Things to do / Travel Guide
Susquehanna River
Slow and easy kayaking along scenic stretches of the Susquehanna River in the central part of eastern Pennsylvania is one choice, ideal for a family day trip or an overnight group outing. A typical day trip could start in Duncannon and end in Marysville (8 miles, 3-5 hours), while overnight and longer trips start 15-50 miles further upstream. One- and two-person recreational kayak rentals cost about $30-$40.
Pike County
Lake Wallenpaupack is a popular spot for paddling and kayaking. A man-made lake built in 1927 by the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company for hydroelectric power, this is the largest lake in eastern Pennsylvania. The lake spans 5,700 acres, is 13½ miles long, and 60 feet deep, with 52 miles of shoreline.
Northeast Mountain Area
Kayak trips are popular on the Delaware River through the beautiful Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Trip length can range from a half-day to multi-day canoe camping trips. The crystal-clear waters, with islands and beaches in the area, offer unlimited opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking along the way. This route is suitable for beginner-level to advanced-level kayakers.
Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Canoe Club, in the Fairmount Park area, holds scheduled excursions along local streams and rivers, such as the Schuylkill, Wissahickon Creek, and the Delaware River. The club organizes leisurely trips conducive to sightseeing along with more challenging attempts to conquer the whitewater rapids of the area.
Brandywine River Valley
You can rent a canoe and equipment in Wilmington, Delaware, start paddling down the Delaware River on the Pennsylvania side, and get picked up downstream two hours later in Delaware. The river does most of the work, leaving you free to enjoy the view of Brandywine Creek State Park, where you might see deer, blue herons, turtles, carp, and bass.
Many of the popular kayaking sites in the region are located within national and state parks, so check with the state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) or the National Park Service (NPS) for seasonal water conditions and the best location to suit your experience.
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