Last Minute Laid Back Little Seneca Lake Paddle

There might be a fee to paddle here, about $5.00 per person/boat.

Laid Back Paddles: These paddles will be calm, short, and slow! These paddles will have more of an exploring nature and relaxation feel to them. Any length of kayak would be welcome, (no inflatables) and any level of paddling skill. These are for people who want to stop and smell the roses. Distances will be based on the individual groups.

Make sure to bring lots of water, sunscreen, and snacks. We will stop for a snack break on a small "beach". Feel free to bring something yummy to share. Afterwards we will mostly like stop for an early dinner/drinks somewhere nearby.

Remember that 10:30 is the on the water time. Please plan on being there by at least 10:00 am to unload and get your gear ready.

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A PFD AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL SAFETY.

You must have your own equipment and kayak for this paddle. The Organizers and Event Hosts of Wicked Fun Kayakers look out for our paddlers, but we are not trained experts in rescuing paddlers. All trips are organized by volunteers who are experienced kayakers but not professionals or qualified rescue experts. You are responsible for your own personal safety.

# The History of Little Seneca Lake

written by Susan Soderberg December 4, 2021
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Families picnicking, children cavorting on the playgrounds, teens paddling around the lake in kayaks and fishermen dropping their lures hoping for a bite, summer is here at Black Regional Hill Park. Black Hill and Little Seneca Lake, forming the northern border of Germantown, is a well-used recreational area, especially on these hot summer days. But the lake was not created only for having fun. It is an emergency water supply for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, the Washington Aqueduct, and the Fairfax County Water Authority in Virginia.
Little Seneca Lake is fed by the flow from Little Seneca Creek and its two main tributaries, Ten Mile Creek and Cabin Branch (“branch” being another word for stream). Native Americans used these waterways for fishing and had hunting camps in the surrounding hills. The first European settlers set up many mills along the fast-flowing streams. Farms were built and the little village of Ten Mile Creek had a school and Pyles grist and saw mill. After the train came through in 1873 people would come up from Washington in the summer to vacation in the country at several hotels in the area. One hotel on Ten Mile Creek that was not affected by the creation of the lake because of being situated on high ground is the 22-room High View Hotel, now a county historic site.