Paddle Past A Real Life Castle On This Only-In-Ohio Kayaking Adventure
By Sarah McCosham|Published August 02, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Ohio is such a beautiful state, with hidden gems and scenic beauty around each and every turn… or, as with the following adventure, river bend. In Southwest Ohio, there is a real, live, bona fide castle on the banks of the Little Miami River, and you can actually paddle right past it on this epic, only-in-Ohio kayaking trip!
This stately castle is the type of place you'd expect to find in the countryside of the British Isles...
This is Château Laroche (more commonly known as the Loveland Castle), a beautiful castle holding court from its perch along the banks of the Little Miami River in Loveland, Ohio.
On this five-mile kayaking trip, intrepid explorers will meet at Loveland Canoe & Kayak, where they'll be checked in, outfitted with life vests, and then transported to the launch point at Carl Rahe Park.
Then it's time to set sail! This portion of the Little Miami River is calm and generally not too deep, making for a relaxing paddling adventure for beginners and seasoned pros alike.
The scenery is quite beautiful, with verdant greenery and blue skies for days. Turtles, ducks, and deer can all be spotted along the route, which runs parallel to the Loveland Bike Trail.
About halfway through the five-mile trip, you'll want to look to the right, where the Loveland Castle awaits! In the midst of summer, the lush greenery can obfuscate the view, so paddle slowly and look for a break in the trees.
As the castle comes into view, stop paddling and give yourself some time to take it all in. This magnificent medieval structure was built by hand -- brick by brick -- by one man, Sir Harry Andrews, and it's an amazing testament to the power of the human imagination.
For more on what to expect from this epic castle kayaking adventure in Ohio, check out this video, courtesy of YouTube user 4K Promos:
Did you know about this castle kayaking trip in Ohio? What a royally cool adventure! Visit Loveland Canoe & Kayak to learn more and plan your excursion.
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