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Q. Do you ever "Sell out"?
A. We have thousands of kayaks available so it is very doubtful. Keep in mind Saturdays and holidays are our busiest days between the hours of 11am-1pm.
Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Tickets are purchased on-site during the hours of 9-2 on weekends and holidays, and 10-2 on weekdays. We are no longer requiring online ticket purchasing. In-person is a much faster check-in process, it is more convenient for you and will also save you booking fees.
Q:If I arrive after 2pm, can I still get on the water?
A: Yes, we offer a 3 mile afternoon trip with check-in hours of 2pm-4pm.
Q: Can I do the 3 mile trip earlier than 2pm?
A: No, this is a courtesy run we do for people who cannot arrive earlier than 2.
Q: Why is the 3 mile trip the same cost as the other trips?
A: This is strictly a courtesy run we offer in the afternoon after the 8 mile run has closed for the day.
Q: I arrived late and missed the last 2pm transport bus to the 8 mile. Can I drive myself to the launch-site?
A: No one is permitted to arrive at the launch-site after 2:00pm.
Q. How can I contact you if I cannot find my answer here?
A. We have live support via our Facebook Messenger. You can also email us at Paddlegreenacres@gmail.com
Q: Do you permit dogs/pets?
A: We love pets but we can no longer allow them due to safety and liability reasons. Due to the nature of our kayak trip, Service animals are not permitted to participate on the river due to safety and liability. (ADA Section 36.301 Eligibility Criteria; (b) Safety.) Service animals are welcome to visit Green Acres but must be controlled with a “restraining device” at all times while on our property and must remain with a non-paddling member of your party. We are solely renting single-person kayaks that are rated for one occupant.
Q: Why are you only renting single-person kayaks?
A: Due to the increase in popularity! The kayak is by far the highest demanded boat in the paddling industry and also the safest form of paddling. Single-person kayaks are the easiest and cleanest boat to handle for our guests and staff alike. By exclusively renting single-person kayaks, our service and speed of operation allows us to better serve our customers. They can now be on the water in a remarkably short time!
Q: How can I be guaranteed that a kayak will be available once I arrive?
A: It is very unlikely that we will run out of kayaks due to the amount of inventory. However, on weekends, particularly Saturdays and holidays, between the hours of 11:00 to 1:00 is our busiest time! If you arrive at any other time, you shouldn’t run into the risk of having to wait for a kayak to come available.
Q: I can only arrive during your busiest hours and I know that there is a slight risk of kayaks being unavailable for the 8-mile trip. If that happens what can you do for me?
A: On the unlikely case we are sold out, you will have the opportunity to go on the 3 mile trip until 4pm if we can accommodate.
Q: What kinds of payment do you accept?
A: Credit cards, debit cards, cash, apple pay, google pay, nfc cards
Q: Do you have season passes?
A. We do not.
Q. Do you send staff down the river near the end of the day to make certain that everyone if returning on time?
A. Yes, we do! Staff will “gently remind guests” that they may need to “pick up their pace” in order to be able to return to the livery by 7:00pm. Guests that don’t make it past our “3-mile”, by 6:00pm, will be required to exit the river. Guests will be returned to the livery by a transport bus.
Q. Is my minor teenager permitted to participate without me and I sign for them?
A. Yes, minors as young as 16 may participate with a waiver signed by a legal guardian. All minors must have a legal guardian signature on their waiver.
Q. Are children permitted, and if so, at what age/weight?
A. Participants must be a minimum of 12 years old to participate. Participants must also be a minimum of 75lbs.
Q. Can I bring a young child if I sign the waiver for them and I let them “sit on my lap”?
A. No, due to safety & Liability
Q. Can I bring a rope and “tow” my young child?
A. No, due to safety & Liability
Q. My child is 12 but is under 75lbs. Can I bring our own life jacket so he/she can participate?
A. No, due to safety & Liability
Q. What kind of equipment do you have for rent?
A. Single-person, sit-on-top style kayaks. We do not offer 2-person kayaks
Q: Can I bring my own equipment and use your shuttle bus service or use Green Acres’ property?
A: No, Due To Bus Transportation State Regulations and Insurance Liability, We Do Not Provide Transport Service Of Private Owned Watercraft. Our Passenger Buses Do Not Pull Trailers. We are compliant with government agencies. Our properties are privately-owned and are NOT available to use for river access and/or parking for non-customers.
Note: There is a public access at “Willow Park” (off of Campbell Road) and also at 5180 Lawrenceburg Road (near Bond Road) for persons with their own equipment. These accesses are located between our 8-mile launch-site & our livery take-out. Sorry, but our properties are privately owned and are not available to use for river access. In no condition are the launch-sites permitted for access. There will be a $25 dollar per person charge in the event that take-out is at the livery.
Q: What are the weight limits of your kayaks?
A: All weight limits are approximate. Sorry, but we will not be able to accommodate persons larger than 300lbs.
Single Kayaks - 275lbs
Q: How often do the buses transport customers upriver?
A: Passenger buses run continuously. However, the LAST shuttle bus for 8-mile trip leaves at 2:00!! You must arrive no later than 1:30pm.
Q: Are we allowed to bring coolers?
A: Coolers are permitted but must be small enough to fit on the kayak. Styrofoam coolers are not permitted because they will break and litter the river. Please don’t bring glass bottles on the river. It is our policy that alcohol and boating do not mix. Due to safety & Liability floating coolers that you “tow” are not be permitted.
Q: How can I gauge my time or know where I am?
A: Take a free river map. The map shows landmarks such as our 3-mile launch site, creeks, gas lines, bridges, etc.
Q: What should we bring with us on our trip?
A: Remember to wear comfortable clothing and footwear that can get wet. Bring a change of clothes and some extra money for snacks and souvenirs! Taking a cell phone is always a good idea but only if you have it in a dry box or a dry bag. We have both for sale. Ziploc bags are not enough to protect your phone.
Q: What is the average water temperature?
A: This varies but rest assured, we will not be opened for rentals if the water temperature is too cool for your safety.
Q: What are normal hours of operation?
A: We are open 7 days a week starting sometimes as early as April but generally in May and operate thru late September, depending upon the weather. Follow us on Facebook for daily reports. The first bus leaves at 10am on weekdays and the last bus leaves at 2pm. On weekends and holidays, the first bus leaves at 9am.
Q: Is there much wildlife along the Whitewater River?
A: Most definitely!! Arriving in the mornings will increase your chances for enjoying a peaceful, quiet day on the river. Keep in mind that weekends and holidays may be less peaceful due to the higher volume of customers. Expect to possibly see American Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Osprey, Hawks, Kingfisher, Cliff Swallows, and Beaver, maybe an otter or muskrats among much more.
Q: Is there security present at Green Acres?
A: Green Acres has Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department hired for added security. The Sheriff's Department may also be present to remind folks to “Mind Their Manners” while on or off the water. Green Acres will NOT tolerate unruly behavior.
Q: Do you have lockers or what do we do with our keys, etc.?
A: Sorry, we do not have lockers, please lock your valuables in a hidden, concealed spot in your car or leave your precious personal items at home for extra safety. We advise not taking anything on the river that you can’t afford to lose or get wet. For your convenience, we have a variety of dry boxes and dry bags available for sale at an affordable price. (Green Acres is not responsible for lost, stolen, or misplaced items).
Q: What’s the average depth of the river?
A: The River averages at 2-4 feet deep for most of the trip. However, some spots can exceed 8-10 feet deep. On average water level days, you can literally walk most of the trip in knee deep to waist deep waters.
Q: Are there any rapids? What “class” are they?
A: Yes, there are spots with rapids during the upper half of the 8 mile river trip. The rapids are classified as Class I, which is the smallest class out of a 5 class scale. They are great rapids for beginners and still fun for the river veterans.
Q: Should I wear shoes?
A: Foot protection is very important. “Flip-flops” can easily fall off so the best are any water shoe, sandals with a heel strap, Croc-style shoes, or old sneakers. If you don’t have foot protection, we sell water shoes at our Store. The river bed oftentimes has rocks or shells that can be sharp or jagged. There can also be the possibility of broken glass or pieces of old metal. Foot protection will save your feet and make your trip more enjoyable.
Q: Do you have a clean-up area or changing rooms?
A: Yes, we have changing rooms available. We also have a customer clean-up area but do not have showers.
Q: Do you provide life jackets?
A: Yes, life jackets are issued to all persons and are included in the rental fee for your boat. Our life jackets are also sanitized after each use and hung up to dry. Our smallest lifejacket accommodates persons as small as 75lbs.
Q: When do we need to be off of the river?
A: You must be off the river no later than 7:00pm unless it was stated to you otherwise by a Green Acres staff member. There is a $5 fee for every 15 minutes that you are late. If sunset arrives and you are still out, Green Acres may consider it an emergency and call for assistance. Green Acres has free river maps available for you to gauge your time.
Q: Do you have supplies available?
A: Yes, we have nearly anything imaginable in our retail store! Such as: water shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, towels, t-shirts, hats, eyeglass straps, can koozies, dry bags, dry boxes, super soakers, pain reliever, carabineers, bungee cords, etc.
Q: Do you sell alcoholic beverages or tobacco products?
A: No
Q: Do you have a picnic area, shelter or charcoal grills available?
A: We do have a large shelter with picnic tables. Sorry, but charcoal grills are not available.
Q: Is the Whitewater River clean?
A: According to the Ohio EPA, the Whitewater River has exceptional water quality, one of just three rivers in Ohio, making it the cleanest river in the tristate! This is one of the few large Ohio Rivers that has 100% attainment of aquatic life.
Q: In case of severe weather, what do we do?
A: There is shelter at our 3 mile put-in to be able to wait out a pop-up storm. We will also be more than happy to show you additional friendly areas on a river map that you can take with you. If you are in a desolate area we suggest you wait it out on an opened beach or remain in your boat on the water, staying AWAY from trees that may have falling branches. Please keep in mind that summer storms are generally over within a short time period and we cannot easily come and get you if you become frightened.
Q: What do we do if there is an emergency?
A: If it is a serious, life-threatening medical emergency call 911. If it is non-life threatening, please contact us via Facebook Messenger and we will assist you.
Q: For what reasons does the kayak livery close?
A: The kayak livery closes for high water or in too cold of conditions. We may limit the ages of participants if water levels are higher than normal without closing. To check on water levels and to see if we have restrictions, please visit our website, Facebook or Twitter for our daily updates.
Q: Can I leave my vehicle overnight?
A: You are welcome to leave your vehicle overnight, but please leave your contact information at the front desk.
A. We have thousands of kayaks available so it is very doubtful. Keep in mind Saturdays and holidays are our busiest days between the hours of 11am-1pm.
Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Tickets are purchased on-site during the hours of 9-2 on weekends and holidays, and 10-2 on weekdays. We are no longer requiring online ticket purchasing. In-person is a much faster check-in process, it is more convenient for you and will also save you booking fees.
Q:If I arrive after 2pm, can I still get on the water?
A: Yes, we offer a 3 mile afternoon trip with check-in hours of 2pm-4pm.
Q: Can I do the 3 mile trip earlier than 2pm?
A: No, this is a courtesy run we do for people who cannot arrive earlier than 2.
Q: Why is the 3 mile trip the same cost as the other trips?
A: This is strictly a courtesy run we offer in the afternoon after the 8 mile run has closed for the day.
Q: I arrived late and missed the last 2pm transport bus to the 8 mile. Can I drive myself to the launch-site?
A: No one is permitted to arrive at the launch-site after 2:00pm.
Q. How can I contact you if I cannot find my answer here?
A. We have live support via our Facebook Messenger. You can also email us at Paddlegreenacres@gmail.com
Q: Do you permit dogs/pets?
A: We love pets but we can no longer allow them due to safety and liability reasons. Due to the nature of our kayak trip, Service animals are not permitted to participate on the river due to safety and liability. (ADA Section 36.301 Eligibility Criteria; (b) Safety.) Service animals are welcome to visit Green Acres but must be controlled with a “restraining device” at all times while on our property and must remain with a non-paddling member of your party. We are solely renting single-person kayaks that are rated for one occupant.
Q: Why are you only renting single-person kayaks?
A: Due to the increase in popularity! The kayak is by far the highest demanded boat in the paddling industry and also the safest form of paddling. Single-person kayaks are the easiest and cleanest boat to handle for our guests and staff alike. By exclusively renting single-person kayaks, our service and speed of operation allows us to better serve our customers. They can now be on the water in a remarkably short time!
Q: How can I be guaranteed that a kayak will be available once I arrive?
A: It is very unlikely that we will run out of kayaks due to the amount of inventory. However, on weekends, particularly Saturdays and holidays, between the hours of 11:00 to 1:00 is our busiest time! If you arrive at any other time, you shouldn’t run into the risk of having to wait for a kayak to come available.
Q: I can only arrive during your busiest hours and I know that there is a slight risk of kayaks being unavailable for the 8-mile trip. If that happens what can you do for me?
A: On the unlikely case we are sold out, you will have the opportunity to go on the 3 mile trip until 4pm if we can accommodate.
Q: What kinds of payment do you accept?
A: Credit cards, debit cards, cash, apple pay, google pay, nfc cards
Q: Do you have season passes?
A. We do not.
Q. Do you send staff down the river near the end of the day to make certain that everyone if returning on time?
A. Yes, we do! Staff will “gently remind guests” that they may need to “pick up their pace” in order to be able to return to the livery by 7:00pm. Guests that don’t make it past our “3-mile”, by 6:00pm, will be required to exit the river. Guests will be returned to the livery by a transport bus.
Q. Is my minor teenager permitted to participate without me and I sign for them?
A. Yes, minors as young as 16 may participate with a waiver signed by a legal guardian. All minors must have a legal guardian signature on their waiver.
Q. Are children permitted, and if so, at what age/weight?
A. Participants must be a minimum of 12 years old to participate. Participants must also be a minimum of 75lbs.
Q. Can I bring a young child if I sign the waiver for them and I let them “sit on my lap”?
A. No, due to safety & Liability
Q. Can I bring a rope and “tow” my young child?
A. No, due to safety & Liability
Q. My child is 12 but is under 75lbs. Can I bring our own life jacket so he/she can participate?
A. No, due to safety & Liability
Q. What kind of equipment do you have for rent?
A. Single-person, sit-on-top style kayaks. We do not offer 2-person kayaks
Q: Can I bring my own equipment and use your shuttle bus service or use Green Acres’ property?
A: No, Due To Bus Transportation State Regulations and Insurance Liability, We Do Not Provide Transport Service Of Private Owned Watercraft. Our Passenger Buses Do Not Pull Trailers. We are compliant with government agencies. Our properties are privately-owned and are NOT available to use for river access and/or parking for non-customers.
Note: There is a public access at “Willow Park” (off of Campbell Road) and also at 5180 Lawrenceburg Road (near Bond Road) for persons with their own equipment. These accesses are located between our 8-mile launch-site & our livery take-out. Sorry, but our properties are privately owned and are not available to use for river access. In no condition are the launch-sites permitted for access. There will be a $25 dollar per person charge in the event that take-out is at the livery.
Q: What are the weight limits of your kayaks?
A: All weight limits are approximate. Sorry, but we will not be able to accommodate persons larger than 300lbs.
Single Kayaks - 275lbs
Q: How often do the buses transport customers upriver?
A: Passenger buses run continuously. However, the LAST shuttle bus for 8-mile trip leaves at 2:00!! You must arrive no later than 1:30pm.
Q: Are we allowed to bring coolers?
A: Coolers are permitted but must be small enough to fit on the kayak. Styrofoam coolers are not permitted because they will break and litter the river. Please don’t bring glass bottles on the river. It is our policy that alcohol and boating do not mix. Due to safety & Liability floating coolers that you “tow” are not be permitted.
Q: How can I gauge my time or know where I am?
A: Take a free river map. The map shows landmarks such as our 3-mile launch site, creeks, gas lines, bridges, etc.
Q: What should we bring with us on our trip?
A: Remember to wear comfortable clothing and footwear that can get wet. Bring a change of clothes and some extra money for snacks and souvenirs! Taking a cell phone is always a good idea but only if you have it in a dry box or a dry bag. We have both for sale. Ziploc bags are not enough to protect your phone.
Q: What is the average water temperature?
A: This varies but rest assured, we will not be opened for rentals if the water temperature is too cool for your safety.
Q: What are normal hours of operation?
A: We are open 7 days a week starting sometimes as early as April but generally in May and operate thru late September, depending upon the weather. Follow us on Facebook for daily reports. The first bus leaves at 10am on weekdays and the last bus leaves at 2pm. On weekends and holidays, the first bus leaves at 9am.
Q: Is there much wildlife along the Whitewater River?
A: Most definitely!! Arriving in the mornings will increase your chances for enjoying a peaceful, quiet day on the river. Keep in mind that weekends and holidays may be less peaceful due to the higher volume of customers. Expect to possibly see American Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Osprey, Hawks, Kingfisher, Cliff Swallows, and Beaver, maybe an otter or muskrats among much more.
Q: Is there security present at Green Acres?
A: Green Acres has Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department hired for added security. The Sheriff's Department may also be present to remind folks to “Mind Their Manners” while on or off the water. Green Acres will NOT tolerate unruly behavior.
Q: Do you have lockers or what do we do with our keys, etc.?
A: Sorry, we do not have lockers, please lock your valuables in a hidden, concealed spot in your car or leave your precious personal items at home for extra safety. We advise not taking anything on the river that you can’t afford to lose or get wet. For your convenience, we have a variety of dry boxes and dry bags available for sale at an affordable price. (Green Acres is not responsible for lost, stolen, or misplaced items).
Q: What’s the average depth of the river?
A: The River averages at 2-4 feet deep for most of the trip. However, some spots can exceed 8-10 feet deep. On average water level days, you can literally walk most of the trip in knee deep to waist deep waters.
Q: Are there any rapids? What “class” are they?
A: Yes, there are spots with rapids during the upper half of the 8 mile river trip. The rapids are classified as Class I, which is the smallest class out of a 5 class scale. They are great rapids for beginners and still fun for the river veterans.
Q: Should I wear shoes?
A: Foot protection is very important. “Flip-flops” can easily fall off so the best are any water shoe, sandals with a heel strap, Croc-style shoes, or old sneakers. If you don’t have foot protection, we sell water shoes at our Store. The river bed oftentimes has rocks or shells that can be sharp or jagged. There can also be the possibility of broken glass or pieces of old metal. Foot protection will save your feet and make your trip more enjoyable.
Q: Do you have a clean-up area or changing rooms?
A: Yes, we have changing rooms available. We also have a customer clean-up area but do not have showers.
Q: Do you provide life jackets?
A: Yes, life jackets are issued to all persons and are included in the rental fee for your boat. Our life jackets are also sanitized after each use and hung up to dry. Our smallest lifejacket accommodates persons as small as 75lbs.
Q: When do we need to be off of the river?
A: You must be off the river no later than 7:00pm unless it was stated to you otherwise by a Green Acres staff member. There is a $5 fee for every 15 minutes that you are late. If sunset arrives and you are still out, Green Acres may consider it an emergency and call for assistance. Green Acres has free river maps available for you to gauge your time.
Q: Do you have supplies available?
A: Yes, we have nearly anything imaginable in our retail store! Such as: water shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, towels, t-shirts, hats, eyeglass straps, can koozies, dry bags, dry boxes, super soakers, pain reliever, carabineers, bungee cords, etc.
Q: Do you sell alcoholic beverages or tobacco products?
A: No
Q: Do you have a picnic area, shelter or charcoal grills available?
A: We do have a large shelter with picnic tables. Sorry, but charcoal grills are not available.
Q: Is the Whitewater River clean?
A: According to the Ohio EPA, the Whitewater River has exceptional water quality, one of just three rivers in Ohio, making it the cleanest river in the tristate! This is one of the few large Ohio Rivers that has 100% attainment of aquatic life.
Q: In case of severe weather, what do we do?
A: There is shelter at our 3 mile put-in to be able to wait out a pop-up storm. We will also be more than happy to show you additional friendly areas on a river map that you can take with you. If you are in a desolate area we suggest you wait it out on an opened beach or remain in your boat on the water, staying AWAY from trees that may have falling branches. Please keep in mind that summer storms are generally over within a short time period and we cannot easily come and get you if you become frightened.
Q: What do we do if there is an emergency?
A: If it is a serious, life-threatening medical emergency call 911. If it is non-life threatening, please contact us via Facebook Messenger and we will assist you.
Q: For what reasons does the kayak livery close?
A: The kayak livery closes for high water or in too cold of conditions. We may limit the ages of participants if water levels are higher than normal without closing. To check on water levels and to see if we have restrictions, please visit our website, Facebook or Twitter for our daily updates.
Q: Can I leave my vehicle overnight?
A: You are welcome to leave your vehicle overnight, but please leave your contact information at the front desk.
Suggestions from the Lutz family
- You are welcome to leave your vehicle overnight to ride home with others, but please let us know so we aren’t out looking for you!
- Never take a cell phone that is not in a waterproof container! We have affordable dry boxes and dry bags available for sale. Ziploc baggies do not float and are generally not waterproof.
- Never dive head first, check the water depth and also look for debris in the water so you don’t impale yourself on a branch! We also do not suggest jumping. There have been numerous injuries caused from jumping into too shallow of water.
- Never tie boats with our life jackets because it rips them and we hate to have to charge you. Remember that tying together creates a safety hazard!
- Be back on time so we can go home! We hate to charge a late fee or call water rescue to look for you.
- Remind your friends to “Mind Their Manners”! Unruly persons are not welcome at Green Acres. We reserve the right to ban someone for bad behavior and/or have them removed from the river and cited. Always expect children to be present. Be respectful!!
- Please take one of our free reusable garbage bag! We are proud of our exceptionally clean river!