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. 

New Bike Shop, Swerve in Oberlin Now Open

Downtown Oberlin now plays host to a shiny, new bike shop called “Swerve.” Cyclists who are visiting Oberlin in droves can now buy gear, supplies and get repairs at the locally owned and operated shop. Owners Chris Robinson and Jason Adelman can also point cyclists to great local places to ride, on and off-road. Jason is also the owner of “The Feve” restaurant right across the street, a popular local bicycle-friendly pub with great food.

Swerve Bike Shop in Oberlin is now open for business

Swerve Bike Shop will be open 10–2pm on Sundays, Tues–Sat 10am–7pm, (closed Mon. until Memorial Day. After Memorial Day, open Mon 10am–7pm). Their phone number is 440-774-7978. Swerve is located on Main St in Oberlin, just south of the Main/College St. intersection. They are a couple doors from the Ginko Gallery.

Back Roads and Beaches 5K Run, Wine and Dine Registration Open

The Back Roads and Beaches, 5K registration is now open. The run is to be held Saturday, August 20, 2011. Start/Finish is at the Oberlin Inn, 7 North Main St., Oberlin, OH. Start time is 5pm (registration opens at 3:30pm). The course runs through the funky little City of Oberlin, home to Oberlin College. Oberlin is unique in its ties to the Underground Railroad. This is a bicycle friendly community that loves visitors.

Bring your bike and/or kayak and make it a multi-sport weekend. Stay at the Oberlin Inn and bike the Back Roads and Beaches Route, mountain bike the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park or kayak the Vermilion to Lorain water trail.

Following the race, there will be local food and wine and entertainment outside the Oberlin Inn. Click here for details and link to online registration.