Exploring Greene County from a kayak on Ten Mile Creek

WAYNESBURG – A word to the wise and uncoordinated: if you’re a novice kayaker, hit the creek or river with people who are willing to bail you out when you inevitably get stuck, or worse, capsize. Thankfully, I stayed in the boat for the duration of the ride during my first real kayaking trip recently on Ten Mile Creek in Greene County.
So how did I get here?
Greene County has seen a recent groundswell of local support for exploring the area’s creeks and rivers. With the creation of a Facebook page and a website that documents launch points, suggested trips, tips and more, it appears more people are coordinating explorations of our waterways.
While I originally was supposed to report on the journey of a local photographer documenting the Ten Mile Creek as he and others left the boat launch to begin their journey, suddenly I became part of the tour when, amazingly, a spare red vessel somehow materialized and I found myself sitting inside it. Wearing jeans that were about to get soaked, all I had with me were car keys, a water bottle, snack, sweatshirt for the oncoming sprinkles, my cellphone and some wavering wits.
Accompanying us on our journey, which began the morning of May 18 at the Route 188 soccer field launch, were two water conservation officers from the state Fish and Boat Commission, including Eric Davis, who covers Greene County. Davis gave us some tips before we set off on our journey. Many of us participating were novices.
And so, we launched.

Photo courtesy of Ben McMillen
Courtesy of Ben McMillen
The Kayak Greene County group poses for a photograph May 18 before setting out on a nearly three-hour trip along Ten Mile Creek, near Waynesburg and ending in Morgan Township.
Not a moment,
but a movement
Waynesburg photographer Ben McMillen said a recent internet search didn’t turn up the information he was looking for on kayaking in a convenient location, so he decided to curate it himself.
“I realized there was not enough information in any one place to really help a person get started,” he said.” So, I took all the real-time water level data and safety info I collected and built a website to help promote kayaking right here in our backyard.”
McMillen said he was searching for things to do with friends when he stumbled upon kayaking, and Kayak Greene County, a group that offers suggestions, routes and planned excursions, was born.
“I love this county. I want people to appreciate and utilize the assets we have and stop focusing on what we think we are missing,” McMillen said. “Nothing frustrates me more than people saying there is nothing to do around our county. There is. You’re just not looking hard enough. I was surprised to find out we had kayak ramps. I’ve been canoeing and kayaking many times before but never on our local creeks and never in my own kayak. I never even knew you could.”
The website details a list of launches along Ten Mile Creek, Dunkard Creek and the Monongahela River in and near Greene County. There are also suggested trips with mileage and in and out locations, as well as tips and links to regulations. He hopes to cover every waterway in Greene County to craft an online map with photos.

Photo courtesy of Ben McMillen
Courtesy of Ben McMillen
Rocks and other hazards, like strainers, can trip up novice and experienced kayakers alike.
But kayaking in Greene County has been a long time coming. Ten Mile was developed as a waterway trail stretching 23 miles from Waynesburg to the confluence with the Monongahela River beginning about a decade ago. Though it was recognized as a potential recreational resource, its use suffered from a lack of access and awareness.
Boating on the South Fork of Ten Mile Creek was greatly enhanced with the addition of two launches: the one where we launched off Route 188 in Franklin Township and the other along Beagle Club Road in Morgan Township. These were the two points of access our group used last month, finished within about six months of each other near the start of 2016. The two launches were funded with grants from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Municipalities participating in the plan also used their employees to construct them. There is an additional launch in Clarksville, with another being researched for redevelopment, Davis said. Another Waynesburg launch is also in the works, but Davis said he is unsure of the exact location.
Some sections of Ten Mile Creek may make for rough travel during low flow in late summer, so spring is likely the best time to boat on the creek. Dunkard Creek, too, has seen renewed interest in kayaking and canoeing in the last few years, although Davis said Ten Mile Creek and the Monongahela River are the only publicly navigable waters in Greene County.
The trip
That Friday of the trip was a sprinkling, gray morning which ended up being perfect for our activities. The sun wasn’t out to burn us, and the breeze and rain drops kept us cool. Some had poles and prepared to fish as we traveled. Meanwhile, I was mainly concerned with remaining upright and not embarrassing myself. My heart palpitated as Davis went over his safety tips.
We covered the different launches in the area, necessary permits, area navigable waterways and what to look out for along the journey. After our short talk and a group photo, it was time to get the boats in the water. Even getting inside the kayak caused me some initial trepidation, but once seated, it was mostly smooth sailing.
Davis and his colleague, Scott Opfer, who covers mainly Fayette County, pointed out potential hazards along our path. Strainers are anything that blocks passage of a boat but lets water pass through, like fallen tree limbs or fishing line, and can flip a small vessel if you’re not careful.

Photo courtesy of Ben McMillen
Courtesy of Ben McMillen
Reporter Trista Thurston took to Ten Mile Creek to kayak with members of Greene County’s fledgling kayaking group.
Along the journey, I got stuck in an outcropping of rocks at one point and only came seriously close to capsizing once. But, I was more amazed by the peaceful beauty along our route. The journey gave me a new perspective of the county that I’d never had the chance to appreciate before. Trains rolled by, drivers honked and waved and geese accompanied us for stretches. The lush trees provided coverage from rain or sprinkles. Oftentimes, I would stop paddling, allowing the lazy current to push me along as I gawked at the vegetation surrounding Ten Mile Creek.
In all, the trip took just under three hours. We went fairly slow as a group, which I was very thankful for, and took a break for rest and lunch along the way. After exiting my kayak, my legs briefly forgot what walking felt like and my arms did not want to be raised above my waist.
Before you go
Kayaking can be a fun, safe activity as long as the proper preparations are made before a trip. Personal flotation devices and whistles or air horns are required for canoes and kayaks.
Washington County launches require a county permit, and state waters require a state permit. No permits are required in Greene County for non-state areas. A launch permit issued by either the Fish and Boat Commission or DCNR is only required on state-owned properties. Each entity recognizes the other’s launch permits, so only one is needed. Registration is required for any motorboat, including a kayak or canoe with a motor.
Know the route before you launch. Check water levels. Know your abilities, limits and the relative difficulty of the route. Go with someone who knows what they’re doing if you’re new to kayaking. The water can be a lot faster and more powerful than it looks. Hazards can be lurking under the surface that can get a kayak stuck or worse, upside down.
Many locations in Greene County have little or no cell service, so don’t expect to be able to rely on a phone. Someone on land should know where you’re going and when you’re set to return.
But for a fun day on the water, all that’s really necessary is a plan, a kayak, paddle, life jacket, whistle, water, snacks and a positive attitude.

Photo courtesy of Ben McMillen
Courtesy of Ben McMillen
Picturesque views of Greene County were frequent on a recent kayaking trip along Ten Mile Creek.
You will get wet. Seriously, it’s inevitable, so don’t wear jeans like me. And if you’re anything like me, you will be sore in the following days. You’ll also probably get stuck in some spots, so don’t freak out. In the end, it will be worth it.
For more on kayaking in Greene County, visit www.kayakgreenecounty.com or join the Facebook group for upcoming group floats and more.
Staff writer Bob Niedbala contributed to this report.