Scioto River Float Trip

Float a section of Central Ohio’s Scioto River, our first trip on this beautiful waterway.  Appalachia Ohio Alliance (AOA) is co-sponsoring a canoe/kayak trip on the Scioto with the ODNR Ohio Scenic Rivers Program.  We will put-in at the public boat ramp at the Highway 316 bridge just west of South Bloomfield and take-out at the new AOA Genevieve Jones preserve property several 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 the Scioto River and learn about river characteristics and conditions.

Bob Gable, Ohio Scenic Rivers Program Manager, and Heather Doherty, Central Ohio Scenic River Manager, will lead this adventure.  We will stop periodically to wade the stream and look for aquatic species.  Bob and Heather will identify and discuss the various fish and mussels that live in the river as well as water quality and other Scioto River 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 Steve Goodwin by email at aoalt@earthlink.net or by phone at 740.817.1759.  Let Steve know if you are bringing your own canoe or kayak.  Please RSVP by end of day Friday.

Time.  Participants should be at AOA’s Genevieve Jones Preserve ready to depart for the put-in site by 9:00 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.  Please note that protective footwear of some type is highly recommended.

Location.  Participants should meet at AOA’s Genevieve Jones Preserve along Highway 23 South. Enter the gate and park in the lot in front of the old Club House.  Use this Google map link to the Genevieve Jones Preserve:  https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cooks+Creek+Nature+Preserve/@39.6896947,-82.9865611,17z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x884779ce2d0da6f7:0x38bc80d773331c0c!2sCooks+Creek+Nature+Preserve!8m2!3d39.6896906!4d-82.9839862!16s%2Fg%2F11sz40087q!3m5!1s0x884779ce2d0da6f7:0x38bc80d773331c0c!8m2!3d39.6896906!4d-82.9839862!16s%2Fg%2F11sz40087q?entry=ttu

Water Conditions.  This trip will be postponed only in the event of severe weather 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 currently at normal summer flow which we expect to continue through the weekend.  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 (740.817.1759) if you need to check on river conditions or the trip status.