Mahoning River safe river access sites
Hello all,
I plan to paddle from Foster Park towards a trail head in Warren area. Of the 7 listed put in/take out sites, are any not safe? My wife and kids may be parked there a bit waiting to pick me up as I kayak to them. I've heard Warren has bad spots. |
Everywhere has unsafe spots.
Heading from Foster, a good bet on a take-out would be Canoe City Park on Leavitt Road in Leavittsburg, which is a safe enough area. If they would prefer a more rural spot, then take out at the next park upstream, Swift Metropark, on Benedict Leavittsburg Road. Very nice out there. Steve Z |
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Since in another post you mention being new to kayaking, please be aware of the dangers posed by low head dams. There are several between Foster Park and Warren. Do not approach them from upriver/above or downriver/below. Carry around them. |
I haven't made it from foster park down yet this year. Like JP said I can only imagine it has some strainers.
Best and safe option is to paddle swift park to canoe city. 3 miles. Portage canoe city to put in by old power station. From there to Packard is 5 miles. Both sections are pretty, easy paddles and clear. There are two bald eagles nest and a nice simple class I rapid by lover lane. Hope this helps mike Danko Ps on Saturday about three a group of 5 will be paddling from Canoe city to Packard any one is welcome to join us |
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Google the term "low head dam" and/or "drowning machine" to learn more about the dangers. Although there are sometimes warning signs or buoys in the river to alert boaters, recognizing a dam from upriver may not be obvious for a beginner. Check You Tube to see if there are any videos for how to recognize them. Consult guidebooks or speak to individuals who are knowledgeable about the section of river you wish to paddle (like you've done by posting here) so that you are aware of hazards. Pick up a copy of the Mahoning River Trail map from Trumbull County to see the location of dams on the river in Trumbull County. I believe it may also be online.
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Will signs alert me of these low dams?
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I believe there are warning buoys for the dam at Leavittsburg/Canoe City. Can't recall is there is for the Newton Falls dam. Don't know about the dams in Warren. Perhaps someone else from the club will chime in here.
Go look at the river/dam from shore so you will have an idea of when you are coming up on it if you are not with someone who does. Check out this recent thread on this forum |
Anyone paddle Foster Park south?
Any low head dams that direction? |
An inexperienced paddler on the Mahoning
Mahoning River Water Trail
https://watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/Porta...wtMahoning.pdf This map shows put-ins and major obstacles like dams but does NOT show things like log jams and strainers which can change with every rainfall. You sound very in-experienced. You mentioned a 17 ft kayak? A sea or touring kayak could be an issue on our smaller rivers as they are not as manuverable in tight situations and also depending on the boat, not very stable if being pushed by moving water. Just be aware. Going out with some experienced paddlers ( like TCT) would be a good way to learn about moving water and the fun AND the hazards. I'd suggest you take that opportunity. There is an organized trip this Sunday. Possibly you could just go to a nearby lake for a little practice to see how your boat handles before trying moving water. That would be smart. Right now I imagine there are some other members other than me that are concerned about you going out by yourself on the river and being totally unprepared. NONE of us would like to read about your experience in the police report! ps.. At Foster Park the river goes upstream (south) a short distance and stops at the base of Lake Milton dam outlet. Downstream you go to Newton Falls where there is a dam that MUST be portaged. Look at the map. KenM |
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