Paddle Ohio

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) recently launched the Paddle Ohio initiative to promote paddling on Ohio's state-designated wild, scenic and recreational rivers and water trails.

The Paddle Ohio initiative will reward individuals who paddle four of Ohio's wild, scenic and recreational rivers or water trails with a commemorative pin. Participants simply submit information about their four paddling trips on the Paddle Ohio registration form at paddle.ohiodnr.gov, and ODNR will mail the pin to qualifying individuals.

Future plans include a series of pins paddlers will be able to collect for paddling up to 20 different segments of Ohio's wild, scenic and recreational rivers or water trails.

Ohio pioneered the river preservation movement in 1968 with the passage of the nation's first scenic rivers act. This legislation created a state movement to protect Ohio's high quality streams for future generations.

Information on Ohio's scenic rivers and water trails is available from the ODNR Division of Watercraft at watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/scenicrivers.

source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Maryland Park Quest 2014

Around 1,000 teams are expected to participate in Park Quest 2014, a family-based outdoor recreational program of kayaking, hiking, biking and historical adventures in 24 of Maryland’s State Parks.

Park Quest 2014 is one of several events held during Great Outdoors Month in Maryland. For more information, visit http://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2014/06/02/june-is-great-outdoors-month/

source: MD DNR

Best Areas for Kayaking in Hampton Roads Virginia

Hampton Roads Virginia is one of the best areas in the Mid Atlantic for kayaking. Paddlesports enthusiasts can explore the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, local rivers, creeks, canals, lakes, ponds, salt marshes, and other areas.

Ocean kayakers launch along beaches or inlets from Virginia Beach to Sandbridge. To reach the Chesapeake Bay, kayakers depart from Hampton, Norfolk, or Virginia Beach. All three cities provide parks and ramps where kayakers can launch their craft.

Virginia's Hampton Roads region is a maze of rivers, creeks, and tidal lagoons. Kayakers explore the James, Nanesemond, Elizabeth, Lafayette, Back, and Lynnhaven Rivers. Some estuaries, such as the Elizabeth River, contain designated water trails.

Dismal Swamp Canal

Canals are another option for kayakers. In the heart of Hampton Roads, numerous canals interconnect between the Elizabeth River, Lake Drummond, and Albemarle Sound.

Once part of the Intercoastal Waterway, the canals sustain a variety of wildlife, fish, wild plants, and other inhabitants.

Hampton Roads is home to two National Wildlife Refuges, Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Both facilities contain areas for recreational kayaking, kayak fishing, wildlife watching, and other activities.

Areas suitable for kayaking can also be found at First Landing State Park and False Cape State Park. Both parks contain sheltered areas as well as open water for more experienced paddlers.