Raccoon Creek in Ohio

Trip Overview

Raccoon Creek is always paddleable in the southern section. This area passes through farmland and spills into the Ohio River near Gallipolis Ohio. North of this section lie many historic attractions, including many former mills and the trapping grounds of Daniel Boone. The Northernmost section of this route is the most beautiful, passing through Zaleski State Forest. This section features rock outcrops, natural bridges, extremely steep ridges, and an abundance of wildlife. Zaleski State Forest is like no other place in Ohio! Unfortunately, the most obvious inhabitant is the beaver and many damns have been built along the creek in this beautiful forest area. This section of the creek is only paddleable during high water, but it is well worth the inconvenience of planning a trip around the rainy season!

The section through Zaleski can be a three-four hour paddle, while the trip from Lake Hope to the Ohio River may take up to three days. A variety of trips are possible.

Lake Hope is also a very beautiful flat-water paddle in itself.

Accommodations:

Camping (and many facilities) at Lake Hope State Park

Camping in Vinton Town Park

Camping at Bob Evans Farm

Fees:

Camping permits for some locations along the creek.

Directions:

From Lake Hope State Park take SR 278 to Robinett Ridge Road. Bridge is just 1/8 of a mile down this road.

Lake Hope State Park is on SR 278 between US 50 and Ohio SR 56

Launches:

• Robinett Ridge Road just east of SR 278
• Robinett Ridge Road near Moonville Tunnel
• SR 356 Bridge North of US 50
• US 50 East or Prattsville
• twp. rd 31 Bridge at Vales Mills
• twp Road 4 covered bridge South of OH 124
• City Park in Vinton
• Bob Evans Farm Canoe Livery off US 35

Contact:

A detailed list of information can be found at the web site of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Resources:

Mineral Ohio USGS Quadrangle Topographic Map

Delorme Ohio Gazeteer

Zaleski Backpack Trail map