With the ongoing project to remove low-head dams, the Mahoning River is becoming a very popular place to kayak. The natural flow of the river is cleaning the water and you can enjoy a scenic paddle while taking in both waterfowl and wildlife, as well as the remnants of the industrial giants that once lined the river. The Village of Lowellville has created a new launch area at Riverfront Park on W. Water St. You can paddle without hazards or obstructions across the state line into PA. Take a short three-mile paddle to the Hillsville, PA area or a 9-mile paddle and exit at the McKinley-Russell Boat Access area, 611 Covert Rd, New Castle, PA. Another dam removal project in the Struthers, OH area, hopefully complete by the end of 2022, will create additional recreational paddling opportunities. Once complete, two more low-head dams are scheduled for removal and will open up the Mahoning River in its entirety from Youngstown’s West Ave. launch area to Lowellville.
