Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail Now Open!

The much anticipated, 27-mile waterway was finally dedicated on July 1st. The Water Trail, if you hadn’t heard already, extends from Vermilion downstream to Lake Erie, along the shoreline, and up the Black River to Elyria. These waters have always been open to public access for kayaks and canoes, but an official state Water Trail designation means signage, boat ramps, increased parking, maps, points of interest, the ever-important hazard warnings, and launch docks.

For fans of adventure sports in Lorain County, this is great news. Never before have the county’s waterways been so easy to utilize. And because the different segments of the Water-Trail are so diversified (it’s the only state designated water trail to combine rivers and open water) the fun is open to all different ages and experience levels. And it’s the perfect complement for the Back Roads and Beaches Bike and Multi-Sport Route. With little planning or effort, that day-long bike trip you’ve been planning can turn into weekend-long multi-sport adventure.

At the trail’s dedication, state and local officials talked about the unique value of a designated water route in a county like Lorain. Sean Logan, Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, calls the Water Trail a gateway between the civilized and natural realms, a place where individuals can enjoy all the beauty and excitement that nature has to offer in a safe and fun environment. Chief Pat Dillon of the State’s Division of Watercraft, reported that Lorain’s on the cutting edge of a statewide movement—kayak and canoe use in Ohio’s lakes and rivers has increased by 34% since 2003, and kayaks and canoes represent 20% of all registered watercraft.

Chief Pat Dillon, State Division of Watercraft

But all this aside, what’s the best thing about the Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail?
It’s still free. Only now, with the added help of the Metro Parks and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, enjoying the waterways and surrounding wildlife of Lorain County has never been easier.

For interested beginners, the Metro Parks are currently offering kayaking classes at Splash Zone in Oberlin.

Kayak rental is available on the Black River through Great Lakes Kayaking, and plans are pending for a similar service on the Vermilion River.