You’re dragging your kayak onto the bank, fingers still wrinkled from river water, when it hits you: that deep, primal need for a cold beer. Not just any beer, but one that tastes as if you earned it. That’s why we planted Little Miami Brewing right where your paddle trips end.

We know this ritual well: the way you’ll squish across our patio in soaked sandals, already grinning about whatever ridiculous thing happened out there. Maybe you spotted a bald eagle, spun in circles for twenty minutes, or you’re just proud you didn’t flip. The beer tastes better when it comes with these stories.

Our bartenders can spot kayakers the second they walk in. You’ll probably show up damp, sandy, maybe still trailing a bit of riverweed from your kayak. This blog takes you through a perfect paddle to pint day on the Little Miami River, where cold beers and riverside chairs wait just past that last bend.

Why the Little Miami River is a Paddler’s Paradise

We’ve seen it a thousand times. That dopey grin people get five minutes after they hit the patio, halfway through their first beer, and suddenly realize:

“Oh. This is why people love the Little Miami.”

For us, it’s more than a river; it’s where we get to witness:

• First-timers giggling like kids when they spot their tenth blue heron
• Seasoned paddlers lighting up on the Kings Mills, where the current picks up just enough to feel exciting
• That universal moment when someone yells “Turtles!” and grabs their camera

We brew with this river in mind. Our Bike Path Pilsner hits different after a few hours of paddling. The citrus in our Grateful IPA feels brighter when you’ve been watching water sparkle all day. Even our Blackbird Fly blackberry wheat seems fruitier when you’ve been nibbling wild berries along the banks. 

Explore our full beer range.

Planning Your Paddle: Where to Start and How to Go

After years of welcoming paddlers to our patio, we’ve picked up a few things for a solid river day. 

The Ideal Route for Beginners

The 4-mile stretch from Nisbet Park to our dock offers:

• A gentle current that does most of the work
• Multiple shallow areas for standing breaks
• One fun little rapid that’s exciting but not intimidating
• Perfect timing to arrive ready for refreshments

Best Times to Launch

Early morning is the calmest. Our favorite groups arrive around midday, well-rested, chatty, and ready to enjoy both the river and the beer rewards afterward.

Essentials to Bring

Beyond the basics (sunscreen, water, dry bag), we recommend:

• Snacks that can survive a potential dunking
• Water shoes that won’t float away
• A waterproof case for your phone (trust us)

Bonus: Loveland Canoe & Kayak provides excellent shuttle service that drops you right to our doorstep after your paddle.

Rivers & Rewards: Why Craft Beer is the Best Post-Paddle Tradition

There’s science behind why that first sip tastes so magical after hours on the water. As your kayak scrapes ashore and you wobble onto our patio, here’s what happens:

The Reward Factor

Your body’s been working, maybe not Olympic-level, but enough to make our Bike Path Pilsner taste like liquid gold. It’s basic physiology: endorphins + hops = happiness.

The Hydration Equation

We keep our River Dog Blueberry Sour extra refreshing because we know you’ve been drinking river air all afternoon. Tart meets thirst in the best possible way.

The Storytelling Effect

Notice how every kayak group arrives laughing about something? The near-misses, the wildlife sightings, the one friend who can’t steer straight. They all taste better when recounted over shared nachos and a Grateful IPA.

River guides call it the 3:1 Rule: three hours paddling earns one well-deserved brewery stop.

Where to Land: Little Miami Brewing Company

After miles of paddling, there’s nothing sweeter than spotting our red roof through the riverside trees. Here’s why kayakers keep making us their final destination:

Location You Can’t Beat

• Just steps from the Loveland kayak take-out
• Watch other paddlers finish their trips while you relax with your beer
• Our patio slopes right down to the water’s edge, no stiff legs required

The Perfect Post-Paddle Setup

We designed our space knowing exactly what you’ll need:

• Wide umbrella shades for sun-kissed shoulders
• Adirondack chairs that feel like heaven after hours in a kayak
• Big tables for big groups

Kayak-Friendly Perks

• Complimentary paddle parking (yes, really)
• Staff who won’t blink at damp clothes or river-wet hair
• Water bowls for four-legged paddlers, too

Pro tip: The best seats face west, and you’ll catch both river action and sunset views over your beer.

What’s On Tap After Your Paddle

After hours on the water, your beer should hit all the right notes. Here’s what to order.

The Post-Adventure Lineup

• Bike Path Pilsner: Crisp, light, and refreshing, like jumping into a cool river
• River Dog Blueberry Sour: Tart berries to wake up your taste buds after river air
• Grateful IPA: Citrusy hops that taste brighter when you’re sun-warmed and happy

Fuel for the Hungry

Pair your beer with:

• Our famous Bavarian pretzels (extra beer cheese, obviously)
• The Buffalo Shuffle pizza for those who burned serious calories
• Oven-baked churro donuts when you need a sugar boost

Check out our Food Menu to plan your perfect post-paddle feast. 

Pro tip: The nachos taste even better when you’re still slightly damp from the river.

Making a Day of It: Trails, Town, and Live Music

Your perfect river day shouldn’t end at the brewery. Here’s how you can keep the vibe going and extend the adventure after the beer:

Morning Fuel-Up

Hit up The Loveland Grind (½ mile from our dock) for:

• Strong coffee in kayak-safe travel mugs
• Breakfast burritos, built for paddling endurance

Midday Paddle Perks

• Scenic Detour: Pull ashore at Lake Isabella for a quick swim
• Local Secret: The stretch near Camp Dennison has wild blackberries in late summer

After-Brewery Options

• Golden Hour: Walk off your beers on the Loveland Bike Trail (connects to our patio)
• Evening Vibes: Catch live music (Wed-Sun nights) and many more interesting events.

The river moves at its own pace. If you find yourself moving slower than planned, just embrace it; we’ll keep the taps flowing.

Your New Favorite Outdoor Tradition Starts Here

We see it daily. A paddler takes that first sip, leans back in their chair, and suddenly realizes they’ve been smiling since they pulled their kayak ashore. That’s the beauty of pairing the Little Miami River with great craft beer.

Whether you’re chasing gentle rapids or just that post-paddle glow with a cold Grateful IPA in hand, we’ve built this experience for you. The river will keep flowing, the paddlers will keep rounding one more bend, and we’ll keep the taps ready.

Grab your paddle and your thirst. Your kayak and craft beer trail begins at our dock, and the best seats face the water. Come visit us riverside at Little Miami Brewing Company.