Clendening Lake in Ohio offers a serene paddling experience as one of the quietest Muskingum Watershed Conservation District lakes. Created in the 1930s for flood control, it's now primarily recreational. The lake's undeveloped nature, with most of the shoreline free of roads and cabins, provides a pristine setting. Forested hills rise from the shore, featuring small caves and rock ledges for exploration.

Paddlers can access the lake from three main points: the marina on the south side, a small gravel put-in east of Tippecanoe on the north side, and near the dam on the east end (requiring a steep carry). The dam area offers clean bathrooms, picnic facilities, and a playground, while the marina has more basic amenities.

The lake's 10 hp motor limit ensures a peaceful environment for paddlers, with minimal boat traffic typically limited to a few bass boats and pontoons. Long fingers formed by damming small streams allow paddlers to escape to shallow waters at their ends. The lake's calm, pristine waters make it especially appealing for kayaking.

Clendening Lake's relatively remote location between Tappan Lake to the north and Piedmont Lake to the south contributes to its tranquil atmosphere. Its status as the largest undeveloped lake in Ohio adds to its appeal for nature enthusiasts.

For trip planning, the Muskingum Watershed Conservation District website (www.mwcdlakes.com) provides general information. The "Sportsman's Connection: Southern Ohio Fishing Map Guide" offers detailed maps and additional resources for paddlers exploring this hidden gem in Ohio's outdoor landscape.