Eastwood Lake Metro Park

Eastwood Lake Metro Park provides a popular put-in point for paddling the Mad River in Dayton. This access site offers a dedicated boat ramp along with a changing booth, porta potty, and parking for boaters and paddlers. Note that there is no trailer parking available at the lake entrance itself, though a main boat ramp facility is located a short distance down the road. Paddlers should be prepared to cross the bike path when launching.

The Mad River from Eastwood offers an excellent 4-mile paddling corridor with Class II features—expect fast-moving water, rocks, holes, and waves that are generally easy to navigate. This uninterrupted stretch flows downstream to RiverScape MetroPark in downtown Dayton, making it a popular day-paddle destination. The access point's proximity to major recreation areas and its reliable water flow make it a solid choice for kayakers and canoeists looking to experience the region's paddling opportunities.