160-mile paddle from Mount Vernon, Ohio, to Marietta, Ohio. We would like to dedicate the 2025 paddle in honor of Douglas McLarnan from Mount Vernon, Ohio, who was sadly taken from us on March 15th, 2024.
In 1970, as a student reporter, Doug witnessed the chaos that unfolded at Kent State. This experience helped shape a life dedicated to public service. He joined the Army in 1972, becoming a nuclear weapons specialist stationed in South Korea, where he and his wife Wendy volunteered at a leprosy colony, delivering food and supplies.
In 1974, Doug earned an honorable discharge and embarked on a life rich in public service and volunteerism. As a social worker, he dedicated himself to improving the lives of many children. He also found time to serve as a volunteer EMT and firefighter, where he and his longtime friend, Berry, responded to emergencies and fondly reminisced about the time they nearly lost control of a cabin fire during training.
Throughout the years, Doug continued his service with the Knox County Parks District, where he served on the Waterways Safety Board and the ACA Advisory Board. He was also a founding board member of the Kokosing Gap Trail and volunteered with Paddle for Heroes, among many other contributions.
This event is a challenging 160-mile paddle designed for reflection and outreach. Participants will paddle approximately 30 miles each day for up to 12 hours daily.
The first nine veterans or first responders who commit will have their room paid for at the Lafayette Hotel on Friday night, May 23rd, in Marietta.
Only 30 paddle spots will be available. Veterans, first responders, and their paddle partners will receive priority.
Non-veterans and first responders who would like to attend should contact Paddle for Heroes Vice President Joey Butts via text at 740-258-2127 or by email at
cGFkZGxlZm9yaGVyb2VzdXNhIHwgZ21haWwgISBjb20= Please reach out for volunteer opportunities or any questions you may have.
Please sign up by clicking the button. The cut-off date for sign-ups is May 9th.
The paddle includes five nights of camping, with stops at a restaurant in Zanesville and various campgrounds along the route.
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Mount Vernon, Workshops in Mount Vernon.
