Morgans Canoe and Outdoors Blog

Come if you dare......Morgan's Haunted River !

September 06, 2011

Over the last few weekends in October, Morgan's Outdoor Adventures invite you and your family to hike through the Forest of Lost Souls on your way to a short guided raft ride on the Haunted River… who knows what lurks in the shadows and below the murky waters of the Little Miami River?!  

                   PADDLE FOR YOUR LIFE..........

WHEN:     7:00pm - 11:00pm, Friday & Saturday's in October beginning October 7th and 8th

                    Last Tickets will be sold at 10:30!!!!

WHERE:   MORGAN'S RIVERSIDE CAMPGROUND & CABINS

                     6262 Gilmour Road, Morrow, OH  45152

WHO:        HAUNTED RIVER IS FUN AND SCARY FOR ALL!

                     Due to some of the scary imagery, this event is recommended for kids ages 10 and

                     up. Parents can use their own discretion for younger kids. 

                     All children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

PRICE:       $15/Adult, $10/Kids 12 and under

                Reservations required for groups of 10 or more.  

                Group discounts offered with reservation

                Call 1-800-We-Canoe (1-800-932-2663) between 9am-5pm

MORE:       Bonfire, Haunted Movies while you wait!  Our camp store will be open, with an offering of beverages (both hot and cold), food and sweets, including s'more kits.

POTENTIAL WAIT TIME:  Because this is a guided tour, there may be a wait for up to 1.5 hours.

Download Waiver of Liability:  You must complete a waiver of liability upon your arrival. For your convenience, we have made the waiver available online so you can print and complete it ahead of time.

 

 

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My husband and I took our 10 year old granddaughter and 12 year old grandson on the Haunted River last night. Wow! What a great time we had! I strongly recommend this adventure to anyone who loves Halloween fun. This is just sooo different from other Halloween haunts. The 15 minute walk down the haunted trail is tons of fun. Our guide, Kevin, was very theatrical and convincing...the 15 minute rafting adventure at the end is what makes this "haunt" so amazing! I won't spoil the fun by giving away the details...but YOU JUST HAVE TO DO THIS! My grandkids had a great adventure to tell their friends about, and so did WE! Thanks Morgan's!! We'll see you next year.
Lynne Bowyer 8:53AM 10/16/11
After the guided raft part do you take the bus back to the campgrounds? Good question! Your group will be led on a hike with a guide through the campground. At the end of the hike, you will embark on a raft (along with your guide) and end up back at the beginning where the Riverside Camp Store is. Your car will be parked in Riverside's lot. So...no bus needed! Come see us this weekend!
halloweenlover 11:35AM 10/12/11
We did the haunted river last year and it was a blast. Very scary when we were on the water!!!
Jennifer 2:37PM 10/05/11

Morgan's Outdoor....Summer is in Full Swing!

July 05, 2011

Despite a rainy spring, the Morgan Family has managed to be busier than ever with different events (and the weather actually co-operated!) We had the 2nd Annual Dog Paddle sponsored by Bil-Jac Dog Food on May22. This event benefitted Cancer Free KiIDS, an organization we are proud to partner with in their worthy cause of raising funds for pediatric cancer research. Guests took their 4 legged friends down the Little Miami River in rafts for a gentle float ride,and then walked back to the livery on the Little Miami Bike Trail where our sponsors had booths and we had different contests, including a Dog/Owner look-alike contest(winners pictured here), a "Dog eat Dog" contest(dogs/owners competing to chow down on hot dogs), and the "Paw-ject Runway" fashion show for the most fashionable canines around! Come join us next year for this fun event if you missed this year! 

  

 

 

Next, we hosted Morgan's 32nd Annual Little Miami Triathlon on June 5. A new component added for our participants this year was a chance to raise funds for charity, including Cancer Free KIDS. Pictured here is founder of Cancer Free KIDS, Ellen Flannery with a "Courage Crew" team comprised of triathletes Jon Meyer and Andy. We have a broad spectrum of participants in this event ...everyone from serious athletes who can complete the event in under 2 1/2 hours(6 mi canoe, 5.5 mi run and 18 mi bike), to those who are just happy to finish. This was our largest ever with over 600 teams....the Fall event is filling up quickly. Please consider raising funds for charity while having fun competing. See our website at www.littlemiamitriathlon.com for more details and info. 

 

Did you know that Cincinnati was proclaimed the Paddling Capital of the United States? Yes it is! Why? Because:

Greater Cincinnati is the Paddling Capital because:
-- Cincinnati hosts Paddlefest, America’s largest on-water paddling event, which draws 2,000 people for an annual float trip down the Ohio River.
-- Cincinnati enjoys the greatest selection of paddling-friendly waterways, including the Ohio, Great Miami, Little Miami, Whitewater and Licking rivers as well as the Four Mile, Caesar, Stonelick, O’Bannon, Indian and White Oak creeks.
-- Cincinnati features the largest number of paddling-access points with more than 25 places to launch canoes and kayaks.
-- Cincinnati is home to Cincypaddlers, the largest locally based paddling club with more than 1,850 members.
-- Cincinnati contains the largest number of paddling specialty shops. Many cities are fortunate to have one paddling retailer. Cincinnati has five.
-- Cincinnati boasts the largest number of canoe and kayak liveries. Many cities have one or two liveries. Cincinnati has 10.

Gary Morgan was invited to speak, along with leaders from local government and tourism, as part of the proclamation which was made on Fountain Square in June. 

Finally, our Brookville livery hosted the Annual Raft Trip and Picnic for the Cincinnati Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired on July 1st. We love this day as much as the visually impaired folks and their volunteers do! Proceeds from the Triathlon sponsor this trip and make it possible. 

There's lots of summer left, so make plans to come out and cool off at Morgan's while paddling down the river! Our campgrounds and cabins make a perfect "stay-cation destination" for our tri-state guests! As they say in Costa Rica,Pura Vida!

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Hmm it looks like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I'll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I'm still new to everything. Do you have any tips for first-time blog writers? I'd certainly appreciate it.
Traci 11:54PM 12/09/11
We went canoeing on Super Hero Sunday. We dressed up to get 1/2 off . There were 8 in our group and we all dressed up in capes and masks. The staff said they loved it and asked to take our picture for their web page. We were just wondering when that would be posted. We all really enjoyed the trip.
Aaron Neville 6:14PM 08/31/11

Clark Montessori High School Arrives in Costa Rica

April 05, 2011

 16 students and 2 teachers arrived in San Jose,Costa Rica and drove down (via Marvin and his Magic Bus) to Dominical on the Pacific Coast on the way to Morgan's Jungle Lodge. The students were happy to frolic and play in the warm ocean waves before being served up a wonderful meal at Domilocos by owner Vivian. After a restful night, the group proceeded down to the Osa Peninsula....let the adventures begin! Will post more about that later.....

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We had a group of 8 go canoeing 07/17/2011. Just wanted to let you know that we had the BEST time ever!! Did the 13 mile and it was a wonderful day!! Will definately be back again!! Thanks Morgan's!!
Crystal Anderson 9:24AM 07/18/11
Wow what a lucky group that sounds so fun! I wish I had the opportunity to do something like that when I was in high school I bet they had a great trip.
Proform Pete 1:15PM 05/26/11
It is A Nice Blog
Preeti 8:17AM 05/07/11

Adventure and Education: Costa Rica

April 03, 2011

Morgan's Outdoor Adventures was fortunate to have a UC photojournalism professor, Sean Hughes and two of his students accompany the students of Walnut Hills, as they traveled to Morgan's Jungle Lodge, located on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.  Follow this group of Cincinnati high school students as they travel to the jungles of Costa Rica in the spirit of conservation and eco-sensitivity. Click here to follow their adventurous journey.

 

 

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The Morgan Family welcomes you to another exciting season of outdoor adventures!

March 31, 2011

Dear Friends,

The Morgan Family welcomes you to another exciting season of outdoor adventures, filled with fun and challenging events all summer long! After this long, cold, wet winter, why not add Morgan's Outdoor Adventures to your list of things to do this summer!?

We invite you to join us for a leisurely paddle or an overnight stay at one of our riverside campgrounds or cabins. Re-connect with your family and friends while enjoying the great outdoors on two beautiful rivers. Looking for a memorable experience? Try a weekday canoe trip; it's a great time to be on the river, with fewer people and the same great service! Ever tried our Brookville Indiana location on the beautiful Whitewater River? We highly recommend it for its clear swift water and beautiful beaches. Our Ft Ancient location will be open beginning weekends in April and the Brookville location will be open beginning weekends in May.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS!

 

 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 7, as we host the First Annual Family Float Fest benefitting Centerpoint Health at Morgan's Canoe and Outdoor Adventures in Brookville, Indiana, on Saturday, May 7. The day includes paddling down the Whitewater River (either raft, canoe or kayakyou choose), followed by a pig roast and music/entertainment. Your support of this event benefits Centerpoint Health's Camp Possible and children's programming. Click on the above link for more info and registration.

This is a great event for families and paddling enthusiasts to have fun and help a great cause!

 

Back by popular demand, come enjoy a paddle with your pooch for the Second Annual Dog Paddle presented by Bil-Jac benefitting CancerFree KIDS on Sunday, May 22,2011. This fun event promises to once again create lots of great memories for you, your family and your pet as you paddle down the Little Miami River while raising money for a worthy cause! Register at www.morganscanoe.com.

 

Morgan's 32nd Little Miami Triathlon presented by Fifth Third Bank and Baker concrete will be held Sunday, June 5 and is filling up quicker than ever. This year, why not consider competing for a cause? Morgan's partnership with CancerFree KIDS gives you the opportunity to raise funds for childhood cancer research.

 

GO TO www.cancerfreekids.org 
TO REGISTER AND MORE INFO 

 

 

 

 

 

We promise to continue to bring you the best canoeing, kayaking, rafting and camping the Midwest has to offer. We look forward to seeing you soon! See you on the river,

The Morgan Family

P.S. Visit our website at www.morganscanoe.com to make reservations for camping and canoeing. Reserve your canoe trip, campsite or cabin now and enjoy all that Morgan's and the great outdoors have to offer!

 


 

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Doing the Morgan's Triathlon....Why not Join the Courage Crew!

March 21, 2011


If you are thinking about participating in the Morgan's Triathlon this year, consider competing with a purpose!

Being a team member of the Courage Crew is a great way to take the Morgan's Triathlon to the next level!  Whether this is your first triathlon or your 31st, you can benefit by being part of the Courage Crew.  

There is no cost to join the Courage Crew - simply a commitment to turn your triathlon into an opportunity to raise funds for childhood cancer research.  How?  Simple...we provide you with the online tools you need to easily create your own web pae and then send it out to family & friends asking them to support your efforts with a donation to CancerFree Kids.  You can put your request out via Facebook, Twitter, etc.  Your coal will be to raise at least $500 individually or $1000 per team by june 1st for the June 5 Morgan's Triathlon.

 Benefits:

·      Premier start times reserved just for Courage Crew team members 

·      Custom technical shirt identifying you as a Courage Crew member;

·      Fundraising support – you won’t believe how easy it is!

·      Professional training sessions for all phases of the Triathlon – canoeing, running and cycling.   These sessions are completely optional. 

·      Discounted (50%) prices on any practice canoe runs at Morgan’s.

·      Pre- and Post-race Hospitality Tent for Courage Crew team members.

·      “got courage” wristband to remind you of the kids you are helping while you train!

·      The knowledge that you are doing something truly great for kids with cancer….       

THEIR courage will inspire you. 

YOUR courage will give them hope for the future. 

Sign up TODAY!  Space is Limited! 

Contact:  Rose Eckhoff at CancerFree KIDS at rose@cancerfreekids.org or call (513) 575-5437 for more information or to request your Courage Crew welcome packe

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Morgan’s 31st Annual Little Miami Triathlon-Fall Edition

October 07, 2010

It was a cold and grey start to the day for Morgan’s 31st Annual Little Miami Triathlon-Fall Edition, but it only added to the sense of excitement and anticipation for the 1300+competitors (largest one yet...we didn't close off registration this time around) that were participating. We offered up hot tea,hot coffee and hot chocolate, which the crowd sipped on and tried to warm up while waiting for their heat to be called. There was plenty of water in the Little Miami River for the 6 mile canoe portion of the race, believe it or not, thanks to a dam release from Ceasar’s Creek by the Army Corps of Engineers(who are nice enough to work with us), as well as a much needed rainfall the day before. I think the runners and walkers appreciated the cool temps during the 5.5 mile route, especially after such a hot and dry August and September. Then, during the biking portion, bikers faced down the wind which I think must’ve helped them move a little quicker!

It is hard to believe that what started 31 years ago with just 75 competitors has grown to become such a Cincinnati tradition with competitors coming from all over the country-from Oregon to Maine! We love to see the returning athletes and weekend warriors who come back year after year and sometimes compete in t-shirts from the event 20,25 years ago. It’s also great to see some of the many new faces and see their sense of accomplishment in completing this rigorous race. Many people use the event to set goals for themselves, such as this participant(Jon M) who emailed me before the race last week:

“I've lost over 90 pounds since March and your event has been my training focus since May. My team is called "Don't Stop for Banjo Music" and we shove off at 10am.Thanks for putting this on...I can't flippin' wait for Sunday!”

Now that is gratifying! Congratulations to Jon and all the other athletes who participated in this event last Sunday....even if your ambition was to "just finish", it was impressive to see so many of you reach your goal! Hope to see you again in June 2011!
 

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It's a great experience even if you don't participate. We happened to be there on vacation during the last event and it was as fun to watch as I assume it is to be in. -Dan http://canoepaddles.blogspot.com/
Dan 12:42PM 04/11/11
Hey...I know that "Jon M" guy...that's me! Thanks for an AWESOME event! I'm still working on an entire page for my site devoted to the LMT. Your race, along with my first 5K event (Colerain 4th of July Spectacular) will be two events in which I'll compete annually and measure progress. Again, thank you so much and I can't wait for next fall...if I can make it. I may need to do June.
BigPapaJon 1:36PM 10/08/10

Morgan’s Spooktacular Haunted River

September 01, 2010

Over three haunted weekends in October, Morgan's invite you and your family to hike through the Forest of lost souls on your way to a short guided raft ride on the Haunted River… who knows what lurks in the shadows and below the murky waters?

FUN FOR FAMILIES!

Due to some of the scary imagery, this event is recommended for kids ages 7 and up. Parents can use their own discretion for younger kids. All children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Price: $10/Adult, $5/Kids under 12
Bonfire,Movies while you wait! Our deli will be opened too, with an offering of beverages(both hot and cold), food and sweets, including s'more kits.

Because this is a guided tour,there may be a wait for up to 1.5 hours, so please feel free to bring your own s'more fixins to roast around the fire. A movie will be showing too!

7-11pm on the following days:

Last Tickets will be sold at 10:30!!!!

Download Waiver of Liability

You must complete a waiver of liability upon your arrival. For your convenience, we have made the waiver available online so you can print and complete it ahead of time.

Download Waiver

One child free admission with this coupon.

Morgan’s Riverside Campground 6262 Gilmour Road, Morrow,OH 45152, 513-899-2166

 

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Last night a group of four of us went to Morgans Haunted River. While we tend to like the scarier attractions around we decided to check out this attraction. The scare factor is low if you're an adult but we had a great time anyway. Our guide Scott who was dressed as a pirate zombie kept us amused with his "Jamaican" accent, he was great and a great storyteller. We found out it's definitely geared towards kids so I don't know that the four of us will return but I will definitely be back with my nieces. Thanks Morgans!
Chelsea 10:27AM 10/16/11
Morgans Spooktacular is an excellent example of storytelling at its' best. Our family of four started out with our 11 year old son leading the way and ended with him stating "hold on to my life jacket and don't let go". Everyone in our group took turns being "scared" by the gouls (even our guide , Tyler , was startled by a surviver!) and are still smiling about our experience today! We even had a mini history lesson on the way home about plagues in the word. Thank you Morgans for the quality experience and memory making . We shall return.
Kristina and Gregg 1:13PM 10/31/10
The Morgan family has done it again. They have created a great adventure and have retained the family atmosphere and fun they are known for. Our guide, Koi (as he put it - like the fish) was great and we had a good time making fun of the 'wood tinklers'. Thanks Dirk and Lori.
Rick and Ellen 3:57AM 10/28/10
our school group went to morgans for camping, and we all took a group trip to the haunted river and i must say it was absolutely amazing. then meeting new people and stuff was great! i recommend it for all:)
Destiny Turner 5:00PM 10/25/10
We had a group of 18 for the haunted canoe trip and we had a blast! Our guide was named Tay-Tay and he was great. We will definitely put a great word out and come back next year for another haunted tour! Thank you so much for putting on such a great show!
Leah 11:37PM 10/22/10
We LOVE Morgans! Great canoeing, awesome campsits and a terriffic staff make for good times. We camp & canoe several times with you each year and look forward to doing so many moretimes in the future.
Jed Hollon 6:22PM 10/21/10
We had two campsites along the river at Morgan's and had two families at each site. There were 7 adults and 9 kids and we had plenty of room when comparing to other campsites we have stayed at. The kids (and adults) played in the water, skipped rocks and caught crawfish. We set up a hammock and a rope swing and had plenty of space to cook, sit and eat and roam. We went for a hike in the woods toward Ft. Ancient but never made it to the basketball and volleyall courts as we were too busy. The tall trees and quiet setting made for a serene experience. The bathrooms and showers were among the cleaniest we had ever used and they even had plenty of port-a-johns for the immediate needs. The staff including (Dirk Morgan the owner) and Dave the nighttime security guard were very friendly. I would definitely recommend this place to families and even couples for a way to escape the hustles of the world and get back to basics.
Todd Gummer 2:27PM 09/20/10
We just spent Labor Day weekend at Morgan's campground. It was our first time camping with them and i have to say it was our best camping experience to date!! We took 6 children with us, 5 of them teenagers, and they ALL had a great time, this is not an easy task! We have never seen such a family oriented campground! The grounds were clean, the showers hot, and the snack bar was delicious! The staff was friendly and helpful from the time we arrived until the time we left. The canoeing and kayaking was awesome and we can't wait to do it again!! If i had to rate the campground on a scale from 1 to 10 ..I would give them an 11. We had soo much fun that we have already booked cabins for the halloween spooktacular haunted river!! Can't wait to go back..not sure we can wait until halloween!
Troy & Pam Bouchard 9:52PM 09/08/10

Being blind no obstacle during rafting adventure

July 19, 2010

LEBANON — Joseph Maximetz couldn’t see the Little Miami River, Friday, July 9, as he paddled through it in an oversized inflatable raft, but he braved the current without a second thought.

“I enjoyed it immensely,” Maximetz said back on dry land. “I love going out on boats; there’s a certain freedom to being out on the water.”

Maximetz was on the rafting venture as part of the Cincinnati Blind Association’s annual trip to Morgan’s Canoe Rental. Around 100 people — equal numbers blind and sighted companions — took on the challenge, braving earlier rainstorms for a chance to set sail on the calm river.

Read more here.

View Photos here.

Tags: brookville , ft. ancient

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Canoe liveries are tribute to Morgans' love of outdoors

July 13, 2010

WARREN COUNTY — Bob and June Morgan and their five sons have always loved the great outdoors.

For years, Bob took groups of young adults on camping adventures he named “Canoe Trails,” from the late 1950s to the early ’70s. Five times a year the groups would spend almost three weeks hiking, canoeing, and sharing stories by the campfire.

On one trip, they would canoe the Buffalo River in the Ozarks, another, West Virginia’s New River, among others. And the annual trips to Canada, which his wife, June, went on as well, were 31 days of pure adventure in the Ontario wilderness.

Bob’s youngest son Randy, now 45, says, “My best memories are every trip with dad.” Another son, Dirk, 51, who went on his first Canadian trip with his parents at age three, says, “To Dad, the great outdoors was a huge classroom.”

Bob, 77, recalls the time when well-known wildlife artist Charley Harper, who became good friends with the Morgans, went on all five of the trips in the early ’60s. The Ford Times, a former monthly magazine, commissioned Harper to write a story about the trips, along with the artwork for the cover. After that article, Bob said, “Every parent wanted their kids to go on the trip.”

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Tags: brookville , ft. ancient

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I shared two summers during graduate school as a guide with Bob and June and Gary Meyer and Tim Curto, the other earliest guides, probably the summers of 1966 and 1967. Gary and Greg were still young but already going on some trips and Dirk was barely old enough for the easiest trip. We did the upper New River, camped on islands, fished for smallmouths, and took out above the Gorge, for no one ever thought of running such water in those days, even in old army surplus rafts. How the gear has changed to allow river trips in formerly unrunnable venues! I remember one of those month-long Canadian trips on the Spanish River where it rained virtually every day and there was sometimes ice on the water bucket in the morning. I remember little Dirk peeing in Bob's ear when he didn't move quite far enough away from his sleeping bag during the night as we camped under an overhanging ledge on the South Fork of the Cumberland. I remember Bob always looking over the shoulder of the cooks, throwing a handful of dried onions into whatever was in the pot, and murmuring, This'll really wake the flavors up! Most of all I remember June, who was really the ramrod of that outfit despite staying home to take care of the boys before they were old enough to go on most trips. Not many families anywhere have such a history of helping folks enjoy the outdoors through the medium of a river. Many slightly-spoiled young men grew up a bit during the days of those Canoe Trails trips, working hard outdoors, learning to get along with different folks, and eating what was put in front of you. They came back home better persons!
Bill Eastlake 12:33PM 10/04/10
We have cycled the Little Miami bike trail for years and always talked about camping and cycling. We finally did it this weekend, and stayed at Morgan's campgrounds! What an awesome treat! Not only were we able to get right on the trail from our campsite, but we also went tubing later in the afternoon and enjoyed every minute of it! Dirk and Lori were just awesome! We never felt so welcomed! We will continue to go back and I would recommend it to any and everyone! The place is well run and clean. The enitre staff are friendly and helpful! If you're looking for a fun get away with alot to do, I highly recommend it!
Cyndi Tudor & Ed Nicewicz 6:55PM 08/10/10
My wife, myself and our two sons, spent two days camping at Morgan's for the frist time. The staff is courteous and helpful, and the campground itself is spotless and has become our favorite place to camp. We had so much fun canoeing and camping at Morgans that we intend to camp there every opportunity we get. I can't say enough about the great family experience we had and how friendly and kind everyone was there. I highly recommend Morgans for a great camping experience!
Lynn Shaver 5:42PM 07/27/10
It was many years ago when my husband and I would come and spend a day on the river. Now we have a family with 2 boys ( 9 and 11). We drove from Indy and had a wonderul day! The boys had a blast learning to steer a kayak. The weather was great, the water level was perfect, the facilities were clean and well taken care and customer service was beyond satisfaction. Would highly recommend the 8 mi trip. We spent a good 3.5 to 4 hours on the river, stopping often to take a dip, have a snack, watch the boys swing from the ropes along the riverside. It was a very enjoyable day, and very affordable. Thank you and we will be back!
Orth 12:34AM 07/14/10