Flatwater Kayaking in PA

Camera Down

2009-07-30T04:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry Folks,

I realize I haven't made any new posts recently, but my camera has been down and the store that I purchased it from is taking their sweet time replacing it. It was promised back a week ago, but they are changing their original return date.

However, here is some new information about places NOT to go paddling, so don't waste a trip going to these two locations.

Beaver Run Reservoir: (Illegal to paddle on this body of water).

Two Lick Reservoir: (Privately owned and must be a member).

Mahoning Creek Lake: (Milton Loop Boat Launch)

2009-07-09T04:06:00.000-07:00

Link: (July 9, 2009) Today I paddled 10.7 miles

After trying a couple of new venues in the last week I had to go back to one of my favorite places to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. It was a beautiful day to catch some rays and take a ton of pictures. Enjoy!

Also check out the 4-sections of photos from my last trip to Mahoning Creek Lake on (June 26, 2009).

Mahoning Creek Lake: Additional Pics

2009-07-09T03:49:00.000-07:00

Conemaugh River: (Saltsburg towards Tunnelton)

2009-07-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

(July 7, 2009): Today I paddled 6.78 miles

The Saltsburg area is a hotbed for paddlers with such waterways as the Conemaugh River, Kiskiminetas River, and Loyalhanna Creek all in close proximity. However, I'm taking the Conemaugh River off the list as I found my afternoon on the water extremely frustrating.

Granted most people enjoy this section of water by lazily floating downstream and taking in the view, but I enjoy the paddling part of kayaking so in my attempt to go upstream I found nothing but obstacle after obstacle, mainly shallow rapids that made digging into the water impossible. After nearly breaking my paddle a number of times over a few hidden boulders I cut my trip short and most likely won't return to this section of the river.

Quemahoning Reservoir

2009-07-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Link: (July 5, 2009) Today I paddled 8.8 miles

There are a handful of free and very accessible places to launch a kayak besides the main launch site at Quemahoning Recreation Area, so keep that in mind if you head to Somerset County.

The water is quite calm on the reservoir and the scenery is beautiful, but unfortunately there isn't a lot of wildlife visible on the water mostly because of the influx of tourist that frequent the area during the summer months.

Even so the trip is still worth the occasional paddle as you can quickly amass 10-miles if you stick to the shoreline. If you feel a little adventurous head to the Southeast part of the reservoir and limbo underneath the Green Bridge. Even though there is only 18-20 inches of clearance it is worth the effort as this remote location has some of the best scenery.

Quemahoning Reservoir: Additional Pics

2009-07-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

Mahoning Creek Lake: (Milton Loop Boat Launch to Dam)

2009-06-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

Link: (June 26, 2009) Today I paddled 14.0 miles (PR)

The DO's and DO NOT's of Mahoning Creek Lake... DO NOT head left (East) out of the launch site at Milton Loop because you will encounter numerous obstacles such as rocks, hidden and exposed, that will take the enjoyment out of a phenomenal place to paddle. I did manage to travel about a 1.5 miles before my luck and ability to navigate the terrain ran out.

DO head right (West) out of the launch site because you will experience some of the best paddling in the state, which includes spectacular and diverse scenery. Luscious vegetation surrounds the area, but scattered throughout are large boulders where you can take a snack break and a handful of marsh like areas to watch the heron search for an afternoon meal.

If you decide to go all the way to the dam it is 5.5 miles away. The good news is you won't have to worry about any high-powered boats because Mahoning Creek Lake has a 10 horsepower restriction.

Mahoning Creek Lake: Additional Pics

2009-06-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

Mahoning Creek Lake: Bird Pics

2009-06-26T02:30:00.000-07:00

Mahoning Creek Lake: Bird Pics (2)

2009-06-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

Keystone Lake

2009-06-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

(June 24, 2009): Today I paddled 5.3 miles

This is my second trip to Keystone Lake this month, so check out the photos from my June 19 trip as well. Again, I hit the water early in the morning with a thick cloud of fog still consuming much of the lake. As I paddled the shoreline I headed in the direction of the dam, which is 2.65 miles away from the main launch site near Atwood. The morning conditions were ideal as I found plenty of inspiration in my latest photos. Enjoy!

Keystone Lake: Additional Pics

2009-06-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

Keystone Lake: Additional Pics

2009-06-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

Crooked Creek Lake

2009-06-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

Link: (June 20, 2009) Today I paddled 11.9 miles

You are certain to double your pleasure at Crooked Creek; it not only has Great scenery but Great kayaking as well. Expect the hours to quickly pass by, especially if you have a camera with you. On this day, I snapped more than a 100 photos of which I included some of my favorites.

I first discovered Crooked Creek earlier in the Spring, but it wasn't as dense as it was today. It made spotting wildlife a little more challenging, but fortunately I marked a few special spots with my GPS (Garmin 76CSx) last time out and was able to find the eagle's nest and a handful of blue heron. Unfortunately, the pictures weren't to my liking, so I guess this gives me an excuse to go back to this gem later in the summer.

Crooked Creek Lake: Additional Pics

2009-06-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

Crooked Creek Lake: Additional Pics

2009-06-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

Keystone Lake

2009-06-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

(June 19, 2009) Today I paddled 5.5 miles

Whatever you do don't confuse Keystone Lake (Armstrong County) and the lake at Keystone State Park (Westmoreland County) because the latter is only a fraction of the size.

Upon leaving the south shore launch near Atwood you have two options. Going left will take you to the larger section of the lake, and right will take you to a more secluded area, which is a prime fishing location. If you continue in this direction you will traverse through a wetlands region, which leads into the North Branch of Plum Creek, but you can only go an additional half-mile before your path is obstructed.

As you turn around and head back to your original destination keep heading SW. This will steer you in the direction of the dam and much more open water, but despite the vastness the waters are pretty calm, especially during the morning hours.

Keystone Lake: Additional Pics

2009-06-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

Loyalhanna Creek: (Launch Inflow Access Area off Rt-22 towards Latrobe)

2009-06-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

Link: (June 13, 2009) Today I paddled 7.1 miles

This was my first time paddling this section of the Loyalhanna. The launch site is slightly hidden by vegetation, but still easily accessible from the small parking area. My goal was to paddle all the way into Latrobe, but my journey was cut short due to shallow water about three-quarters of a mile past the bridge on Oasis Road. I don't know if this is common, especially since the water level was pretty high today.

Regardless of the setback I did enjoy the section I covered, which included a handful of mini islands to take temporary refuge from the four sets of small rapids that you will have to vigorously paddle through. While the rapids (Class I, II) are a slight challenge they are navigable, however, don't expect to break any speed records going through them as my average speed according to my GPS was just over 1 mph. Keep an eye out for hidden rocks through these sections and fiberglass boats don't even attempt.

My recommendation: I will probably go back, but only after a heavy rain or perhaps I might try again in the fall when the leaves change colors.

Yellow Creek State Park

2009-06-09T08:16:00.001-07:00

Link: (June 9, 2009) Today I paddled 5.6 miles

If the early bird catches the worm then the 5:00 AM kayaker gets to paddle on a pristine lake. Without question the best time to visit Yellow Creek is in the morning when the sun burns off the fog and the only sound you hear is a bass jumping from the water in the distance.

Even though Yellow Creek (Indiana County) isn't one of the biggest lakes in the state it still has has plenty to offer would-be paddlers. There are a number of small inlets to relax in as you view the majestic scenery. Visit the dam along your way, but be careful there is a spillway nearby that could take you on an unwanted trip.

Lastly, Yellow Creek is a nice place for novice kayakers, but beware that out in the middle it can get a little rough as the wind likes to swoop in and make paddling a little adventurous.

Yellow Creek State Park: Additional Pics

2009-06-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

Loyalhanna Creek: (Bush Recreation Area to Launch Inflow Access Area off Rt-22)

2009-06-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

Link: (June 6, 2009) Today I paddled 13.4 miles

This is one of my favorite flatwater spots in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The scenery is ideal for outdoor enthusiast as you are sure to spot all kinds of wildlife including white-tail deer, numerous species of bird like blue heron, osprey, hawks, and even an occasional bald eagle.

What makes this place nice is that you will rarely come across any motorized boats, so take your time and explore. About a mile into the paddle is a nice rock formation that has tons of layers and years of erosion to occupy your time.

Warning... There aren't many places to stretch your legs, so be sure to take advantage of "Bob's Rock" about 4.0 miles down the creek. It is the only good place that I have found, that allows you to take a break or have lunch.

Finally, A good paddle is to the bridge on Rt-22. Without leaving the main channel for exploration the bridge is about 6 miles from your launch site at Bush Recreation Area.

Loyalhanna Creek: More Scenery

2009-06-06T17:38:00.000-07:00

Loyalhanna Creek: Wildlife

2009-06-06T17:24:00.000-07:00

Other Locations: Colorado River

2009-05-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

U.S. Route 89 Pass, Heading South From Page, AZ

Navajo BridgeTwo California Condors

Colorado River from Navajo Bridge

Lees Ferry - A Pioneer Crossing in the (1870s)

Colorado River: Additional Pics

2009-05-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

Balanced Rock - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

White Water Rafters - Colorado River

Colorado River
Colorado River

Rock Wall along Colorado River

Other Locations: Lake Powell (Antelope Canyon)

2009-05-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Lake Powell: Additional Pics

2009-05-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

Lake Powell: Additional Pics (Black and White)

2009-05-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

Page, Arizona Pics

2009-05-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

Interesting Sign - Glen Canyon Dam Bridge

Glen Canyon Dam - Height 710 ft. and Length 1,560 ft.

Small Spotted Lizard

Horseshoe Bend

Utah Pics #3

2009-05-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

U.S. Route 163 - Approaching Monument Valley

"King on His Throne" Butte

Monument Valley Butte

Other Locations: Lake Powell

2009-05-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

Utah Pics

2009-05-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

National Park

4,653.7 Miles Driven on the Trip

Utah Pics #2

2009-05-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

Entrance to Natural Bridges National Monument

Sipapu Bridge - Height 220 ft.

Sipapu Bridge - Span 268 ft.

"Cheese Box" Butte

Sunset over Lake Powell, Utah Side