SCHMIDT RECREATION COMPLEX
2944 hUMBERT aVenue
cINCINNATI, oh 45226

Schmidt is the location of the Outdoors for All Expo, Friday night camping, and the Paddlefest put-in. All vehicles must enter on St. Peters Street and exit on Watson Street to help minimize congestion.

Cincinnati Public Landing
435 E Mehring Way
Cincinnati, Oh 45202

For 4.5-mile paddlers, the Public Landing is your finish line. You have the option to park there in the morning ($5 lot fee) and shuttle to the put-in at Schmidt Recreation Complex from 7:00-8:00 a.m. If you’re paddling a personal boat, you will need to drop it off Friday night if you plan to take advantage of this pre-paddle parking option. Shuttle buses cannot transport boats.

Alternatively, 4.5-mile paddlers can park at Schmidt on Saturday morning, take out at the Public Landing, and ride a shuttle back to their car after the paddle.

Parking at the Public Landing and its shuttles do not serve 9-mile paddlers.

Gilday Riverside Park
3540 Southside Avenue
CIncinnati, OH 45204

Gilday Riverside Park is the finish line for 9-mile paddlers, and the site of our Finish Line Festival.

9-mile paddlers choosing to take advantage of our pre-paddle parking option will need to report to Gilday between 6-7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning to park and take our shuttle to the put-in. These parking spots are first come, first served. If you’re paddling a personal boat, you will need to drop it off Friday night if you plan to take advantage of this pre-paddle parking option. Shuttle buses cannot transport boats.

You can reach Gilday Riverside Park by turning off River Road at the light at Southside Avenue or at Idaho Street. Idaho does cross a train track, so there is a slight chance of delay. Southside bypasses the train. Upon leaving Gilday Riverside Park, we ask that eastbound traffic exit out Southside to minimize congestion.

Friday

On-site parking for Friday’s Outdoors for All Expo will be available with reserved spots for overnight campers.

Parking spaces at Schmidt Recreation Complex are limited but additional parking can be found on adjacent streets and at Riverview East Academy. Friday’s party is just a quick walk from Riverview East on the bike trail.

Parking attendants will be on-site to direct parking at Schmidt Recreation Complex.

4.5 mi paddlers

4.5 mi paddlers can park at Schmidt Recreation Complex on Saturday morning. If you’re arriving with boats on Saturday, please complete your registration before unloading them to keep the parking lot clear and your boats safe.

Pre-paddle shuttle

4.5 mi paddlers who are renting or dropped off their personal boats on Friday night are encouraged to park at the Public Landing on Saturday morning and take our morning shuttle (7:00-8:00 a.m.) to the put-in at Schmidt Recreation Complex. This way, paddlers will end at their vehicle. Additional parking garages are located near the Public Landing. Parking at Public Landing costs $5.

Post-paddle shuttle

Free shuttles are offered to paddlers at both take-outs, transporting them back to their cars at the put-in. The final shuttle for 4.5 mi paddlers runs at noon.

9.0 MI PADDLERS

9.0 mi paddlers can park at Schmidt Recreation Complex on Saturday morning. If you’re arriving with boats on Saturday, please complete your registration before unloading them to keep the parking lot clear and your boats safe.

Pre-paddle shuttle

We have a limited number of parking spots at the 9.0 mi take-out at Gilday Riverside Park and adjacent lots. Spaces are offered on a first come, first served basis Saturday morning. Pre-paddle shuttles run from 6:00 – 7:30 a.m. and take about 20 minutes.

Racers using the pre-paddle shuttle must be on the first bus in order to make the pre-race meeting.

Shuttle buses will not transport your canoe or kayak. Drop your boat off on Friday evening if you plan to take the early morning shuttle.