Kayak Greene

It’s a great way to spend a sunny day this summer, peacefully floating down one of our local waterways. It’s a chance to spend some time in nature, checking out the sights, spying wildlife, and sharing an adventure with friends. Kayaking is gathering momentum in Greene County, partially thanks to the support of Facebook group, Kayak Greene County PA.

The Kayak Greene County PA group got its start earlier this year, when Ben McMillen and Nathan Pierce began looking into hiking and mountain biking in Greene County. While looking into possibilities for biking trails, Nathan discovered that there were kayak/canoe launch points around the county.

“Nathan called me and said, “Did you know about these?’” Ben says. “ I grew up on the Mon, so I’ve been canoeing and kayaking my whole life. I was surprised to find out that we had these right in our back yard.”

Ben began researching the launch points, as well as other information that would pertain to kayaking the local waters. He compiled the information and built a website, KayakGreeneCounty.com. The website lists launch points for Dunkard Creek, Ten Mile Creek, and the Monongahela River, as well as water conditions, trip ideas, information, tips, and a blog of Ben’s kayak adventures. It’s a great resource for those that are new to kayaking or just haven’t kayaked in the area.

“There was no one place that had kayak info for Greene County. Other areas have sites that list all of that information but there was no one place you could get the info for our county,” Ben adds. “I saw the need and reached out. Everyone’s been pretty supportive and willing to help out.”

The Facebook site offers a chance for those in the area that share an interest and passion for kayaking to discuss it, share knowledge, and coordinate group events. When Ben started it in April of this year, it was just he and a few others. In just two months, the membership has grown to over 750, including both experienced kayakers and those new to the activity. “Our last trip out we had 19 people show up and I only expected 4. I was pretty impressed by that,” Ben admits. “I never thought that it would grow like this.”

Ben’s site lists 19 local launch areas with more sites to be listed soon. Two of his personal favorite routes are 188 Soccer Fields to Beagle Club Road along Ten Mile and Pigeon Hole to the ball fields on Bobtown Hill Road along Dunkard Creek. “I wouldn’t say I have a favorite out of the two creeks, they’re both equally a lot of fun. But I really do enjoy Dunkard,” Ben shares. “The creeks are a view of Greene County that you don’t normally get to see.”

Eric Davis, a water conservation officer from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, has been very instrumental in helping with the group. “He’s really stuck his neck out to help us,” Ben says. “He’s been a huge asset.”

A project that Ben and the members of Kayak Greene County hope to get the ball rolling on is the development of Wisecarver Resevoir for fishing and kayaking. Wisecarver, a little known 380-acre property in Franklin Township that includes an 18-acre lake, remains mostly unused because of accessibility, but holds a lot of potential. Its dam was restored in 2011 and plans were made to build a park that included ball fields, a play area, camping areas, boat launches, pavilions, trails and more. The plans failed to come to fruition and the lake and property are mostly undeveloped.

“It’s a huge unused property,” Ben says. “It has a lot of potential to be a perfect waterway for kayaking or fishing, but it has terrible access. The parking is too far away and you have to go through woods and down over the hill. If developed, it could be a huge benefit to the area.”

A lot of others feel the same way on the Kayak Greene County PA group. Reading through the comments, you’ll see a lot of discussion and suggestions on how the property could be improved, at least for kayakers. Ryerson Station State Park recently held a kayaking event there at the beginning of June that brought many kayakers.

Ben does have some tips for those that are just getting into it. “Go with someone that has experience. Be prepared for any hazards you might encounter, like low head dams and strainers, and know how to avoid them. You’ll need a personal flotation device and a whistle; those are required by the state. Also, make sure to bring water and snacks, it’s easy to get dehydrated out there.”

“People always complain and say there’s nothing to do in Greene County. There is, you just have to look for it.”

For more information about kayaking, visit www.kayakgreenecounty.com, the Greene County Department of Parks & Recreation’s site www.co.greene.pa.us, and the PA Fish & Boat Commission at www.fishandboat.com. And don’t forget to stop by and join the Facebook group!

Published in July 2018 GreeneScene Magazine.