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Trapper's FAQ'S & Helpful Hints

We are privileged to operate on the State and National Scenic Big Darby Creek,

one of Ohio's last great places to experience a day in nature.

In order to continue to preserve this pristine environment, we must do our part to limit our impact on the Darby and its surroundings. We also want to keep our trips family friendly, responsible, and liability free so everyone can have a great time. We do this by limiting what is allowed into the trip and always leaving the creek cleaner than we found it. Enjoy!

FAQ'S

Do I need a reservation?

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Reservations are not required for our Sampler and Lower trips, but making a reservation for any trip we offer is available online or by phone and strongly recommended!

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Do you offer group rates?

 

Yes, for corporate and non-profit groups. To qualify, the outing must be on a weekday, be a minimum of 25 participants and pay in one transaction. If you qualify, each participant will receive $3 off.

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Are there restrictions for group outings?

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The minimum age to paddle in a group is 10 years old and we require a 6:1 chaperone ratio for children 10-15. Safety is our top priority, and we want to make sure that there are eyes on all children at all times!

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What if I've never paddled before?

 

No worries! Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to answer any questions you may have prior to your trip. The water is calm, and the current is slow, so you don’t need to be a pro to navigate your way around. Our staff is here to help!

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Are there age requirements?

 

Participants must be a minimum of 10 years old and 75 lbs. to participate. Participants 10-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Participants aged 16-17 must have a parent and/or legal guardian complete a waiver to participate.

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Can I bring my child under 10 if they sit on my lap?

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This is not permitted for liability reasons, as our guests’ safety is our top priority.

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Can I bring a rope and "tow" my child?

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This is not permitted for liability reasons, as our guests’ safety is our top priority.

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Can I bring my child under 10 if I bring my own boat?

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This is not permitted for liability reasons, as our guests’ safety is our top priority.

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What to bring?

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We require a photo ID and will hold it for the entirety of your trip. 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 available for purchase.  Ziploc bags are not enough to protect your phone. We advise not taking anything on the river that you can’t afford to lose or get wet. 

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Can I bring my pet?

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We love pets, but we cannot allow them to come along due to safety and liability considerations for all guests. Due to the nature of our trips, service animals are not permitted to participate in river outings. (ADA Section 36.301 Eligibility Criteria; (b) Safety.)  Service animals are welcome to visit Trapper John’s, 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.

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When do we need to be off the river?

 

You must be off the river no later than 6:00 pm. While we do not want to charge guests, there is a $10 fee for every 15 minutes that you are late. If sunset arrives and you are still out, we may consider it an emergency and call for assistance.

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Do you offer raft rentals?

This is not permitted for liability reasons, as our guests’ safety is our top priority.

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Can I bring my fishing pole?

 

Guests are welcome to bring their fishing poles for a relaxing day on the river. Please remember that since it is a public waterway, a valid fishing license is required. 

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Can we bring a cooler?

 

Coolers are permitted, but they must be small enough to fit on the kayak or canoe. Under no circumstances are Styrofoam or glass permitted on the river. Please be aware that it is illegal to consume alcoholic beverages while boating on a state right of way. Trapper John's is a family-oriented business, and we maintain a non-alcohol policy for the safety and enjoyment of all guests. 

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Can I bring my own canoe or kayak?

 

Yes, we offer private boater passes for single day and season passes. Private boaters must follow the same check-in procedures and sign liability waivers. Personal canoes and kayaks will be stacked to be hauled just as we haul our own equipment. 

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What are the weight limits for your kayaks and canoes?

 

Our single kayaks can carry up to 275 lbs., our tandem kayaks can carry up to 500 lbs., and our canoes can carry up to 1,150 lbs.

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Can I use your put in and take out spots for free?

 

Trapper John's drop-in and pick-up locations are privately owned, and we take a lot of care to maintain our properties to give our guests the best experience. Trapper John's properties are NOT available to use for river access and/or parking for non-customers. This includes Trapper John’s main site, the pickup point by I-71 and the pickup point on SR-62.

 

Our drop-in and take-out locations have limited space, so we can only safely accommodate our own vehicles and trailers. Use of our properties by non-customers is trespassing and a criminal offense punishable by law. Violations of this policy will be promptly reported.

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If I arrive after 2pm, can I still get on the water?

 

Our last trip of the day is at 2:00 pm to ensure that our staff can end their workday at 6:00 pm.

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HELPFUL HINTS

  • Leave valuables at home

  • Use straps on glasses (available at the canoe livery)

  • Must wear shoes, strap-on sandals are recommended

  • Be prepared to get your feet wet

  • Bring a change of clothes, especially in cool weather

  • Bring insect repellent and/or sunscreen (available at the canoe livery)

  • Bring a drink

  • Wear your life jackets, they cannot help you if they are not on you

  • Most frequently lost items on Darby Creek:

    • Flip Flops

    • Cell Phones

All renters must have a valid ID and will be required to leave it as a deposit.

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