Beaver/Grand River

[mfdanko99]

Beaver Creek Trip Cancelled
GRAND RIVER NEW PADDLE

Originally we planned for the north fork to the Ohio river. We put together a small scouting trip and all of us agreed that this would not make a great club trip for several reasons
1- water level is hard to catch. At 3.9ft USGS we had a couple of inches and lots of scrapping
2- The portage at the tubs is longer than I thoughts and a little rough.
3- the whitewater section after the tubs to the main fork could be very tricky for newer paddlers.

I was really hoping to paddle the regular stretch from Sprucevale to Ohio River. I checked with ODNR and the river is open. The old bridge is still in use and will be until new bridge is completed.
For some reason Sprucevale group campgrounds is still closed (4-20-19 Checked) and that is were we launch from. I have called several times the past several weeks leaving messages to voicemail and to a Secretary with no response asking when the park would reopen.
With that happening I posted on the website for some help, any idea's what to do. I got some great responses from so many. I got emails, texts, and messages on the website. Thank you to all who responded and help make a decision so easy. With the majority of responses asking to do the Grand River we will move the trip to the Grand River.

The club hasn't had good luck with the Grand in recent years due to bad weather or flooding. Last time TCT made the trip was in 2016 with only four brave souls making the trip.(Stan, Jason, Jessica & Myself) The high for that day was around 30 with snow. Rich klasen lives by the Grand and met us half way with hot chocolate and pizza on that cold trip.

Grand River
When-Sunday April 28th
Where-Harpersfield Cover Bridge Metro Park 1168 Harpersfield Rd., Geneva, Ohio 44041 (North Side of the Park)
GPS 41.756852, -80.943914
Time- 11am
Trip Length 8.2 miles
Class I +(II) river

We will be starting in Harpersfield and making our way to Hidden Valley park in Madison, OH. This section is referred to as the gorge section of the river. We will see 40 to 50 foot walls of chargrin shale on both sides of us with some small water falls on the way. My minimal water level is just below 2ft on the USGS gauge.
Please bring a lunch as we will stop on the river side for a break.

Directions To Harpersfield Metro Park.
From the south
If you come up St. Rt. 534 you will enter Ashtabula County.
From the corner of St Rt 322 and St Rt 534 you will go 16 miles north
Until you hit Harpersfield Rd,
Turn Left on Harpersfield Rd and follow down to the river.
Go threw the Covered Bridge and the park is on your left.
There is a small brick building and restrooms

Other Directions-
From Interstate 90 get off at the St. Rt 534 exit (Geneva exit).
Go south on St Rt 534
Just south of truck stop will be Harpersfield Rd.
Veer to the right on to Harpersfield Rd.
At the Stop sign go straight.
Continue on Harpersfield Rd down a steep hill.
Right before you cross over the steel bridge you will see the park entrance on your right side with the brick building.
Turn Right in to the park.

Please let me know if you plan on coming by texting or calling me 330-766-3129, or by email mfdanko99@yahoo.com, or posting on the club website
Thank you.

Hope to see a big turnout for a great river!!!
Mike Danko