A. Geneva Dike Area 5.5 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
A Marsh Small(75/125) A/A
mouth
of stream
Topographic Maps: Conneaut
Lake, Geneva
County Maps: Crawford
Description: The outlet of Conneaut Lake runs southeast through swamp and marsh lands and ends up at the Geneva Dike. The marsh is a State Game Lands and a Bird Sanctuary. Since the flow from the lake is very, very small, we suggest putting in at the downstream end of the marsh at the Geneva Dike. The view from the put-in at Geneva Dike is a sea of water and low vegetation, but paddlers heading northwest along the outlet will discover that this open marsh undergoes a gradual transformation into wooded swamp as they approach Conneaut Lake. From the put-in you will be able to paddle "upstream" for about 2.5 miles to the turn around at Mud Pike bridge.
About 0.75 miles southeast from the dike you will encounter a Game Propagation Area, which is posted off limits to all access and activities. This area is about 0.5 miles across before it connects to the next section of the marsh. [Checked 2001]
Difficulties: At one time there were some beaver dams to lift and slide the canoe over, but as of 2000 they are no longer there. The last 0.5 miles to the lake and the turn-around point is a sluggish woodland creek with downed trees that will be require a little effort to get the canoe across. Since there is minimal current this presents no danger. The Geneva dike itself is about a two foot drop, with a runnable drop at either end. During the duck and geese hunting seasons of October through December there are a lot of hunters in the area. It is best to paddle only on Sundays (no hunting allowed) during those months.
Shuttle: Take Interstate 79 to Exit 141, formally #35. After exiting turn west on State Route 285 toward Geneva. Cross US Route 19 and go about 2.6 miles to Geneva. Make a right at the second intersection in Geneva, immediately before the sign listing mileages to Conneaut Lake and Linesville. Follow this road past several dozen houses, over the railroad tracks, and into the marsh on a dike. Cross a small bridge and park on the wide gravel road. This section could also be a trip by putting in on Conneaut Lake at the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission access area. To get to the take-out, go east on State Route 285 to Geneva. Turn right/north and follow the instructions above.
Gauge: None for the marsh trip. If you put in at the lake, there is a staff gauge on the lake face of the Route 6 bridge. It's sufficient to judge the riffle under the bridge; if you have enough to clear this you'll be fine.
Normal Wet Period: Usually runnable.
B. Interstate 79 Area 3.7 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
A Marsh Small (90/150) A/A
estimate
Topographic Maps: Geneva
County Maps: Crawford
Description: See above. This section covers from the eastern end of the bird sanctuary to the dam at State Route 2003, with Interstate 79 crossing in the middle. The state has "mowed" several paths through the swamp grasses. These paths are 15-20 feet wide, but they are not the only way to go. Explore some of the natural side passageways and open areas. From the put-in under Interstate 79 either paddle "upstream" about 1.7 miles to the bird sanctuary or "downstream" about 2.0 miles to the dam with many side trips possible. The marsh is about 0.5 miles wide. [Checked 1988]
Difficulties: If the water level is high then you may not be able to pass under the US Route 19 bridge. In this case it is not hard to carry over. If you run down to French Creek instead of taking out where you put in then plan to carry over the 4‑foot dam/causeway at State Route 2003. Note also the remarks about hunting season in the previous section.
Shuttle: Put in and take out at an access area under Interstate 79 on the north side of the marsh. To reach this area, exit Interstate 79 at Exit 141, formally #35, which is State Route 285. Head east on State Route 285 for about a mile. In Custard turn left/north on State Route 2003. Cross the dam that forms the marsh and take the first left onto a dirt road. Follow this to another left that obviously takes you under the interstate.
Gauge: None. This is a marsh.
Normal Wet Period: Usually runnable.
C. Interstate 79 area to French Creek 6.0 miles
Class Grad Size
(Area/Volume) Scene/Pol Level
B 1/1 Small (101/168) B/A
mouth
of stream
Topographic Maps: Geneva,
Cochranton
County Maps: Crawford
Description: This trip is the subject of a detailed write-up available from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Scenic and ecological values are outstanding due to the Conservancy's protection efforts. The trip offers a 2-mile section of marsh (open wetland), swamp (wooded wetland), and lazy farmland/woodland stream. [Reported 1999]
Difficulties: Downed trees can be numerous in the swamp. They are not dangerous, because there is no current, but they all have to be gotten over or around. The bridge at State Route 2003, 2 miles below Interstate 79, has a dam that should be carried.
Shuttle: To get to the put-in see the previous section. To get to the take-out, come back to State Route 285 and continue east for another 3.5 miles. As the highway bends to the right, take a small road forking to the left, going downhill to the bank of French Creek. Make a sharp left turn, and go north about 0.5 miles to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Access Area, just above the mouth of Conneaut Outlet.
Gauge: None.
Normal Wet Period: No available statistics on seasons. Since this section is small, it should normally be runnable approximately January through April.