Back Roads and Beaches Picks up the Paddle

Lake Erie kayaking off Lorain

Kayakers searching for fresh water and a scenic view will find Lake Erie a perfect stop on their path to fun this summer. The season for kayaking has begun here in north central Ohio. Nestled in the north central shoreline of Ohio, Lorain County is home to some of the most scenic areas surrounding Lake Erie. Starting in Vermilion and heading across the Erie Coast in Lorain to the Elyria Black River Reservation, the waterways provide a great outdoor adventure. With summer almost here, check out the following information to get your paddle going!

The Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail starts in the quaint historic downtown of Vermilion. But you can put-in at any of the public access points along the way. The trail is 27 miles long and offers both river and open water travel along the Lake Erie shore. The trail starts beside the shale cliffs of the Vermilion River at the Vermilion River Reservation in Brownhelm Township. It continues its path along the river and exits into Lake Erie in Vermilion. You can then follow the Erie shore line east to the mouth of the Black River, close to downtown Lorain, to conclude your journey.  Along with a lively waterway, the trail also includes hiking and biking opportunities within the Lorain County Metro Parks. You can also make a stop at historical and cultural landmarks the course offers including the Lakeview Rose Garden, Black River Historical Society, and the Lorain Lighthouse.

Birding along the Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail and at
Findley State Park is spectacular.

Need help along the way? The Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail offers many different service locations for kayakers in need.  Rentals, shuttles, and information can be found at almost all of our listed locations.

Kayak Rental

Grumpy’s Riverside located on 14^th and Broadway in Lorain is getting their kayaks ready with pricing starting at $15 an hour for a single and $25 an hour for a double. Grumpy’s will provide shuttling upon a call in advance request. They will shuttle personal and rental kayaks, prices vary based on need.  Grumpy’s Riverside is open Monday thru Sunday 8am to 6pm. You can contact them at 440-244-5370.

West River Kayak and Canoe is a new addition to our list of kayaking headquarters. Located at Captain's Corner Marina on the corner of Liberty Avenue and West River Road in Vermilion, West
River provides rentals of kayaks, canoes, and bikes. Kayak prices start at $12 an hour and $35 for all day use. Their location at 655 West River Road is open for operation Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. 

Findley State Park

Another great scenic trip which serves as an alternative to Lake Erie is Findley State Park in Wellington.  Offering a 93-acre lake and 2-man kayak, canoes, and rowboat rentals, Findley makes a great addition to your summer to-do list. For rental rates and operating times contact Findley State Park at 440-647-2870.

Get out and start summer this Memorial Day weekend with a scenic paddle on Lake Erie. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Black River Kayak-A-Thon happening July 3!  For information on public access to Lake Erie, check out the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Public Access Guide. You can get a copy of the guide at Visit Lorain County’s Visitor Information Center when you are here in this area.