Loyalhanna Creek invites canoes, kayaks for sojourn

The second annual Loyalhanna Sojourn canoe and kayak voyage down Loyalhanna Creek is set for May 30, and organizers are hoping the creek cooperates this time around.

Last year, the inaugural sojourn was limited to dry land activities due to dangerous water conditions on the creek: high water levels and fast currents.

The committee that coordinates the event moved the date of the sojourn later in the month in hopes of avoiding those water issues, Latrobe-GLSD Parks and Recreation Executive Director Jeanne Ashley said. Participation is limited to 100 individuals this year.

“The Loyalhanna is such a beautiful creek, and it's very clean and fishable with abundant wildlife, particularly birds,” Ashley said. “Between Cardinal Park and New Alex there are nests of blue herons. ... It's majestic to see because the nests are pretty big. There's all sorts of wildlife.”

“I kind of feel it's an underutilized waterway,” said Susan Huba, Loyalhanna Watershed Association executive director. “With all the projects that have happened to restore sections of erosion and abandoned mine drainage, we really want people to realize it's a great stream to be on. ... It's just a good opportunity for a family to get out and enjoy the area.”

In addition to showcasing the creek, Ashley said, the event puts recent improvements at Cardinal Park on display. Nearly $1.5 million worth of improvements have been made to the park since 2010, including sports fields, basketball courts and a 200-foot concrete boat ramp.

Boaters can drop off their vessels at the Cardinal Park boat launch on East First Avenue and drive to New Alexandria, where a shuttle will bring participants back to the boat launch.

“Last year, the Loyalhanna Creek was the runner-up for the River of the Year in Pennsylvania, which is a big deal,” Huba said. “I was pretty excited about that, and I have already seen a lot of people kayaking this spring. ... If you compare now to five years ago, definitely a lot more people are using it, so that's a good thing.”

Food and activities will be available at the takeout boat ramp in New Alexandria completed in 2013 by Loyalhanna Township Eagle Scout James Vought as his Eagle Scout project.

Two bands will perform in New Alexandria after the sojourn: Black Ridge and Kevin Dale Country.

The sojourn covers about nine miles of Loyalhanna Creek and is expected to take two to four hours, depending on water speed and paddler experience.

“The Loyalhanna is a pretty stream with improving water quality and plenty of access,” said Conemaugh Valley Conservancy Conservation Committee member Brad Clemenson, who spearheaded efforts to create a water trails map of the Loyalhanna and other nearby waterways. “The sojourn is a great way for people to get to know the stream and meet others who like to paddle.”

Greg Reinbold is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-459-6100, ext. 2913, or greinbold@tribweb.com.