Tag Archives: kayak launch

The Landscape, The Northern Neck and Beyond

Kayaks Ready to Rent

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It’s hot outside! And Menokin is the cool place to be kayaking out on Cat Point Creek!

Our friends at USF&W loaned us their trailer to get all the new boats down to the creek. Silas, one of our summer interns, painted the rack and set up all of the boats. He’ll be ready to teach you how to paddle and assist your launch. Be sure to bring a hat and sunblock.

Silas prepped and painted a rack to hold the boats at the waterfront.
Alice turned her car into a modified flying machine while transporting the rack to the creek.

Now it’s easy to learn how or just come explore. Free lessons are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-12pm, just call or email Alice at 333-1776, afrench@menokin.org to reserve a boat. Come meet our new ACA trained kayak instructors Silas and Erin.

Already know how to paddle a boat? Menokin has rentals available now, too! Sit-on-top singles rent for $10/2hours; or paddle together and save in a tandem (two-person) kayak for $15/2hours. Rentals are available Tuesday through Saturday, 10am until 6pm, and include a US Coast Guard certified life jacket, paddle, and kayak.

We have 12 single “sit on” kayaks available for rent for the nominal fee of $10/2 hours.
Our six tandem “sit on” kayaks rent for $15/2 hours.

Got your own paddle boat or board? You can come out anytime until 7pm, every day of the week and use our launch free of charge.  Menokin is a Chesapeake Bay Gateway and also part of the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail. You can access the flat water of Cat Point Creek from our soft landing.  After your adventure, take a minute to add notes about your adventure in the waterproof log book we keep nailed to the tree.

Our picturesque launch onto Menokin Bay, the widest section of Cat Point Creek.
Leave a comment and tell us where you’re from.

Download our printable paddle guide. Happy paddling!

The Landscape, The Northern Neck and Beyond

Grand Opening: Public Access to Cat Point Creek

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This Saturday, November 14th, is the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the new access road to Cat Point Creek! We are so excited to provide this new recreational opportunity here in Richmond County.

Join the Menokin Foundation for the grand opening of the road from 11AM to 1PM on Saturday. RSVP to the Menokin Foundation: 804-333-1776 or menokin@menokin.org. Let us know if you plan to bring your kayak or canoe and join in the inaugural launch from the Menokin shore!

Here is a sneak peak of what to expect along the new trail…

Walk or drive down the trail…
…and enjoy the wildlife and plants along the way.
The parking area provides parking for four vehicles, with one spot reserved for handicapped visitors.
A short walk from the parking area to the water.
View of Menokin Bay from the Menokin kayak launch.

The new access road and canoe launch at Menokin has been made possible thanks to a generous grant from the National Park Service – Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network. The Menokin launch site now includes parking and a turnaround, as well as an improved soft landing for canoes and kayaks into the creek. New interpretive signage for the trail and will help to raise visibility for this important natural resource along the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

Thank you to the National Park Service and to our local community partners who have helped fund this project: Wood Preservers, the Beirne Carter Foundation, Chesapeake Conservancy, Patrick F. Noonan, the National Trust for Historic Places, the Campbell Foundation, and others. We are still looking for donations to help complete our match for this grant. Contact Christina Markish for more information and to pledge your support: 804-333-1776 or cmarkish@menokin.org.