Edinboro to French Creek 9.3 miles
Class Grad Size
(Area/Volume) Scene/Pol Level
B 6/10 60/Tiny B/B
mouth
Topographic Maps:
Edinboro North, Edinboro South, Cambridge Springs
County Maps: Erie, Crawford
Description: The point of beginning is on the western shore of Edinboro Lake. This narrows to a canal-like channel, then a portage of a dam brings you into a small creek. The stream now leads through farmlands, to an abandoned lakebed just upstream of Drake Mills. The breached dam here is an easy run, and then a wooded section of numerous bends leads to the take‑out at French Creek near Cambridge Springs. [Reported 2001]
Difficulties: At Edinboro dam, take out on the right, upstream of the bridge, and then cross the bridge to relaunch on the creek left side. Do not attempt to take out on the wooden catwalk across the dam breast. When last canoed there were six fences crossing the creek. Most could be canoed under, but watch out for the one under the Perry Lane Bridge.
Shuttle: To get to the put-in head west on US Route 6N from Edinboro. Cross over the lake outlet and turn right/north on Lakeside Drive to head up the western side of the lake. Drive to the second parking area at the Lake Shore Park. To reach the take-out, go back towards Edinboro. Turn right/south on State Route 99. At the “Y” intersection with Old Plank Road (State Route 1019), bear right onto State Route 1019. Continue about 2 miles and turn left/east on State Route 1006. The take-out on French Creek is about one-half mile from the intersection.
Gauge: None. The shallowest part is upstream of the Perry Lane Bridge. While here check the clearance under the fence on the downstream side of the bridge.
Normal Wet Period: No available statistics on seasons. Since this section is tiny, it should normally be runnable only after a heavy rain or during spring snowmelt.