2026 Ohio River Way Challenge

23 days, 480 miles. Join us to support or paddle our biggest Challenge yet!

The Ohio River Way is a designated, 308-mile National Water Trail following the borders of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Along the way, we’ve become a coalition that bridges communities to create a more vibrant, healthy region. 

Our mission is to help people find adventure, inspire care for the land and water, and boost economies of vibrant Ohio River communities by building partnerships that promote safe, healthy outdoor recreation; education; & tourism.

We're happy you're here to support the mission and work of the Ohio River Way through our 2026 Challenge paddlers.

The Ohio River Way Challenge is an interdisciplinary expedition designed to educate, connect, and celebrate the history, culture, and ecology of the Ohio River and its river towns. Through paddling, storytelling, community engagement, and shared adventure, participants embark on a journey to be inspired and expand upon the important work being done to improve the Ohio River and its neighboring communities.

This will be our longest and most ambitious route yet! We’re extending the Challenge to a 23-day, 480-mile expedition from Huntington/Kenova, WV, to Evansville, IN. Paddlers can join for one or more of the trip’s three week-long segments.

This year, participants' adventures will be funded through peer fundraising. Contrary to past years, the fundraising structure no longer makes this a guided journey, but a group of common adventurers all contributing to the overall success of the expedition and its goals.

Thank you for learning a little bit about the Ohio River Way Challenge and supporting our 2026 paddlers on this adventure, you are so appreciated!