Ohio Wm Harsha Lake and Ohio River Paddle May 12-14
Sponsors: Tony Pascuzzi & Nikki Robinson
Trip Level 2 with possible Level 3 conditions
Camping: East Fork State Park – 2837 Old State Route 32, Batavia, OH 45106
Join us for some day trips in the Cincinnati area. We will paddle the Ohio River on Saturday and Wm Harsha Lake on Sunday. For folks arriving Friday and wanting to paddle, Wm Harsha Lake and its’ tributaries offer more than enough opportunities.
Schedule:
Friday – afternoon/evening paddle (optional). Launch time TBD.
Saturday – 10:00 am arrival at the put-in. Launch from Chilo Lock 34 Park (Ohio side) and paddle upstream (provided the flow is too high) to Augusta, KY. Lunch and ice cream then paddle back downstream to Chilo. Approximately 14.5 miles total. Depending on the river flow, we may launch further upstream (2.5 miles further up) or launch even further upstream and paddle one way downstream. This would require a shuttle. Possible lunch spots – Beehive Augusta Tavern, Augusta General Store and Augusta Pub. There are several great hand dipped ice cream locations available.
https://www.augustaky.com/
https://www.clermontparks.org/chilo-lock-34-park-and-river-museum-and-crooked-run-nature-preserve/
Sunday – Launch time – TBD. Launch from East Fork Campground beach and paddle the lake. Mileage TBD estimate 7-10 miles total.
https://goo.gl/maps/B39EwazWaFjBKgNUA
Camping at East Fork State Park – 2837 Old State Route 32, Batavia, OH 45106
https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/east-fork-state-park
Expected paddling conditions: Level 2 with possible Level 3 conditions – Kayak Touring (see attached HCKC Sea Kayaking Trip Levels chart).
The river gets a lot of boat and barge traffic in the summer especially on nice days. The lake can get very choppy in the larger parts of the lake from boaters and jet skis. Paddlers should feel comfortable paddling in 1-2’ waves (primarily boat wakes) and be able to paddle 6-8 miles.
What to bring: paddling gear (including spray deck), safety equipment, snacks, water/drinks and lunch for Sunday.
Average air temperatures for mid-May are from 70-77F (highs) and lows from 49-58F.
Boat requirements: kayaks with fore/aft bulkheads and perimeter deck lines are required.
Contact information: Tony Pascuzzi, izzucsap@yahoo.com. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, etc.
