The sixth annual Ohio River Way Challenge paddled through Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati on a 488-mile, 23-day expedition this week. And on its first thru-paddle of the Ohio River Way since its designation as a National Water Trail, the Ohio River Way’s volunteer crew landed in Covington for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the recent designation.
“This has been almost 25 years in the making,” explained Forest Clevenger, Executive Director of the Ohio River Way. “The idea for the Ohio River Way grew from a crew of volunteers, including the visionaries Brewster Rhoads and Dr. David Wicks. Since then, volunteers and community leaders spanning three states have collaborated to make this water trail a reality. I couldn’t be prouder of our incredible team.”
When making the designation, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said, “National Recreation Trails create opportunities for locally managed tourism to boost economies and benefit hikers, bikers, paddlers and other recreationists alike.” Designations of new National Recreation Trails, such as National Water Trails, are made by the Secretary of the Interior or, if predominantly on U.S. Forest Service lands, the Secretary of Agriculture. “This investment in conservation and outdoor recreation will benefit the American people for generations to come.”
Over 90 entities formally endorsed the Ohio River Way’s designation, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. In his letter of support, Gov. Beshear wrote, “This designation would bring national recognition to this vital waterway, highlighting the natural beauty of our region and the vibrant culture of Kentucky’s river towns.”
One of the paddlers in the Challenge was Kentucky State Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer. She joined the crew for three days on the water and camped with them for two nights.
“The river connects us all,” Sen. Funke Frommeyer said. This past legislative session, Sen. Robin Webb and Sen. Funke Frommeyer led efforts to secure the first appropriation for the new Kentucky Ohio River Regional Recreation Authority (KORRRA).
The celebration on the riverfront was hosted by Riverfront Commons at the Covington Landing, managed by Southbank Partners.
“The designation of the Ohio River Way as a National Water Trail is an exciting moment for communities all along the river, especially right here in Northern Kentucky,” said Will Weber, President and CEO of Southbank Partners. “The Ohio River has always been part of our region’s story, and this recognition brings new attention to the people, places, and experiences along our shared riverfront.”
After the event, the volunteer crew had another 24 miles to paddle until they reached Petersburg for that evening. Each day, the paddlers travel between 15 and 35 miles each day, voyaging in 30-foot canoes. Along the way, the paddlers stop in river communities to share meals with community members. Each evening, they camp on the river’s bank—in communities, on islands, and at campsites. The volunteer crew applied to join the Challenge, and they’re each raising funds to support the Ohio River Way’s mission.
In addition to the canoes, for the second year, the paddlers are joined by the Ohio River Way’s Floating Lab. This research hub is aboard a volunteer-captained, 55-foot houseboat. Student interns are conducting multidisciplinary research throughout the expedition. The Floating Lab’s interns hail from the University of Cincinnati, Hocking College, Kenyon College, the University of Louisville, Marshall University, and the University of Oxford.
One of the interns on the Floating Lab, Florence Baker Masters, brings prior experience with riparian research from New Zealand and is joining from the United Kingdom. As part of the Challenge, she is leading participatory science projects, including biodiversity assessments. “From the water, you see the river differently,” explained Masters. “It’s something alive, shaped by the communities, wildlife, and landscapes along its course.”
The paddlers continued downriver The Challenge will be complete when they reach Evansville, IN, in two weeks. Along the way, the crew hopes to inspire others to protect and celebrate our region’s greatest natural asset.
“Our National Water Trail designation will help others plan their own expeditions on the Ohio River—whether they’re paddlers, boaters, rowers, or anyone else who would like to experience the majesty of the Ohio,” said Clevenger.