By Guest Writer Scott Seman
Whether you are looking for a peaceful afternoon of fishing, canoeing, or engaging in something more social, like kayaking with friends, the Stillwater River, which runs right through the park in West Milton, is your destination for a weekend getaway of fun!
Nestled in Miami County, and inclusive of Greenville Creek, which runs through Darke County, the Stillwater Scenic River System encompasses over 90+ miles and is usually slow-moving and meandering, with just enough quick flowing rapids to make for some enjoyable paddling on a canoe or kayak.
The State of Ohio designated this as a Scenic River System in 1975. The Greenville Creek and Stillwater River contain 59 fish species and is one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in the United States. In fact, the Stillwater has been featured in fishing magazines as one of the top locations for smallmouth fishing.
By going to the Ohio State DNR website below, you can download a map titled Stillwater River Paddling Map or Greenville Creek Paddling Map; these maps identify all the best locations to enjoy the river, either by canoe launch, tube float, or campsite fishing, and have an extensive amount of information to learn before you go.
https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/stillwater-scenic-river
*NOTE* as of publication (5/17) the Ohio DNR website appears to be down.
Whether you explore on your own, or begin in the West Milton Park for a canoe launch and paddle, or stop off at the park, beach your canoe, and take a quick walk up the hill to enjoy downtown West Milton, you will have absolutely refreshed your spirit. You will also see a river system that has not changed too much from the time when the Shawnee and Miami Indian tribes lived in the area, long before the first European explorers arrived.