Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail 2009 Page 1 of 9
Revised December 2009
Paddling Safety Checklist
Canoe, kayak or raft
Paddle
Life jacket - keep it snug
Whistle or sound signaling device
Proper footwear (no ip ops or
bare feet)
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
Water bottle
Dry bag for dry clothing, cameras
and cell phone
First aid kit and throwbag
White light (night time
requirement)
Visual Distress Signal (night time
requirement)
Visibility Aid/Device (mirror, radar
reector, VHF radio)
A 27-mile Water Trail; Class I+ to II
The Vermilion - Lorain Water Trail provides a paddling experience that is unique to
the State of Ohio, oering both river and open water travel along the lakeshore.
The trail begins along the shale clis of the Vermilion River at the Vermilion River
Reservation in Brownhelm Township. It winds along the river and exits into Lake
Erie in Vermilion. It then follows the shoreline of Lake Erie, passing Lakeview Park
and entering the mouth of the Black River near downtown Lorain. The trail passes
the U.S. Steel Mill and ends at the Bur Oak Area of the Black River Reservation. In
addition to paddling opportunities, this Ohio Water Trail also oers hiking and
biking opportunities within the scenic Lorain County Metro Parks as well as historical
and cultural opportunities such as the Inland Seas Maritime Museum, Lakeview Rose
Garden, Black River Historical Society, and the Lorain Lighthouse.
Resources
EMERGENCY NUMBER ................... 911
Lorain County Visitors Bureau .... 1-800-334-1673 ................. www.visitloraincounty.com
Lorain County Metro Parks .......... 440-458-5121 .................................... www.metroparks.cc
ODNR Watercraft (boating) ............. 1-877-4BOATER .........................
ODNR Wildlife (shing, birding) ........ 1-800-WILDLIFE ..............................
US Geological Survey (real-time water ow) ................................................... waterdata.usgs.gov
Leave No Trace ................................. 1-800-332-4100 ............................................... www.lnt.org
(low-impact outdoor recreation)
The Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail
designation was made possible
through a partnership between
the Lorain County Metro Parks
and the Ohio Department of
Natural Resources.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ted Strickland, Governor • Sean Logan, Director
2045 Morse Road • Columbus, Ohio 43229
Acknowledgements
Lorain County Metro Parks
Vermilion Port Authority
Main Street Vermilion
Lorain Port Authority
City of Vermilion
City of Lorain
Vermilion - Lorain Water Trail
...a paddler’s map and guide to designated access along the
Vermilion and Black Rivers and the Lake Erie Shoreline
Stop the Spread of
Aquatic Species
• Inspectyourboatandequipment
and remove any vegetation
before leaving the area.
• Rinseyourboatandequipment
thoroughly to remove any aquatic
organisms.
• Airdryyourboatandequipment
for as long as possible before
boating on another waterway
(ve days is optimal).
Contents
Water Trail Sites page
Vermilion Sites 1-3 ................................. 2
Lake Erie Site 4 ......................................... 2
Lorain Sites 5-9 .................................... 3-4
Outdoor Ethic ............................................. 5
Common River Hazards ........................... 6
Safety Tips .................................................... 7
Trails for Ohioans ....................................... 7
Navigation Aids .......................................... 8
Fishing a Stream ........................................ 9
This guide was adapted from a printed map
published in June 2009 by Lorain County
Metroparks. The information contained in this
publication is believed to be accurate. The
Ohio Department of Natural Resources is not
responsible for any inaccuracies. Interpretation
and use of the map and its contents are the
responsibility of the user.
NOTE: The geographic coordinates printed in
the June 2009 edition of this publication were
corrected in December 2009.
watercraft.ohiodnr.gov
wildlife.ohiodnr.gov
Ohio DNR websites updated in 2015.
Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail 2009 Page 2 of 9
Revised December 2009
1
Mill Hollow/Vermilion River
Reservation
Brownhelm Township
51211 North Ridge Road, Vermilion 44089.
Amenities are located at Mill Hollow and the
Bacon Woods area. Distance to next site: 5.4 miles.
Attractions at Mill Hollow include the Carriage Barn
and Bacon House Museum. An outdoor amphitheater
is located at Bacon Woods, which hosts a variety of
entertainment during the warmer months. Paddling through
this stretch is generally easy. Two hazards exist: a log jam
approximately 1¼ miles from Mill Hollow, and the Route 2
Bridge abutments during periods of high water. Park closes at
sunset.
2
South Street Boat Launch
City of Vermilion
777 River Road, Vermilion 44089. On the west side of the
Vermilion River next to the Water Pollution Control Center.
$4 to launch and $2 to park. Two ramps, one holding dock,
and a car top/canoe launching area. Contact the Dock
Master at 440-967-7087. Distance to next site: 0.9 miles.
Paddling is generally easy through this stretch, with many
marinas and boat docks located along the way. Many food
and entertainment options are nearby in downtown Vermilion.
3
Main Street Beach
City of Vermilion
480 Main Street, Vermilion OH 44089. At the end of Main
Street on the west side of the Vermilion River. Street parking
is available on Main Street; carry-in access for canoes and
kayaks is on the beach. Distance to next site: 2.6 miles.
This beautiful beach near downtown Vermilion is a great place
to begin your journey
or stop and rest to
enjoy the view of Lake
Erie. Many food and
entertainment options
are found in downtown
Vermilion, including
the Maritime Museum
near the beach. This
active port has many
powerboats entering
and exiting the mouth
of the river.
4
Showse Park
City of Vermilion
3325 Edgewater Drive, Vermilion OH 44089. Distance to
Lakeview Park: 6.5 miles. Distance to emergency pull-out:
0.7 miles.
E1
Vermilion Shores Emergency Pull-out
205 Pebble Shore Avenue, Vermilion 44089. Private. To be
used in case of emergency only. Distance from Showse Park:
0.7 miles. Distance to Lakeview Park: 6.1 miles. Distance to
next emergency pull-out: 2.6 miles.
Mouth of the Vermilion River
showing breakwall
3
E1
Vermilion River
Reservation
Cassell
Reservation
CITY OF VERMILION
Inland Seas
Maritime Museum
1
2
3
4
N 41.42908*
W 82.30009*
*corrected 4/11
V
ermil
ion
R
i
v
e
r
N 41.38278
W 82.31500
N 41.42000
W 82.35667
N 41.42500
W 82.36611
N 41.42972
W 82.31333
Low
Water
USGS Gauge Station
#04199500
Powerboat Trac
LOW WATER: Water levels
upstream of trail site
1
are
usually too low to oat.
µ
Boat Ramp
Carry-In Launch
Launch Fee Required
Dock
Drinking Water
Concession/Food
Restrooms
Picnic Area
Playground
Parking
Hospital
E1
1
1
Water Trail Site
Emergency Pull-out
River Mile Marker
Hazard
Point of Interest
USGS Gauge Station
LAKE ERIE BOATING: Check water
conditions before paddling the lake,
and be wary of boat trac.
2
Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail 2009 Page 3 of 9
Revised December 2009
E2
and
E3
are Emergency
Pull-outs. No access is
available, as they are
privately owned.
E2
Beaver Park Marina
6101 West Erie Avenue,
Lorain 44052. Emergencies
only. A hospital is located at
the corner of Kolbe Road and
State Route 6. Powerboat
traffic can be heavy in the
area; use caution. Distance
to next emergency pull-out is
2.2 miles; distance to
Lakeview Park: 3.5 miles.
E3
Anchor Lodge
3756 West Erie Avenue, Lorain 44052.
Emergencies only. Distance to next
site: 1.3 miles.
E2
E3
N 41.43556
W 82.24861
N 41.45000
W 82.22000
LAKE ERIE BOATING: Check water conditions before
paddling the lake, and be wary of boat trac.
Lakeview
Park
CITY OF LORAIN
Lakeview Rose Garden
Lorain
Lighthouse
U.S. Coast Guard
Station Lakeside
Landing Park
Jewel of the
Lighthouse
Black River
Historical Society
5
6
7
N 41.46361
W 82.19472
N 41.47306
W 82.17222
N 41.46111
W 82.16528
5
Lakeview Park
Metro Parks
1800 Erie Avenue, Lorain 44052.
A variety of attractions: beach access
with volleyball nets, a bathhouse with
changing rooms, the Rose Café (in the
upper level of the bathhouse), and
the Rose Garden. Distance to next
site: 1.7 miles.
Lakeview Park has been a historical
part of the City of Lorain since the early
1900s and remains a very active and
heavily visited park. Lakeview Park is a great location to enjoy the Lorain County
Port Authority‘s 4th of July fireworks show. This section of the water trail is open
water. Be aware that the mouth of the Black River is an active port – there are
many powerboats as well as large shipping vessels. Please keep a safe distance
from shipping vessels and be aware of any powerboats in your vicinity.
6
Lakeside Landing Park
Lorain Port Authority
301 Lakeside Avenue, Lorain 44052. Carry-in access to Lake Erie and the Black
River. This park offers a scenic view and is a good resting area with beach
access and park benches. Distance to next site: 1.5 miles.
Lakeside Landing Park is a great location to enjoy the Lorain County Port
Authority‘s 4th of July fireworks show. Please keep a safe distance from shipping
vessels and be aware of any powerboats within your vicinity. As you travel to the
next site, you will pass under the Route 6 Bridge (a lift bridge for larger ships) and
the Henderson Drive Bridge.
7
Black River Wharf Boat Launch
Lorain Port Authority
E2
and
E3
are Emergency Pull-outs. No access is
available, as they are privately owned.
Mouth of the Lorain River, showing breakwalls
Lorain
Lighthouse
6
355 Broadway Avenue, Lorain 44052. Operated by the Lorain Port Authority. Six launch ramps. $2 to launch kayaks or canoes.
Parking is free and there are picnic areas and restrooms available. Distance to next site: 3.7 miles.
The Black River is an active port which includes many powerboats as well as large shipping vessels. Precautions should be taken when
navigating through this section to ensure safety. Please keep a safe distance from shipping vessels and be aware of any powerboats
within your vicinity.
Lorain County
µ
µ
µ
Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail 2009 Page 4 of 9
Revised December 2009
8
French Creek Reservation/Steel Mill Trail
Lorain County Metro Parks
4060 Old Colorado Avenue, Sheffield Village OH 44054. French Creek Nature Center is nearby on Route 611, just
east of East River Road. The Burrell House is also located nearby, on East River Road. Distance to next site: 4.4 miles.
French Creek Nature Center houses many programs and exhibits and has restrooms and a gift shop. The Burrell House is
a historic homestead, dating back to when settlers first came to Sheffield. Paddling along this section of the water trail is
fairly easy and begins to get away from the active boating channels. The U.S. Steel Lorain Pipe Mill can be seen from the
river. Bridges to be aware of are the Steel Mill Trail foot bridge, an abandoned railway bridge, the 31st Street Bridge, the
North Ridge Road Bridge, and the Bridgeway Trail crossings as you near Bur Oak. A log jam is located at an old rail road
trestle. Low water levels can be problematic during dry spells. Park closes at sunset.
9
Black River Reservation - Bur Oak
Lorain County Metro Parks
6150 Ford Road, Elyria OH 44035
Bur Oak serves as an access point to the Bridgeway Trail, a scenic hiking and biking trail that travels along and over the
Black River. This section of the water trail has a number of potential hazards depending on the water level. There are
three bridges (31st Street, an old rail road trestle, and Rt. 254) with abutments to be wary of in fast water. Be aware of
log jams – one near 31st Street and the other at the rail road trestle bridge. When the river is low, several portages will be
required. Park closes at sunset.
French Creek
Reservation
Black River
Reservation
Burrell
Homestead
Eiden Native
American Burial
Site
Detroit Rd.
8
9
N 41.46000
W 82.11278
N 41.41222
W 82.09778
B
l
a
c
k
R
i
v
e
r
Rapids with
Blockage
Low
Water
Log
Jam
Low
Water
LOW WATER: Water levels
upstream of trail site
9
may be
low and require portage.
µ
Boat Ramp
Carry-In Launch
Launch Fee Required
Dock
Drinking Water
Concession/Food
Restrooms
Picnic Area
Playground
Parking
Hospital
E1
1
1
Water Trail Site
Emergency Pullout
Mile Marker
Hazard
Point of Interest
USGS Gauge Station
LEGEND
Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail 2009 Page 5 of 9
Revised December 2009
Outdoor Ethic
Plan ahead.
• Scouttheareapriortoboatingit.
• Calllocalcontactstondoutaboutcurrentweather
and wind conditions or events that may aect your
trip. Parks close at sunset, plan accordingly.
• Checkforriverandlakeconditionwarnings(i.e.wind,
waves, fog, etc.) and ood information.
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards,
and emergencies.
• Knowthelocationsofallhazards.Bepreparedto
portage (carry your boat around) these hazards.
• Bepreparedforanyunknownevent.Knowhow
togettoroadsifyoumust“walkout.”Knowlocal
emergency phone numbers and know where you are
along the trail in case you need to request emergency
assistance.
• Strongwindscancreatelarge,steepwaves.Paddle
directly into waves or at an angle.
Be aware of all Ohio boating laws as well
as any local rules and ordinances.
• Besureyouhavetherequiredsafetyequipment
onboard including a properly tted, U.S. Coast Guard-
approved, lifejacket for each person.
• Itistheresponsibilityofthepaddlertostayoutofthe
way of larger powerboats and ships or ensure these
vessels are able to see your canoe or kayak.
Travel on durable surfaces — rock, gravel,
and sand.
• Useexisting,improvedaccesssites.
• Whenusinganaturalriverbanktolaunchyourboat,
minimize your impact by staying clear of vegetation
or mud.
• Don’twanderwhileportaging.Stayonthetrail
if there is one.
Dispose of waste properly — Pack it out.
• Repackagefoodtominimizewaste.
• Neverthrowcigarettebutts,shingline,bait
containers or any other garbage into the water.
• Plasticsareespeciallydangeroustowildlife.Baggies,
six-pack rings, and other clear plastics oat on the
water — invisible hazards to sh, birds, and other
wildlife.
Leave what you nd.
• Appreciateartifactsandnaturalobjectsbutleave
them undisturbed.
• Avoidintroducingnon-nativespecies,includinglive
bait, by cleaning equipment between trips.
Respect wildlife.
• Observefromadistance;don’tfeed,followor
approach wildlife.
• Controlpetsorleavethemathome.
• Stayclearofbaldeaglenestingzonesandsites.
Be considerate of other visitors.
• Avoidboisterousbehavior.Letnature’ssounds
prevail.
Respect the privacy and rights of
landowners.
• Althoughtheaccesspointshighlightedinthisguide
are located on public property, most of the shoreline
along the water trail is privately owned. Respect
the privacy and rights of landowners by obtaining
permission before entering any privately owned land.
• Manylandownersenjoythestream’speaceand
solitude from their property. Share the same courtesy
that you would want. A friendly wave or quiet
greeting is usually welcome.
Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail 2009 Page 6 of 9
Revised December 2009
Foot Entrapments
If your boat capsizes, do not
attempt to stand or walk if
you are in swift-moving water.
You might slip and pin a foot
between submerged rocks.
Once pinned, the force of the
current can push your body under water and
hold it there. Always keep your feet up, pointed
downstream, and swim to calm water before
standing.
Floods and Swift Water
Novice paddlers should never boat on streams
when water is spilling out of the banks. High
water causes hazards such as lowhead dams to
become even more dangerous. Unseen obstacles
such as oating logs or submerged trees may also
threaten a boater. Flood levels are monitored
throughoutthestate.Knowthewaterconditions
before you go.
waterdata.usgs.gov
Lowhead Dams and
Waterfalls
Never attempt to boat over
a dam or waterfall. Lowhead
dams can range from a few
inches to a couple of yards in
height.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is the “silent
killer” on recreational powerboats.
It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless,
deadly gas that is produced
by gasoline engines. It collects
within and around a boat. Never
swim or paddle near the back of a powerboat while
the engine or generator is running.
Strainers
River obstructions that allow water
to ow through but block or “strain”
people and boats are known as
strainers. Overhanging branches,
downed trees, log jams, and ooded
islands all are potential strainers.
All strainers should be avoided,
especially in swift water.
Cold Water Immersion
and Hypothermia
Sudden immersion in cold
water can be deadly. The
initial “cold shock” can cause
immediate, involuntary gasping,
hyperventilation, panic, and
vertigo — all of which can result in water inhalation
and drowning. It can also cause sudden changes in
blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm that also
may result in death. The longer you are immersed
in cold water, the harder it is to control your body.
Manual dexterity and coordination deteriorate
rapidly, and within 30 minutes, hypothermia (cooling
ofthebody’scoretemperature)canbegin.Lossof
consciousness and death with or without drowning
can result.
The best prevention for cold water immersion is to
takeallmeasurestoavoidcapsizingyourboat.Keep
your life jacket securely fastened to help keep your
head above water if you fall overboard.
Youdon’thavetobesubmergedtosuccumbto
hypothermia — wind chill, rain, and perspiration can
contribute to the condition. Uncontrollable shivering,
slurred speech and lack of coordination are early
symptoms. To guard against hypothermia, dress in
layers using materials that wick moisture away and
retain heat, such as silk, polypropylene, eece, and
wool. Every boater should be able to recognize and
know how to treat hypothermia.
Common Hazards
To have a safe trip, boaters must be aware of the various types of hazards encountered on any waterway. Learn
to regognize these hazards and manage your risk appropriately.
Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail 2009 Page 7 of 9
Revised December 2009
Safety Tips
• Neverboatalone.
• Wearalifejacketatalltimes,particularlyin
moving water. By law, children under 10 must
wear life jackets of an appropriate size.
• Dressforthewatertemperature.Bringanextra
change of clothing with you in a waterproof
bag. Pack your cell phone in this bag.
• Neopreneshoesortennisshoeswithwoolen
socks are recommended footwear.
• Filea“oatplan”withareliableperson,
indicating where you are going and when you
will leave and return. Remember to contact the
person once you have returned safely.
• Donotoverloadorunevenlyloadyourboat.
Keeptheweightintheboatcenteredfromside
to side and bow to stern. The lower and closer
theloadintheboatistotheboat’scenterline,
the more stable it will be.
• Alwaysmaintainthreepointsofcontact(for
example, two hands and one foot touching the
boat) while moving around in the boat.
• Donotattempttostandorwalkinswiftwater.
• Bepreparedtoswim.Ifthewaterlookstoo
hazardoustoswim,thendon’tboatonit!
• NEVERboatoverlowheaddams.
• Portage(carryyourboataround)anysectionof
water about which you feel uncertain.
• Ifyoucapsize,holdontoyourboatunlessit
presents a life-threatening situation. If oating
in current, position yourself on the upstream
side of the capsized boat.
• Carryplentyofdrinkingwater.
• Avoidoverexertionandguardagainstextreme
weather conditions.
Trails for Ohioans
TrailsareanimportantcomponentofOhio’s
outdoor recreation system. They come in various
lengths, run through dierent environments, and
accommodate a multitude of outdoor activities
from hiking and biking to horseback riding and
paddling. Trails are managed and maintained
by a variety of groups including all levels of
government and many trail organizations.
Recognizing the many benets of a statewide trail
system, and in an eort to increase awareness
of the benets of water trails, ODNR initiated
the Ohio Water Trails program. The goal of this
program is to promote awareness of public
paddling opportunities by partnering with local
communities to develop designated water trails.
By denition, a water trail, also known as a blue
way, is a route along a river or across other bodies
of water, such as a lake or bay, for people using
small beachable hand-powered watercraft, such
as kayaks, canoes, day sailors or row boats. Water
trails are most often identied by the land facilities
that support water travel. These include launch
and landing sites (trailheads), campsites, rest areas,
and other points of interest.
Water trail plans are initiated at the local level:
communities, user groups, or park districts
recommend existing sites for a proposed trail,
and the Ohio Water Trails team evaluates the
trail, working with local partners to ensure safe,
suitable access. The goal is to designate trails
across the state and produce publications such as
this one that promote safe access and wise use.
Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail 2009 Page 8 of 9
Revised December 2009
Navigation Aids
Navigation aids such as buoys, signs, lights and beacons
are designed to assist boaters by marking hazards and safe
channels, helping determine location, controlling trac, and
protecting resources.
Regulatory Markers
Controlled Area
A circle is the most common symbol
used on Ohio waterways and usually
regulates operation in the area. The
buoy or sign will indicate the nature of
the controlled area such as No Wake,
Idle Speed, Speed Limit, Ski Zone, Open
Zone, Speed Zone, etc.
Information
A square is used on buoys or signs
giving directions to facilities or other
information about the area.
Boats Keep Out
A diamond shape with a cross means
boats must keep out. A buoy or sign
may show only the symbol or may also
indicateSwimArea,Beach,KeepOut,No
Boats, Closed Area, Dam, etc.
Danger
A diamond shape is used to mark a
hazard to boaters. The buoy or sign may
also indicate the nature of the hazard
such as Rock, Stump, Shallow Area, Reef,
Shoal, Dam, etc.
Risk of Collision
Each operator of a vessel must take all necessary action to
avoid a collision. It must be done in ample time and taking into
account any special circumstances due to weather, boat trac,
and limits of other boats. If there is any doubt of the risk – it
shall be deemed to exist. Use sound to signal intention.
Rendering Assistance
The operator of a vessel is obligated to provide assistance
that can be safely provided to any individual in danger. When
assisting, help should never be provided in a manner that will
injureorendangeranyone’slife,includingtherescuer.
Safety Tip: Give way to boats that are less
maneuverable than your boat such as barges, tugs,
commercial boats, sailboats and non-powered
boats.
NO WAKE
GAS
DOCK
NO BOATS
DANGER
DAM
Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail 2009 Page 9 of 9
Revised December 2009
The shallow bar
formed on the
inside bend creates
a current break that
that holds sh on the
downstream side.
The head and tail of the
pool are good places to
target bass and steelhead.
Structures such
as fallen trees
attract sh on the
downstream side.
The deep scour hole
formed on the outside
bend is a good spot to nd
catsh and steelhead.
Fishing a Stream
Ifyouhaven’tconsideredpackingashingpoleforyournextoattrip,
maybe you should. Streams provide some of the best shing in Ohio
— if you know where to look. Fish hang out where they can eat, and
where they can eat depends on the current.
Predatory sh (smallmouth bass, rock bass, and steelhead) feed
where the current sweeps prey past them. Some sh seek
shelterclosetothecurrent;theydartintothecurrenttofeed
andoutofthecurrenttorest.Otherspeciesofsharen’tbuilt
to ght the current and prefer deeper pools with slower-
moving water.
Predatory sh wait in deeper water at the head of the pool
(just below the ries) or at the tail of the pool for prey to
wash past them. Present your bait by casting upstream,
either up into the ries or near the swifter current at the tail
of the pool, and allow the current to deliver it to sh waiting
below.
Rocks, logs, and other obstructions in the pool provide places out of
the current for sh to rest while they wait for prey to sweep past. Cast
upstream of these rest areas, allowing the current to carry the bait
past the sh. Retrieve as close to the obstruction as possible without
snagging.
Pansh (sunsh, crappies) and bottom feeders (catsh, suckers, carp)
preferdeeperpoolswheretheydon’thavetoghtthecurrent.Target
these species by shing natural bait in the deepest area of pools.
Steelhead also prefer deep pools near current in the fall and early winter,
but can be found in shallow water in the spring.
Natural and articial baits are eective for stream shing, depending on
the species of sh you are seeking. Bottom feeders prefer natural baits
that are typical to the habitat. Craysh, minnows, hellgrammites, and
worms work anywhere in Ohio streams. Predators and sunsh strike
natural and articial bait with equal enthusiasm. Smaller is better for
articial baits. Small jigs, in-line spinners and crankbaits that match the
color of prey found within the stream are good choices.
Smallmouth bass and steelhead are just a few of the predatory sh
species in the Vermilion River. For specic information on shing for
theseorotherspecies,gototheOhioDivisionofWildlife’swebpage
at
wildlife.ohiodnr.gov > Fishing > Fishing Tips by Species