Trumbull Canoe Trails - View Single Post

KenM · 08-01-2022, 07:34 PM

The River gage was at 4.75 ft and 108 cfs for this trip. Trip length was 9.2 miles.

Most folks don't know that this is as low as it gets because the dam is required to release a specified amount of water because it is the water supply for communities downstream. Although a bit more water would be nice, it can be paddled all year.

In past years, when the Shenango River Watchers do their Paddle Fest, they have let out a bit more water... about 5.1 ft (as I recall). It's a very lively flow.

Although we mostly had enough water we had to be vigilant for some shallow areas and hiding rocks and logs. The river constantly twists and turns. There are few places that you can just float for very long. It makes for good practice turning and controlling your boat.

One remarkable thing about this section of river is the surprising under currents. Although fairly shallow and not really fast, you can be paddling along and just have an unexpected current turn your boat sideways or in some direction you did not want to go. I've done this section 8 or 9 times and it always happens a few times.

Another interesting fact is that this section was pretty much unpaddleable until about 2014 (?). Heavy equipment was not possible. The SRW raised money and hired Amish loggers with work horses to walk upstream and cut and drag out the logs.

---KenM

08-01-2022, 07:34 PM	#5
KenM Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Louisville Oh Posts: 389 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTW/F/M Award(s): 0	Shenango Gage The River gage was at 4.75 ft and 108 cfs for this trip. Trip length was 9.2 miles. Most folks don't know that this is as low as it gets because the dam is required to release a specified amount of water because it is the water supply for communities downstream. Although a bit more water would be nice, it can be paddled all year. In past years, when the Shenango River Watchers do their Paddle Fest, they have let out a bit more water... about 5.1 ft (as I recall). It's a very lively flow. Although we mostly had enough water we had to be vigilant for some shallow areas and hiding rocks and logs. The river constantly twists and turns. There are few places that you can just float for very long. It makes for good practice turning and controlling your boat. One remarkable thing about this section of river is the surprising under currents. Although fairly shallow and not really fast, you can be paddling along and just have an unexpected current turn your boat sideways or in some direction you did not want to go. I've done this section 8 or 9 times and it always happens a few times. Another interesting fact is that this section was pretty much unpaddleable until about 2014 (?). Heavy equipment was not possible. The SRW raised money and hired Amish loggers with work horses to walk upstream and cut and drag out the logs. ---KenM