Yellow Creek in Ohio

Trip Overview

We started a 4-mile trip with high hopes, but were quickly disappointed. The local mining company has been siphoning the creek water for their operations, which we were not made aware of until AFTER our trip. I wanted to post this so others don't travel there until the water level has risen. I wouldn't recommend this trip for anyone at this time. There were spots deep enough to swim, but most of the day was spent dragging our boats along the rocky creek bed.

If I discover the mining company has stopped their siphoning operations and Yellow Creek is once again passable, I'll submit another article.

It really is a beautiful area, and we only encountered 1 camper and 1 fisherman the entire trip. The area we kayaked is located near Brush Creek Wilderness Area in Jefferson County.

Accommodations:

There are NO accommodations or facilities along that stretch. Best bet: Obtain parking permission from a homeowner once you determine your desired destination.

Fees:

Just permission from a homeowner if you'll be starting or ending on private property.

Directions:

From St Rt 164 Bergholz, take 2nd Street to the end; ignore the "This is not a GPS route." sign and continue forward on County Rd 53. Bear left at the fork and follow 53 until you locate a launch spot. There is one just past Twp Rd 408 where you can leave a vehicle (drive belongs to the mining company); I'm sure there are others along County Rd 53, but you'll need permission. We ended just past Mt Zion Rd. There is an iron bridge there and possible street parking for 1 pickup vehicle. You'll have to carry your kayak uphill if you park here.

Resources:

DO NOT USE A GPS TO TRAVEL IN THIS AREA.

It is best to ask a local for directions. A GPS will take you on roads that are NOT maintained and may not be passable!