BEGINNER Accessing French Creek in Crawford County photo-Marilyn Black by Marilyn Black A 28 float on French Creek, Crawford County, treats paddlers to all the offerings of Pennsylvania's 2022 River of the Year. The pristine water provides abundant recreational opportunities and encounters with some of the most biologically diverse aquatic wildlife and plants east of the Mississippi River. The French Creek Valley Conservancy (FCVC) works to protect the watershed and develop the French Creek Water Trail. " A goal for FCVC is to have an access location every 5 miles along this community treasure, " said Brenda Costa, FCVC Executive Director. State, municipal, and nonprofitowned launch areas come close to achieving such intervals along the 42-mile stretch within Crawford County from Cambridge Springs to Cochranton. Pennsylvania Angler & Boater When to paddle A frequent sojourner, Costa stays off French Creek when it is 5 feet or above at the Meadville United States Geological Survey gage. Most of the creek is good for kayaking as low as 1.7 feet, with a little scraping and possibly walking. However, she recommends keeping canoes off the creek when it is below 2 feet. More information French Creek Valley Conservancy 814-337-4321 frenchcreekconservancy.org Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Northwest Region Office 814-336-2426 fishandboat.com fishandboat.comhttp://frenchcreekconservancy.org http://fishandboat.com http://www.fishandboat.com