The city of Marietta lies at the confluence of the Ohio and the Muskingum Rivers.  Paddlers and rowers join us as we celebrate and explore Marietta’s waterways! 

A few area routes to explore (click on map points and routes for more info):

View Marietta Rivers in a larger map

The Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival will feature a number of human-powered river activities such as kayaking/canoeing tours, Dragon Boat demonstrations, and the following concurrent river events:

The Paddlers’ Dice Run:

Stop by the RTA Event Headquarters to register for the Friday or Saturday Paddlers’ Dice Run. Follow the provided map to locate dice containers on the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. Once located, shake the container and record your score.  Return your scorecard to be entered for prizes!  $5 to enter, or free with VIP Pass. Prizes announced at the Festival Headquarters around 8 pm both Friday and Saturday.

Lowell to Marietta Paddle:

Paddle together Saturday 8/10 with a group from Lowell to Marietta. This will be a full-day 14 mile lock-through trip on the Muskingum River for hardy paddlers. Meet up at the Armory lawn at 8 am to drive up as a group, or meet at the Lowell put-in at 9 am. Take-out at the Marietta College boathouse. Bring $5/boat for the lock fee, plus water and food for the trip. A great chance to see the historic Muskingum Lock and Dam System, the only remaining hand-operated lock system in the country! The Muskingum River Parkway and its 160-year-old navigation system were designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers.  http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/muskngmr/tabid/773/Default.aspx

Shuttle service & kayak rentals available from Marietta Adventure Company. If you plan to use the shuttle service, reserve ahead of time with Marietta Adventure Company at 740-538-0801.

The Mighty Muskingum River Raft Race:

Start building now!  This is your chance to channel your inner Huck Finn and race your hand-built human-powered raft down the Muskingum River.  This event is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Lower Muskingum River.  The race will take place at 2 pm on Sunday August 11, starting at the Indian Acres Boat Ramp (@ the Washington County Fairgrounds) and finishing at the Harmar Bridge in downtown Marietta.  Check-in will begin at 1 pm.  Click here for more information, registration, and photos from previous years.

The RTA Fest Kayak & Canoe Turn-around Race:

Returning in 2013! Happens concurrently with the Mighty Muskingum River Raft Race! Start at at the Indian Acres boat ramp and head upstream to Colegate, turn around buoy, and race back down to the finish line by the new city dock at the Harmar Bridge.  Enter as: Double Canoe, Double Kayak, or Single Kayak.  Register at the Event Headquarters in advance, or at the Indian Acres Boat Ramp at 1pm before the race. $10 to enter, or free with VIP Pass.  Participants are required to wear a PFD.

Dragon Boat team:

Marietta, OH is home to the MOV’n Dragons, the Mid-Ohio Valley Dragon Boat team.  Comprised of breast cancer thrivers and supporters, the team includes women and men committed to wellness, competition and fun.

The team encourages healthy healing and lifestyles through goal-oriented exercise, good nutrition, education and fellowship. We strive to raise awareness of the issues surrounding breast cancer, including early detection, and to serve as models of courage, determination and teamwork.

Check out their website, or their video “Breath of the Dragon” for more information about the team.  

Stay tuned to see if 2013 festival participants will have an opportunity to get a first-hand lesson in the Dragon Boat!