Salt Creek Narrows Canoe Float

Float a section of beautiful Salt Creek in the “Narrows”, a geologic stream reversal caused by glaciation.  Appalachia Ohio Alliance (AOA) is co-sponsoring a canoe/kayak trip on scenic Salt Creek with the ODNR Ohio Scenic Rivers Program.  We will put-in at the Highway 56 bridge just west of South Bloomingville, and take-out at the AOA Riddle preserve property about 5 miles downstream.

We will take the opportunity to view some of the properties that have been protected by AOA as part of our river conservation mission to help safeguard our riparian corridors, water quality, native habitats and scenic assets.  Enjoy views of Salt Creek and the steep hills and learn about river characteristics and conditions.  One highlight will be the damage and blowdown area created by the recent tornado that crossed the gorge.

Bob Gable, Ohio Scenic Rivers Program Manager, and Aaron Rourke, Southwest Ohio Scenic River Manager, will lead this adventure.  We will stop periodically to wade the stream and look for aquatic species.  Bob and Aaron will identify and discuss the various fish and mussels that live in the creek as well as other Salt Creek features.

Canoes, paddles, and life jackets are included.  Participants who want to use their own canoe or kayak are welcome.  Single and inexperienced paddlers are welcome and 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 take-out point and carpool upriver to the put-in location.  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.  Please RSVP if you are planning to participate in 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.  Let Al know if you will be bringing your own canoe or kayak or will need to use an ODNR canoe.  Please RSVP by the end of day Friday to assure a spot.  Al will respond and confirm your place on the participant list.

Time.  Participants should be at AOA’s Riddle Preserve ready to depart for the put-in site before 10:00 a.m.  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.

Location.  Participants using ODNR canoes should meet at AOA’s Riddle Preserve along Narrows Road on the Hocking / Vinton County line. Participants bringing their own canoe or kayak should drop off their watercraft at the put-in site at the intersection of Highway 56 and Narrows Road, then park at the Riddle Preserve.  Drive down Narrows Road from Highway 56 and look for AOA signs / traffic cones at the site.

Google Map Link.  Use this Google map link to AOA’s Riddle Preserve property which is located at the intersection of Narrows Road and Carmel Road: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Carmel+Rd,+Eagle+Township,+OH+43152/@39.361792,-82.6678917,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8847bc3f067fe6a1:0xcd1c9c33a71447c4!8m2!3d39.361792!4d-82.6678917

Water Conditions.  This trip will be postponed only in the event of severe weather or high-water conditions on the creek.  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 water levels are low, we will have to pull the canoes through some shallow riffles or sand bars.  These are very short but will likely require getting in and out of the canoe in some cases.  We will post event status information on the AOA Facebook page if conditions require.  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.