The exuberance of summer may be winding down as vacations give way to back-to-school schedules, cooler weather and the rollout of pumpkin-spiced lattes, but there is still time to get out on the water and enjoy the last remnants of summer in Geauga County.
The exuberance of summer may be winding down as vacations give way to back-to-school schedules, cooler weather and the rollout of pumpkin-spiced lattes, but there is still time to get out on the water and enjoy the last remnants of summer in Geauga County.
“I would encourage anyone to get out there and give kayaking a try and have fun,” said Geauga Park District Naturalist Trevor Wearstler.
The United States has seen a tremendous increase in the popularity of outdoor recreational activities in recent years, with kayaking emerging as a top choice. According to Outdoor Industry Association participation data from 2022, recreational kayaking leads the paddle sports category in popularity.
In fact, if you’ve driven around Geauga County this summer, chances are you’ve likely spotted vehicles hauling roof racks with colorful kayaks enroute to uncharted waters.
“Kayak rentals have been steady at the Headwaters Boathouse, though over the past few years, more people have bought kayaks of their own to be able to get out more often and explore other lakes and rivers nearby,” Wearstler said.
He named for GPD parks that allow kayaking — Bass Lake Preserve in Munson (permit required), Eldon Russell Park on the Upper Cuyahoga River, Headwaters Park off state Route 608 (seasonal boat rentals and public boat launch) and Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve (during naturalist-led park programs only). Boat-borrowing is free for Geauga residents (ID required).
GPD’s kayak/boat rental season at Headwaters Park ends Sept. 4, however, they do offer kayaking programs into the fall.
The boathouse at Headwaters Park is open Thursdays – Monday from 12 – 7 p.m., last boats out at 6 p.m. Weekend hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., last boats out at 4 p.m., with an exception Aug. 31, when they will be closed.
“With large bodies of water — like Punderson (in Punderson State Park in Newbury Township) and LaDue Reservoir (Auburn and Troy townships) and a good section of the Cuyahoga River — there are a good number of places to kayak in Geauga County, and ours is one of several rental options for paddlers,” Wearstler said, adding people can safely enjoy kayaking until the fall, when water temperatures start to drop.
“Some would say there is no off-season for boating, but you’d need specialist equipment to stay safe and warm in Northeast Ohio year-round,” he said. “Here, when fall weather starts moving in, storing your kayak or boat out of the elements is a good way to extend the life of your boat. It’s what we do with the rental boats.”
Wearstler said he’s always loved the following quote by Kenneth Grahame from the novel, “The Wind in the Willows:” “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boat.”
“And it’s true, hopping into a kayak gives you a sense of freedom gliding over the water,” Wearstler said. “Plus, with minimal skill, one can maneuver a kayak around well enough. It’s also a great way to explore nature and get a bit of exercise, too.”
