Whitewater wonder From rapids to easy paddling, SR Creek a chance for kayaking fun
You don't have to flirt with death to try one of the region's most popular spots for whitewater activities.
Running alongside the county's western border, Slippery Rock Creek Gorge offers the opportunity for extreme sports to more relaxed outings, from kayaking on thrashing rapids to lazy picnics and Civil War encampments.
McConnells Mill State Park encompasses 2,546 acres with Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, which is a National Natural Landmark, at its center. The gorge was created by the draining of lakes thousands of years ago. More recently, it was the site of mineral extraction that has since been cleaned up by a network of conservation groups.
Now, scenic overlooks, waterfalls and historic structures attract about 350,000 people each year, according to Dustin Drew, state park manager.
“It's remarkable. It's very scenic. It attracts a lot of people for those reasons,” Drew said. “The park has a nice balance of history with the mill and the glacial activity that created the gorge with the balance of natural beauty. It's not as developed as other parks but the natural beauty makes it worthwhile.”
April showers bring high water levels on the Slippery Rock Creek, attracting people looking to ride the water. With a life jacket and helmet, beginners will find the creek offers a friendly, low-stress environment.
The Three Rivers Paddling Club organizes a rendezvous at 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday for those who are interested in whitewater kayaking.
“We welcome everybody,” said David Moser, a club member.
The open invitation lets newbies join the group's weekly rendezvous on Tuesdays in front of Brown's Country Kitchen in Portersville. The meet-up is informal with no charges to participate.
“A lot of the guys we have here have experience and can teach you the basics,” Moser said. “It's a controlled environment, which tends to be more instructional.”
No kayak? No problem. Moser said those interested should contact the group ahead of time so that equipment can be provided. And, Moser said, the group will continue to hold Tuesday meetings throughout the year.
“As long as there's water in the creek, we run it,” he said.
On the first Tuesday of May, dozens of people gathered in the restaurant's parking lot to plan their evening trip. The Slip, as they call it, is divided into two sections: The upper section runs from Rose Point Campground downstream to the Eckert Bridge, and anything below that is the lower, easier section of the river.
Michael Zavage of Pittsburgh decided to run the upper section. With a few years of experience, he was comfortable on the slightly harder section.
“I wanna have fun but I don't want to drown and die,” said Zavage, who is also a Catholic priest. “This group just loves teaching and showing people lines and different techniques.”Lines are chosen paths through a rapid. The Slip's glacial past has left huge rocks strewn about through the creek. These boulder gardens, as they're known, provide satisfying challenges for kayakers to pick their way through the rapids.Whitewater kayaking in North America has a difficulty rating system between one and five. One indicates that there are no dangers on the river with few, if any, whitewater sections.A river will generally be designated a class five if there are life threatening features like underwater caves that can suck up a swimmer — a drowning hazard.Regardless of what class a river is, whitewater kayakers will usually wear a helmet and a life-jacket. The helmet assures kayakers who flip — an common hazard — won't be immediately knocked unconscious by underwater rocks, which could also cause drowning.The Slip has a rating of class two, indicating light challenges but low, non-threatening consequences.“It's a great thing to clear the air and get you out of what you're normally doing,” Zavage said. “I always say that if a Catholic priest does it, so you can you, too. It's a great community. I probably wouldn't be boating if I didn't meet them. They've helped me stay interested and challenged.”Usually, the biggest danger on the Slip is a kayaker's ego, as any mishap will likely be witnessed by hikers and sun bathers looking on. At the halfway point on the upper section, kayakers must get out of the river to avoid the low water dam.Just a few feet down stream, the group carries their kayaks down a ramp to get back on the water. Here is another opportunity to be embarrassed in front of spectators: Slippery Rock Creek is appropriately named.For the more terrain-oriented visitors, the area offers several hiking trails, including a section of the North Country Scenic Trail, a national trail that spans seven-states from New York to North Dakota.In the fall, the park's 19th century built gristmill is host to the Heritage Festival, an annual celebration of the area's history that is held on the last full weekend of September. The event is marked with corn grinding demonstrations, food vendors, tours of the mill, musical entertainment and a Civil War encampment.“The festival helps people reconnect to the era that the mill was active in,” Drew said, explaining that the encampment is created more for the ambience than historical accuracy.As summer approaches, Drew said that his permanent staff of 15 workers swells to 40. The park also accepts volunteers who want to help by working at the mill.Drew also noted that the region's industrial legacy has left behind polluted water draining into the creek from abandoned mines. But groups like Stream Restoration Incorporated have helped clean a significant amount of the continuous flow of heavy metal-laden water. Volunteer opportunities are also available with the group.“There's been a lot of work done to offset the impact of abandoned mine drainage in the area.“They are a great organization and have done a lot of work to keep the water clean,” Drew said. “It's nice to know that there are groups out there looking after ... the stream and the waterways.”
WHAT: Learn to kayak with the Three Rivers Paddling Club on the Slippery Rock CreekWHEN: 5:30 p.m. TuesdaysWHERE: Meet at Brown's Country Kitchen in PortersvilleEMAIL: tpaddlingclub@gmail.com for equipment to be provided and updates on the rendezvous.
