Finger Lakes State Park Water Trail

We will be doing a 1-day paddle on the beautiful Finger Lakes water trail, which is all flat water. It is at least a 5-mile paddle, but if some of us decide to go longer, we can. This is an old Peabody Coal strip-mine. There are several good-sized ponds connected by numerous narrow channels. Rather unique place to paddle. Plentiful native flora and fauna.

Meeting Location: We will meet at Finger Lakes State Park Boat Ramp parking lot at 9:00 am.  Take I-70 west to Columbia Mo. take exit 128A to Hwy 63 north, go north ~ 10 miles to Peabody Rd. turn right, go ~ 9/10ths miles to park entrance. When the road turns left, go ~ 8/10ths mile to boat ramp parking lot. The take-out is the same location, so no need to shuttle.

Camping options:  Finger Lakes State Park offers basic and 30-amp and 50-amp electric campsites. One of the trip leaders will be camping (Carolyn).

Water classification: Class I (easy)

Possible hazards or difficult sections of water paddled (other hazards may also be encountered on the trip): Water is deep in places, and the banks can be steep.

Skill level required:  New Beginner (paddler with little to no skills.)

Type of boat required: any.

How to dress: Dress for immersion.  No cotton. If wearing sandals, they should have back straps.

Participants must bring:  

1. Appropriate clothing for hot summer weather, with a complete change of clothes in a dry bag.
2. Fishing tackle if you want to fish.
3. sunscreen
4. water (bring extra – it will be hot).
5. snacks
6. lunch
7. U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD (life jacket)
8. “pealess” whistle

For a list of items to bring that might be helpful for new paddlers, here is a link: Kayaking Gear for Every Trip

Minors are welcome on this trip if a parent or guardian attends.

Please check out the Club Sanctioned Trips forum for additional information as it is posted, or to ask questions or post comments. Finger Lakes State Park Water Trail – St. Louis Canoe & Kayak Club

Risks involved: Paddlesports and related ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY AND SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS, AND DEATH. These Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating, leading, or helping in the Activity, and the condition in which the Activity takes place, There may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time.

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Tip leaders: Gary Strohmeyer (314-585-8889), Carolyn Knarr (314-556-1427)

To attend this trip/event:

 You must reserve a ticket for each person attending (see tickets below).
This provides the trip leader with important information they need for safety and communication, and information the club needs for ACA reporting.

If you get a ticket and then cannot go for any reason, let the Trip Leader know. 

• If you are an ACA member, please make sure you have an annual waiver signed on their website and have linked your account with St. Louis Canoe and Kayak Club. Here are instructions: Linking your ACA account to St. Louis Canoe and Kayak..docx  This is the only way we can add your waiver to the trip final report.
• If you are not an ACA member (American Canoe Association), you will be sent an email about 30 days before the trip to create a non-member ACA account and pay for a single event insurance, which is $10.