Vermilion River
🏔 Scenic River
Ashland / Huron Co. · 40 mi · Class I–II
218CFS/ 2.82 ft
Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 200–1000 CFS · USGS #04199500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Ohio State Scenic River
A state-designated scenic river winding through the sandstone gorges and wooded hills of north-central Ohio. The Vermilion offers gentle Class I–II paddling through a surprisingly rugged landscape, with shale cliffs, hemlock groves, and excellent smallmouth bass fishing. The river empties into Lake Erie at the charming harbor town of Vermilion.
Trip sections
Fitchville to Wakeman — 15 mi, upper wooded corridor
Wakeman to Mill Hollow — 12 mi, sandstone gorge, best scenery
Mill Hollow to Vermilion — 13 mi, lower river to Lake Erie
Outfitters
Vermilion River Reservation
Lorain County Metro Parks, kayak access and trails
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.