Kayaking and canoeing have become an extremely popular sport around Ohio, and so have Ohio’s water trails, especially the Lake Erie Islands Water Trail. Eric Slough brought together a large group of kayakers in early June for the 15th annual South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous at South Bass Island State Park. (Photo by D’Arcy Egan)

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is inviting the public to join state officials at Oak Point State Park on South Bass Island to attend the designation of Ohio’s newest state water trail on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 10:30 a.m. The Lake Erie Islands Water Trail guides paddlers to public accesses on the waters of the Lake Erie Islands region.

“Lake Erie has long provided visitors to Ohio’s north coast wonderful on-the-water recreational opportunities,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “The water trail highlights the beauty of Lake Erie and its lovely islands, which will further enhance paddling one of the state’s best-boating destinations.”
The ceremony will feature remarks by Director Mertz, as well as the Lake Erie Water Trail Partners that include the Put-in-Bay Township Park District, National Park Service, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and The Ohio State University Sea Grant.

Following the designation ceremony, participants are invited to join Mertz on a 45-minute kayak float from Put-In-Bay to Gibraltar Island. Kayaks will be available, or attendees may bring their own kayak. Light refreshments will be served.

Attendees are encouraged to depart from Catawba Island on the Miller Ferry at 9 a.m. (cost is $7.50 per adult one-way or $15 per adult roundtrip). For more information on ferry tickets, visit www.millerferry.com.

Because parking is limited at Oak Point State Park, attendees should park their car at Miller Ferry’s Lime Kioln Dock. A shuttle will bring attendees to the event upon arrival of the 9 a.m. ferry at Put-In-Bay. After the ceremony and canoe float, a shuttle will return everyone to the ferry dock in time to board the 1 p.m. ferry back to Catawba Island.

Attendees are requested to RSVP by Friday, Aug. 1 to the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft by calling (614) 265-6520 or emailing heidi.evans@dnr.state.oh.us.