Discover Geauga County on the Water
In and around Geauga County, outdoor enthusiasts are paddling their way in each direction discovering the beauty of Northeast Ohio by kayak."It's…
In and around Geauga County, outdoor enthusiasts are paddling their way in each direction discovering the beauty of Northeast Ohio by kayak.
“It’s a great way to get out and experience the natural history of the area in a relatively inexpensive manner,” said Paul Spector, director of education and public programs for The Holden Arboretum in Kirtland. “And in quiet, inland water, it is fairly easy to pick up the necessary skills.”
Kayaking is becoming one of the fastest growing sports in North America, appealing to both recreational and hard core adventure-seekers, according to the National Sporting Goods Association.
The NSGA reported there are nearly 8 million regular active participants in the nation, up from 3.5 million ten years ago.
Geauga Park District Naturalist John Kolar offered the following reasons for kayaking’s gain in popularity:
• Affordability. Kayaks are relatively inexpensive;
• Easily Transportable. They are light enough that most people can lift them up and onto their roof racks/trailers and go;
• Solo. You don’t have to depend on a partner to get out on the water;
• Easy to Use. More people can operate a kayak with very little instruction time;
• Health People. are becoming more health conscience and recognize the value of a swift trip on a kayak.
Although paddlers will have to journey farther than just outside the county for white-water thrills, the average recreational kayaker has plenty of alternatives to launch around the area.
Geauga County Park District locations include the Upper Cuyahoga River, putting in at Eldon Russell Park in Troy Township outside of Burton; East Branch Reservoir putting in at Headwaters Park in Claridon and Huntsburg townships; and by permit only, Bass Lake in Munson Township.
Nearby non-park district locations include Ladue Reservoir in Auburn Township and Punderson Lake in Newbury Township.
Other surrounding Northeast Ohio kayaking waters can be found online at Ohio’s Lake Erie Public Access Guide River Edition or in print form at select Park District offices.
Kayaks need to be registered in the state of Ohio and open boating season is generally April through November.
Fishing is permitted from kayaks. A current Ohio fishing license is required in accordance with state regulations. The Geauga Park District encourages catch-and-release practices to help maintain a balanced and healthy fish population.
Both Eldon Russell and Headwaters parks are relatively easy launch sites and close to parking.
Sounds of song birds fill the air and the scent of common milkweed as kayaks make their way past water lilies into the open body of water after setting afloat from Headwaters Park and entering the East Branch.
“Without a doubt, the East Branch Reservoir is a hidden gem,” Kolar said. “The lake is completely surrounded by a mix of Eastern Deciduous forest and evergreen tree plantings. When you are out on it, you feel like you are on a remote lake in the middle of the wilderness.”
Bald Eagles and Osprey are regularly seen on the lake along with some more common wildlife such as Great Blue Herons and beavers.
“I almost always see a bald eagle,” Spector said, as he paddled near the park’s shoreline entrance.
Kolar said during the spring and fall migration seasons, the lake serves as an important stopover point for loons, Red-breasted Mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks and a variety of other waterfowl.
“For seeing wildlife via kayak, it is best to kayak in the morning and evening when more wildlife are active,” Kolar said.
A scattering of day visitors and permit campers dot the shoreline as kayaks glide across the sun’s reflective waters on a late June weekend morning.
Near the shoreline, Linda and Jerry Christopher, of Claridon Township, ready their kayaks for launch.
Linda said they try to be weekend regulars at the reservoir because of the natural beauty and close proximity to their home.
“We are always seeing something new, different birds and different wildlife,” she said while stretching in preparation for a paddler’s legs positioned directly in front of them on the floor or cockpit of the kayak.
The same can be said for the roughly 25-minute drive to the Upper Cuyahoga site, Kolar said.
“I have been down the Upper Cuyahoga River countless times and I see something new every time I go,” he said. “Plus, it is miles and miles of open river which can provide many day long adventures.”
Spector said this location is his favorite.
“In either direction, it is very scenic, offers a great opportunity for wildlife viewing and is generally not crowded once you are away from the park,” Spector said, noting the abundance of beaver lodges that line the waters.
With more people starting out kayaking, Spector offers advice for beginners.
“Safety, safety, safety,” he said. “Know the area you are paddling, make sure you have the proper safety equipment, especially a life jacket. I see so many people paddling without one on. Paddle with a partner and learn the basic skills.”
