Hocking River Float
June 29 @ 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Float a section of beautiful Hocking River through the picturesque Hocking Valley and Hocking Hills region. Appalachia Ohio Alliance (AOA) is once again co-sponsoring a canoe/kayak trip on scenic Hocking River with the ODNR Ohio Scenic Rivers Program. We will put-in on AOA’s Conservation Demonstration Site Preserve in Rockbridge, and take-out at the Hocking Hills Adventures property just north of Enterprise, a little over 4 miles downstream.
We will take the opportunity to view some of the properties that have been protected by AOA as part of our Hocking River Conservation Corridor Initiative. These sites are important components of AOA’s river conservation mission that helps safeguard our riparian corridors, water quality, native habitats and scenic assets. Enjoy views of the Hocking River and the surrounding hills and learn about river characteristics and conditions.
Heather Doherty and Matt Smith with the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program will lead this adventure. We will stop periodically to wade the stream and look for aquatic species. Heather and Matt will identify and discuss the various fish and mussels that live in the creek as well as other Hocking River aquatic features. We are also planning a short stop at the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve.
ODNR will provide canoes and kayaks that will be available for participants without their own watercraft. Canoes, paddles, and life jackets are included. Participants using ODNR canoes are required to wear life vests while on the river.
Participants who would like to use their own canoe or kayak are welcome. Single and inexperienced paddle will be paired with a partner based on experience level. We will try to place at least one person with paddling experience in each canoe to navigate the natural meanders of the river environment.
This trip will be held rain or shine so please dress appropriately for the weather and getting wet. Also, see the note below regarding water conditions. We will rendezvous at the put-in site. This trip is open to the public. Spend a fun summer day on the river while learning first-hand about AOA’s riparian corridor and watershed conservation efforts!
RSVP Required. Participants must RSVP to attend the canoe float to assure availability of a canoe or kayak. You can RSVP to Al Altfater by email at altfater@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 614.783.0220. Be sure and include the name, phone number and email for anyone you want to register for the trip. We must have this information for each individual you register.
Let Al know if you will be bringing your own canoe or kayak or will need to use an ODNR canoe. Please RSVP by 5:00 Friday to assure a spot. Al will respond and confirm your place on the participant list. Please note that spaces can fill quickly and all info must be received to confirm a space.
Time. Participants should be at AOA’s Demonstration Site by 9:30 a.m. to allow time to register and get your canoe ready and on the river ready to depart at 10:00 a.m. Please be on time. We expect the trip to last approximately 4 – 5 hours.
What to Bring. Bring your own drinks, snacks, picnic lunch, sunscreen, bug repellant, hat, and/or water shoes or old sneakers. Any children weighing less than 50 pounds are required to bring their own appropriately size life vest if they will be in an ODNR canoe.
Location. All participants should meet at the put in site on AOA’s Conservation Demonstration Site Preserve along Highway 33 just north of Rockbridge. Turn off of Highway 33 onto Rockbridge A Road and look for AOA signs and staff to direct parking and canoe/kayak dropoff locations.
Google Map Link. Use this Google map link to AOA’s Conservation Demonstration Site property: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rockbridge+A+Rd,+Good+Hope+Township,+OH+43149/@39.587671,-82.531452,379m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x8847f28139685e8d:0x54257dc1316ed3dc!8m2!3d39.5845223!4d-82.5244226!16s%2Fg%2F1tdmfkx8?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDYxNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Water Conditions. This trip will be postponed in the event of severe weather forecast or high-water conditions on the river. Please note that water levels fluctuate and are highly dependent on local rains this week. Water levels are up currently from the recent rainstorms. If we determine that conditions require the trip to be postponed, we will post event status information on the AOA Facebook page. We will also email everyone who has registered for the event, if any notices or postponements are necessary. Participants can call AOA at (614.783.0220) if you need to check on river conditions or the trip status.