What water level is good for paddling Vermilion River — Mill Hollow to Vermilion?

This section is generally runnable at 60–1,500 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check Vermilion River levels?

We read USGS gauge 04199500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Vermilion River — Mill Hollow to Vermilion good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Vermilion River here?

Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Vermilion River — Mill Hollow to Vermilion?

This reach is about 8 miles, roughly 4 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Vermilion River — Mill Hollow to Vermilion: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class I8 mi · ~4 hrVermilion RiverOhio

Verdict · updated Oct 17, 10:00 AM UTC

High — use caution — rising fast

Flows are above the comfortable range. Expect strong current, pushy water, cold temperatures and fewer places to stop. Experienced paddlers only — many should wait.

Estimated range

115 cfs

2.6 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 04199500

Runnable 60 – 1,500 cfs

0601,5001,788

What this means today

the Vermilion River is at 115 cfs right now, inside the range for this reach — but it is rising fast enough that the number above is not the number you will put on the water. On a reach climbing this quickly, check it again immediately before you launch.

Over the last 24 hours it has gone from 22 cfs to 115 cfs, 430% up. Daily means over the past 7 days have run between 6 cfs and 60 cfs, 845% higher at the end of the week than the start.

Paddling Mill Hollow to Vermilion

Vermilion River at Mill Hollow to Vermilion is a 8-mile Class I run in Ohio — easygoing moving water with light riffles and nothing technical. Most paddlers put in at Mill Hollow / Bacon Woods and take out at Vermilion (river mouth), a trip that runs about 4 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 60–1,500 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and the Vermilion River gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 04199500 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable April–October. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class I
Length: 8 mi
Float time: ~4 hr
Best months: April–October
Put-in: Mill Hollow / Bacon Woods
Take-out: Vermilion (river mouth)

Reading USGS gauge 04199500 — Vermilion River near Vermilion OH ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Vermilion River — Mill Hollow to Vermilion?: This section is generally runnable at 60–1,500 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Vermilion River levels?: We read USGS gauge 04199500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Vermilion River — Mill Hollow to Vermilion good for beginners?: This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Vermilion River here?: Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Vermilion River — Mill Hollow to Vermilion?: This reach is about 8 miles, roughly 4 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

Good to paddle · 589 cfs