sometimes sketchy curves just down river of Rt. 55 about a quarter mile, and near Spangler Rd crossing just about I 675. Down towards Springfield and Dayton I'm sure there are some great spots but I'm not familiar with them.

[@Workemail-nh2pd]

How do people get back? Paddle upstream?

[@jasonwish-]

In this particular case I was picked up by a friend. Other times I have used a livery/outfitter to provide a shuttle or to spot my truck down river at my ending location. I’ve also used an Uber before. On shorter rivers you can jog or bike by hiding your kayak at the beginning then driving to the end and leave your truck and then bike or jog back to your kayak. Use this same method with an Uber in place of bike.

[@natehoover5266]

How do you know where it's legal to camp when you're kayaking?

[@jasonwish-]

This is a very loaded question, but I’ll try to give you a good answer. Since many of Ohio waterways are surrounded by private land, you are actually trespassing the second you step out of your boat, even on an island or a sandbar since landowners own to the middle of the river. However, there are also many sections that are owned by the city or state and even if there’s not an actual public campground, it’s definitely safer to stealth camp in those areas. The best way to find this information is to purchase an app that shows you the landowners names and it is best to contact them ahead of time if you know you are going to end up needing to camp on private property. Many times they will not care and be glad that you contacted them. Other times you may find yourself on private property at the end of the day and there’s nothing you can do except set up a stealth camp and leave no trace. Many states have different laws on this. In South Carolina landowners only own to the high watermark so this opens up islands and sandbars for legal camping. Hope this helps.

[@natehoover5266]

@jasonwish- yeah it helps a lot. Thanks. I just got into Kayaking last year and I live by the Sandusky River here in Ohio and I'd like to kayak the whole thing but may just be easier to do it in sections. I'm not sure of my abilities and how far I'll go in a day yet so that makes it hard to plan campsites. I'll just have to spend a few days on the water and see where I end up. Thanks Jason.

[@justinellingson4908]

I watched the end of the video four times is that a Sasquatch by the road or a strange man

[@jasonwish-]

Hahahaha! That was colonels idea!

[@davidt.3673]

I saw that. Creapy

[@jasonwish-]

@@davidt.3673 I should have put his gilly suit on, lol

[@DMllr66]

Hey jason is it legal to camp on river banks in ohio i was just curious how you go about planning sites in ohio

[@jasonwish-]

It kind of depends, if it’s private land all around you then it is illegal unless you get permission from the landowner ahead of time because they own property to the center of the rivers in Ohio, some states it’s different, we like to go to states where the property line ends at the high watermark but that is not the case in Ohio. So you either need to plan ahead to stop at campgrounds or city parks or other areas that allow camping along the river. Your only other option is to stealth camp discreetly and leave no trace which is what many people do including myself especially if I’m in an area with no campgrounds or city parks And late in the day with no other options

[@DMllr66]

@@jasonwish- i appreciate the reply, enjoying the content hoping to do my own multi day float here soon

[@CharliesadventuresYT]

Hey I just did a paddleboard trip here and recorded it. 3 days

[@CharliesadventuresYT]

I started in Zanesfield, Ohio though

[@jasonwish-]

Awesome! I just checked out the beginning of your vid and will definitely watch it in its entirety when I get time. I’ve always wanted to start in Zanesfield. Just did another float on the mad the other day and we started at Lions Park in West liberty.

[@harrymuir835]

What kind of drone are you using?

[@jasonwish-]

Mavic Mini, my second one. The first one got swallowed up by the Mad River last year😢

[@harrymuir835]

Ouch. I just have a cheap exo ranger but am looking for something that shoots better video. Thanks

[@jasonwish-]

I only paid $300 for each one, there are usually some good deals on FB marketplace.

[@harrymuir835]

Thanks I will check that out

[@bradmoore9756]

What kayak is that

[@jasonwish-]

Perception Hook 10.5

[@cgriggsiv]

I knew that the colonel was going to be there instead of your wife every chance for him to leave the house and go relax just for a little bit I know he's going to be there with you two best friends right there

[@jasonwish-]

You can almost always count on the colonel! Especially if there’s a cookout over the fire😁