Kayaking Near Erie, PA
Posted July 29th, 2007 @ 08:00am by Erik J. Barzeski
I have two open-top kayaks from when I lived in Florida (12' and 14' Wilderness Systems kayaks). I'm looking for a few places to kayak around Erie, PA.
I'd go on the lake or in the bay, but I'm looking for some easier paddles so the wife can go along. I don't think she'll want to deal with even one-foot waves on the lake, boaters, etc.
Any suggestions? Feel free to mention some slightly more… adventurous paddles, too, but label them as such in the comments. Thanks!
P.S. Eventually I may get back into kayak fishing as well, but right now I'm just looking for some exercise and something to do. Maybe even some unique photography opportunities.
15 Responses to "Kayaking Near Erie, PA"
Posted 29 Jul 2007 at 8:26am #
Head down our way to Franklin/Oil City. Lots of good water in French Creek and the Allegheny down to Elementon. Talk to this guy: http://venangoland.blogspot.com . He's a friend of mine who does a ton of kayaking in the area and loves to talk about it. Feel free to tell him I sent you his way.
Posted 29 Jul 2007 at 9:46am #
On Saturday's through September Presque Isle State Park holds FREE guided tours from 10-2 for kayakers or canoeers. They meet at the Boat Livery. It's great way to get to know the waters inside Presque Isle.
Posted 10 Aug 2009 at 2:05pm #
Do you have to have your own canoe?
Posted 10 Aug 2009 at 2:18pm #
[quote comment="55016"]Do you have to have your own canoe?[/quote]
For the guided tours, I don't know. You should probably call them to ask. They may have some you can rent.
Posted 29 Jul 2007 at 11:02am #
I haven't ever gone kayaking but I lived in Erie for 40+ years of my life................so could offer up the suggestion of the lagoons in Presque Isle.............and then if your wife felt adventurous you could go right out onto the bay from the lagoons if the bay was calm enough for her. Just a thought.
Posted 30 Jul 2007 at 8:37am #
If you are willing to travel a little bit going to Kinzua Dam or Chautauqua Lake is great.
Posted 18 Jun 2008 at 11:57am #
Wife and I canoe once per year with friends on French creek. Actually, I'm responding to ask whether you'd consider renting your kayaks for a one day float. I can find no where in the area to rent them except on P I State park and they must be used within their waters. Our trip is scheduled this Sunday 6/22.
Posted 27 Dec 2010 at 2:09pm #
We are about 1 hour from Erie, we rent kayaks and canoes from one hour up to a two day trip. The Conewango is a "creek" but is 62 miles long the deepest pool is 52 feet and is 200 yards wide at it widest spot, how ever it is also small enough to allow you to paddle up on deer, otters and many other species of wild life, most of the creek is in remote areas and we offer camping at the livery also.
Posted 02 Jul 2011 at 7:47am #
The Lagoons at the Peninsula are always a fun calm place to Kayak.
Our cousin just went from Buckaloons (near Youngsville) to Indian River in the Allegheny's and had a great time. She is a beginner.
Oil Creek is a great and popular place to Kayak. Hope this helps. Have a fun and safe July 4th.
Enjoy
Posted 15 Aug 2011 at 1:43pm #
I'm an Ambassador at Presque Isle State Park and would be more than happy to show you around the Park. Especially where to Kayak, either in the Lagoons or any of the Bays'.Contact me and we can meet at the Park. I'm out there most days and am Kayaking all the time.
Posted 04 Jul 2012 at 3:20pm #
this post was awhile back but, my family & I just got kayaks....and need a good guide of places to to so..Please respond if able A.S.A.P. thanks!
Posted 26 Nov 2012 at 1:09am #
Dear Mr. Berchtold,
I'm not replying about kayaking but I was trying to find a way to contact you about the beautiful photographs that you take at Presque Isle.
I am interested in the one you took of the Flagship Niagara coming into port a couple months ago.
I'm hoping you will see this post and reply.
Thank you,
Carol
Posted 26 Nov 2012 at 1:26pm #
[quote comment="71483"]I'm hoping you will see this post and reply.[/quote]
I'll email him a link to your comment and your email address, Carol.
Posted 08 Jan 2013 at 12:18pm #
Hello, Brian. MY wife and I are new to kayaking and could use any information on kayaking.--- We purchased a Sea Eagle inflateable, tandem, 380x for Xmas. So we are anxious to try it out.
Posted 22 Jul 2012 at 2:58pm #
Edinboro Lake and Lake Pleasant are fun but our favorite is the lagoons .......