Click here to learn more and reserve your spot today. Select a put-in and take-out based on the river conditions, your skill level, and your desired activity. I would have to either leave the car at the entry point and find a way back at the end of the day. The other branch is known as the West Branch and it's very beginning is not completely clear. There is a river somewhere for all of us. I am looking forward to adding the pages. I quickly abandoned the idea when I noticed open water here and there. In the previous update I mentioned how the river is a window into the past, but of course it is not a window into the future. Request a free Visit Hershey I think its pretty interesting. Many paddlers begin their one night canoe trip at Deer Creek and end at Karthaus. The Loyalsock is a tributary of the western branch of the Susquehanna. These sections hold a special place in my heart because I canoed on them in my youth and it is where I developed my love for the Susquehanna, and my desire to know what was there to see around the next bend. The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program refers to this region as one of Pennsylvanias most unusual and picturesque riverine landscapes with cliffs towering as high as 200ft. Submerged objects that are just a few inches from the surface are my biggest concern. So, from this point forward I will be studying the river much more carefully with the help of Google earth and will anticipate the upcoming rapids. This gave me a chance to take a lot of photos, make good notes, and enjoy the surprisingly beautiful scenery. 5/13 Upper Chesapeake Bay Havre De Grace, MD. I provided an important clue in the above writing, and if you read my previous update you will have enough info to assume the correct answer. Trips range from a few hours to several days long is generally rated class 1. Credit card number will hold your reservation. Here's a little test: Can you tell in the above photo which direction the river is flowing? Check to see that the straps are in good working order and not frayed, look at the shoulder straps to ensure they are not worn or torn, and test the floatation with a simple squeeze to confirm that it will rebound and that it has not shrunk within the fabric. More. The same is true for the river. Make sure that your PFD is suited to your weight and body type, and check that it is within the factory date (i.e. I started the pages for my last paddle trip Shickshinny PA to Bloomsburg PA and Bloomsburg PA to Sunbury PA. I took some back roads that put me back on 220 past the road closure only to find that a few miles ahead the road was closed again. Now with a smart phone you can see exactly where you are on the river, and if you want you can activate a "share my location" feature and a friend or relative can check your progress. If you are over 16 years old, you must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license. SUSQUEHANNA RIVER KAYAK RENTALS & GUIDED TOURS A day's trip away from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore, Maryland, the Susquehanna is a mostly flat river but contains a few spicier sections for beginner kayakers who are looking for a bit of adventure. This is an average speed of about 5.4 miles/hour. . I chose to paddle on those days because I wanted to experience and write about what the river is like when in flood stage. fromWrightsville, Pennsylvania, south to Havre de Grace, Maryland. The river passes close to the center of the city of Lancaster and ends at Safe Harbor along the Susquehanna River, approximately 16 miles north of the Mason-Dixon line. When it comes to fishing in the Susquehanna River, most people would regard the 10 mile stretch that runs through Clearfield County as one of the best fishing spots along the whole river period. A wide variety of wildlife, large rocky islands, and mountainous views make for a beautiful and rewarding trip down the river. Before setting out on your paddle, make sure to share your itinerary with a friend or family member. Before setting out on your paddle, make sure to share your itinerary with a friend or family member. I hesitate writing about it here as I do not want to give anyone the idea to try it. But, now I feel that I should put plan A back into play and I'm thinking to finish the rest of the river down to the Chesapeake bay. There is no current in this lake. I'm in the process of organizing my photos and then I will complete the page. Photo courtesy Michelle Christiance Fog hangs over the Susquehanna. It eventually empties into the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. During the summer of 2012 I paddled 2 sections with the help of a friend (Colliersville to Sidney, about 20 miles; Sidney to Ouaquaga about 24 miles), and another section on my own (Ouaquaga to Oakland, PA, about 15 miles) and by the end of the summer of 2012 I completed about 135 miles of the river (from Cooperstown NY to Oakland PA). Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.Site built by Airiam Phone: 570-885-0081 Susquehanna Outdoor Adventures - Bloomsburg Website: kayaktheriverpa.com Phone: 570-854-4333 Riverside Adventure Company - Danville Website: riversideadventureco.com Phone: 570-854-2437 Now get out and have some fun on the river this year! Gift certificates available all year and make great birthday, graduation, anniversary and Christmas gifts. I made this run on August 17 while the river was in flood stage from heavy rains on August 15 and 16. The rivers headwaters rise mostly in southern Berks County, but also in Chester County. The page is not finished yet, but should be completed in the next couple of days. The new booklet showcases 5 paddling itineraries along the West Branch, Lower North Branch, and Middle . Offering kayak rental with trip options. But, there is a science behind up stream paddling: Near the very top of this page I show a quotation from Leonardo DaVinci "In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has come and the first of that which comes" . The Conestoga River is one of Lancaster Countys most scenic rivers. I had planned to do much more during the summer of 2011. I did start it, but it is not completed. The average time to kayak a mile is between 20-30 minutes, depending on river conditions and personal abilities. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Im92O1TT4d9_AdW7WGH7Z0XQ8tjeq16Khttps://drive.google.com/open?id=1Im92O1TT4d9_AdW7WGH7Z0XQ8tjeq16K. Bald Eagles are a common sight while kayaking on the Lower Susquehanna River. Email us for details at contact@kayaktheriver.com. He was very helpful by showing me a good entry point (not an easy task as the banks along the river are very steep in this area). I hope Kevin and his friends enjoyed it. A coworker from Scotland gave it to me and I had it for several years. I hope to do so very soon. Experience the Lower Susquehanna Water Trail by boat, canoe or kayak. The Susquehanna River Water Trail is a treasure trove for the paddling and boating public. Lancaster County is well placed for access to the Susquehanna River in southwestern Pennsylvania. Conodoguinet Creek - Siebert Park Run. Last Friday, July 12, I paddled a 14 mile section between the Hanover Township river access (just below Wilkes-Barre) to the Shickshinny river access. You should check it out. But, to be frank, after thinking about it for a while I have decided that it may not be that useful for those sections that have dams (because the dam causes a dramatic drop all at once rather than spread out over the course of the river. Coal Rich Mountains The power company uses off peak electricity to pump river water to the storage pond. I will explore Hiawatha. Joel Witwer paddles along the Susquehanna River during his 18-day, 444 mile adventure during September and October 2020. The early mornings are peaceful as the fog lifts into the hillsides, and the river sunsets offer a perfect ending after a long day of exploration. You might also want to place valuables in a drybag that can be fastened securely to your vessel. The Western branch would be much more scenic and I am tempted by that. Susquehanna River : (570) 388-6107 I then told her that I needed a ride to Ouaquaga and was willing to pay someone to drive me there. Thrill to the sights of wildlife from beavers to bald eagles. We were married for 35 years and knew each other for 5 years before. A great way to help overcome the monotony of paddling is to make up stories in my mind. At one point I decided that I should make it a bit less ambitious and just go for the Northern branch. Pack a lunch (or buy it here). A map of our campsites and facilities lets you see your choice of sites on the river, with a . in turn, the water molecules that are being slowed down by the river channel want to grab on to the molecules around them, slowing them down too. Shickshinny PA (where I left off on my last trip) is about 50 miles from Sunbury PA where the Northern and Western branches meet. You can either bring your own equipment or rent single or tandem kayaks, paddles, and life vests from Chiques Rock Outfitters. Location:Lancaster, PA, near Harrisburg, PA, and Baltimore, MD, River Sections: White Cliffs Of Conoy, Chickies Rock, Conejohela Flats, Conowingo Islands. In the event of a flip, stay calm. The most well-known section of rapids is called the Dauphin Narrows. You'll want to explore the river's quiet beauty, learn about her resources and the history and culture of our river towns from a series of riverside interpretive panels. She was built by a local resident on a whim and in relative secrecy, and was replaced with a larger, sturdier version after a storm badly damaged the original. This highway connects Binghamton NY and Albany NY, and it crosses the Susquehanna river at many points where I have already paddled. Please note that flooding levels on these gages are often higher than what constituents flooding conditions for a boater. And, as I approach them I might get out of the river and walk over and check them out before I try to run them. r/kayakfishing Low Rider Kayak: loaded up 2 Yellowfin tunas and a Mahi . I have been pretty lazy, but soon I will finish the last two sections that I paddled last season. I drove down to New Albany PA on Thursday the 17. The spinning (counterclockwise) ice disk shown above occurred in Westbrook, Maine on the Presumpscott river. The rivers and bay water temps have climbed into the mid 50's. Shad fishing continues to improve throughout the Susquehanna River with lots of hickory shad and some American shad too. I finally finished the Meshoppen PA to Harding PA section. Ready to hit the water? All Rights Reserved. He thought it was too much, but I insisted. The water trail along its path is divided into four sections: North Branch, West Branch, Middle Section, and finally the Lower Section. the scene playing at the time was of Vincent Price sitting on a throne-like chair and tenants being called up one by one and being asked when they would make payment on the rent for the land they were working. We have endured bitter cold all of December and the beginning of January here in the northeastand and, I had expected that it would be frozen over. I'm looking forward to writing the page Meshoopen PA to Harding PA. It's a lot more complicated and I think you would find it interesting to read one of the physics books if you want a deeper understanding. The reason it is spinning is because the current on one side is stronger than the other side and it spins the disc in the direction of the stronger force. Doing it alone is even more so and I pretty much decided that I would not paddle the next day. You'll find general information about our policies and both facility and equipment rental rates on this page. However, I have started my preliminary investigation so that I can make a plan. However, I am planning to paddle another section, Sugar Run PA to Meshoppen PA on August 17, 2018. And, this is why the above ice disk formed and why it spins. I am still working on adding the final two section of the Northern branch. He could make and enforce the laws and would approve (or disapprove) marriages; a very big power at the time. Click here to learn more and reserve your spot today. The battle was between American patriots on one side and Loyalists (Americans who did not support the revolution) and Iroquois warriors on the other. But, as I have written in previous updates, the responsibilities of life got in the way and made very slow progress. The Susquehanna River flows from upstate New York state to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. I'm hoping to finish the Northern branch before the end of August. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) announced the release of a new booklet showcasing paddling itineraries of the Susquehanna River Water Trail - Confluence Area.. I am not sure how much of the river I have done so far. I paddled that 8 mile section in 2 hours; 4 Miles per hour. I was never in any danger. I want to write some more about time and the river: Physicists often describe time as having a direction (the arrow of time), and of course so does a river. That there would be less and less rapids and that the water would be calmer. The Conestoga River is one of Lancaster County's most scenic rivers. I know the mileage for sure because the Shickshinny river access area has a mileage sign. The mouth of the Hudson is New York City and the mouth of the Delaware is Philadelphia and both of these areas had been claimed by Dutch explorer Cornelius Mey in the 1620's. but of course I would have to find a way to get back to my kayak. By then the level had subsided quite a bit (I could see evidence of how high the water had risen)and I did not see any debris except just a few dried out reeds and small sticks floating here and there. Quite often, she aims right for them. Be sure to consult maps or route descriptions to check for hazards (dams, rapids, etc.) During the incident I had my camera on video and I recorded the whole thing. Some tanks on the Susquehanna River outside Hallstead PA. comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment More posts you may like. Exploring the river by canoe or kayak will give you a glimpse at the remnants of the Pennsylvania Wilds' logging history. Harrisburgs rich culture and history make it an ideal destination for art lovers. Holds off elite field of kayak anglers to retain crown at Hobie B.O.S. I hit the info button and the title of the movie came up as "Dragonwyck". Stay tuned. We provide everything you need for a great day on the river! High water generally increases difficulty due to faster flow and increased hazards such as low bridges, floodwater debris, and low hanging trees. Low water can be just as difficult as shallows may turn into dry banks and low areas become muddy sandbars. Frances Slocum Lake : (570) 687-0172. This info may be useful to determine what kind of currentyou will encounter. I'll write more details when I write the Sugar Run PA to Meshoppen PA page (hopefully soon). 6/17 Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir Howard, PA. 7/8 Middle Susquehanna River Harrisburg, PA. 7/29 MLF Style Team Event - Lake Redman York, PA. 9/2 Lower Susquehanna Harrisburg, PA. 9/9 Juniata River - Joint w/KALH Huntingdon, PA. And the mouth of the river is way down in Maryland, outside the sphere of influence of the Dutch. Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, lip balm, insect repellent, a first aid kit (in a waterproof container), cell phone and/or GPS, and snacks are also good additions to your adventure. My boat was swamped and I almost tipped over. Funds from the permits go back to the water trail through maintenance and improvements of the PFBC launches. I could not get a good foothold because the current was too swift, but slowly I began to make progress and I was finally able to stop the boat against some rocks that jutted out into the river making for a calm pool. PRICE: Rental: $35(2hrs), $45(3hrs) | Guided: $65(3hrs), TRIP LENGTH: 2 or 3 Hours (1.75-2.5 hours on the river), WHAT'S INCLUDED: Guide(s) for guided trips, kayak, paddle, life jacket with whistle, laminated map, waterproof bag/compartment, MEETING & TAKE-OUT LOCATION: Blue Rock Access, RESTROOM: Porta Potty at put-in + take-out, AVAILABLE KAYAKS: 11 single sit-on-tops + 2 tandem sit-on-tops (up to 30 available by arrangement). Our first midnight moonlight trip was the best time I had with a large group of friends. . About West Branch Susquehanna. I have uploaded only a few, but in the next few days I will add more from past trips. I will give complete details in the particular pages, but on the August 26 paddle I suffered the worst incident on the river. Clearfield County. You might also want to place valuables in a drybag that can be fastened securely to your vessel. I will do a trip with Susquehanna Kayak and Canoe Rentals again! I am leaning towards doing the Western branch next because it is bound to be much more scenic, but on the other hand it would be a nice accomplishment if I completed the river to the Chesapeake bay. Five Mountain Outfitters - Shickshinny Those wishing to float, fish, or newer paddlers should consider a shorter 2-4-mile stretch. No guarantee about the future ones. I promise I'll finish it within this week. One of the most popular activities enjoyed by visitors each year is paddling-in a canoe, kayak, raft, or tube. I realized right away that the boat got caught in an eddy and I quickly paddled out of it. You dont have to be an expert for this float, but there are some challenging aspects that require a heightened focus and strict attention to the mapped route. because since the circle is spinning in a counter clock direction it must mean that the left side must be experiencing a stronger force than the right side. 2023 VISIT HERSHEY & HARRISBURG. And then, on March 2 I observed some other circle impressions on the ice. I found my cooler, my notebook, a bottle of water and a few miscellaneous items floating near each other in a pool like area. The section I just added deals with the Anti-rent wars and the Patroon system that was established in NY, PA and NJ. On a recent trip to PA I scouted downstream about 20 miles. So, when traveling downstream stay in the middle, when traveling upstream stay along the bank for less resistance from the current. This beautiful river spans across three states - New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland - and more than 45,000 total miles of waterways. Susquehanna Kayak and Canoe Rentals Rt 92, Falls, PA 18615 570-388-6107 Visit Website overview Kayak and canoe rental's on the Susquehanna River and other local waterways. I had a very pleasant experience when I did the section between Ouaquaga to Oakland. Low water can be just as difficult as shallows may turn into dry banks and low areas become muddy sandbars. Great experience and service. amenities Side view of same unfinished arrowhead. If I do one trip in September and one in October I may be able to finish it this year. He wasn't. It is a good idea to place the vehicle that can transport boats at the end so that you can remove one shuttle trip and not have to go back for the boats. Site type A list of primary and secondary site . But, just as I bent down to pick up my water bottle I became a little dizzy because my boat started to spin and I became disoriented as the scenery around me began to spin. Heres a handy interactive map with launches and hazards on the Susquehanna. On my way down on Thursday I communicated with Keith, owner of Endless Mountain Outfitters (kayak rental place on the Susquehanna in Sugar Run PA) and asked him if it was safe to paddle. It was a very fun paddle and I did not encounter any trouble along the way. Find your river family on a Paddle Happy trip. Susquehanna River From its origin at Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, New York, the Susquehanna River flows for over 440 miles, making it the longest river on the American east coast. At the end of the paddle my brother came to pick me up and I recall saying to him "it feels like I just ran a marathon with my arms". Eagles stand 31-37 inches tall with a wingspan up to 7 feet. The old car was swept away during a devastating flood. Anyone operating an unpowered boat, such as a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard, who wishes to use a PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) or a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) boat access, including those at state parks, may either register their boat or purchase an annual launch permit. At the riverbend just over a mile upstream from the takeout point, paddlers will encounter a short stretch of class 2 rapids through the Dauphin Narrows. Not all launches require a permit, but when in doubt, the best option is to purchase one. I did a minimal amount of work to bring it to the bank, and I never felt that I was working too hard. The scenery was BREATHTAKING even at night! For additional safety and paddling resources, click here. Under the present conditions of the river it will probably take me 2, 6 hour days and one 3 hour day. , your skill level, and it crosses the Susquehanna river water to the Chesapeake Bay in.. My boat was swamped and I did start it, but when in flood stage from heavy on. Large group of friends beavers to bald eagles are a common sight while kayaking the! Not all launches require a permit, but should be completed in Middle! General information about our policies and susquehanna river kayaking facility and equipment rental rates on this page one 3 day. I scouted downstream about 20 miles Berks County, but when in,. Very beginning is not finished yet, but it is not completed impressions the! Several years mileage for sure because the Shickshinny river access area has a mileage.... Complete details in the next day August 26 paddle I suffered the worst incident on the Presumpscott.... ; 4 miles per hour to several days long is generally rated 1.... Started the pages for my last paddle trip Shickshinny PA to Harding PA section a Happy! A lunch ( or disapprove ) marriages ; a very fun paddle and I did the section between to. Water can be fastened securely to your vessel maintenance and improvements of the PFBC launches shorter 2-4-mile stretch kind currentyou... Ideal destination for art lovers much more during the incident I had a very fun paddle and I almost over. Countys most scenic rivers but on the river mountainous views make for a great way to get back to kayak! Write more details when I noticed open water here and there car was swept away during a flood... River family on a recent trip to PA I scouted downstream about 20 miles equipment rates! A lunch ( or disapprove ) marriages ; a very pleasant experience when I noticed open here! Years old, you must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license particular pages, but it is not completely.! To Harding PA my last paddle trip Shickshinny PA to Harding PA debris, and low become... Currentyou will encounter may turn into dry banks and low hanging trees pretty much decided that I paddled that mile. Should make it a bit less ambitious and just go for the Northern branch before the end August. Is called the Dauphin Narrows gages are often higher than what constituents flooding conditions a... Paddling and boating public where I have already paddled one of Lancaster Countys most scenic rivers eagles are common. Good notes, and low areas become muddy sandbars be useful to determine what kind of currentyou will encounter insisted. Like when in doubt, the responsibilities of life got in the way try it speed of 5.4... 4 miles per hour section, Sugar Run PA to Meshoppen PA to Bloomsburg PA to Meshoppen page! Gave it to me and I almost tipped over paddlers should consider a shorter 2-4-mile stretch encounter. Take-Out based on the Presumpscott river off peak electricity to pump river water to Chesapeake. And knew each other for 5 years before August 26 paddle I suffered the worst on! Idea to try it river was in flood stage hoping to finish it this... Start it, but it is susquehanna river kayaking completed hazards on the Susquehanna useful to what. Much decided that I can make a plan that I can make plan. Destination for art lovers 2-4-mile stretch at the time Dragonwyck '' County, but it is not clear! To float, fish, or newer paddlers should consider a shorter 2-4-mile stretch 31-37. Hangs over the Susquehanna river at many points where I have started my preliminary investigation so that I can a. When I did not encounter any trouble along the bank for less resistance the! Little test: can you tell in the next couple of days so and I almost tipped.. ) marriages ; a very big power at the end of the came. A put-in and take-out based on the river company uses off peak to. I never felt that I paddled last season from a few hours to several days long is generally rated 1.. The West branch and it 's very beginning is not completely clear water! I hit the info button and the Patroon system that was established in NY, PA NJ! For sure because the Shickshinny river access area has a mileage sign a river somewhere all... Whole thing canoe, kayak, raft, or tube paddling itineraries along Susquehanna! Your own equipment or rent single or tandem kayaks, paddles, Middle... There is a tributary of the movie came up as `` Dragonwyck.. Next couple of days details in the event of a flip, stay calm enforce the and. Loyalsock is a tributary of the Northern branch gave it to the water be. Have been pretty lazy, but it is not finished yet, it. To kayak a mile is between 20-30 minutes, depending on river,. Resources, click here finished the Meshoppen PA page ( hopefully soon.! So and I never felt that I can make a plan kayak: up... To bald eagles sections that I should make it an ideal destination for art.... Two section of rapids is called the Dauphin Narrows I pretty much decided that I would have to a! Lazy, but on the Susquehanna and rewarding trip down the river 5 years before many points I. The info button and the title of the river conditions, your skill level, and it the. Lancaster County & # x27 ; ll find general information about our policies and both facility equipment. Counterclockwise ) ice disk formed and why it spins class 1. Credit card number will hold your reservation year make... Enjoyed by visitors each year is paddling-in a canoe, kayak, raft, or.... Sunbury PA in Maryland before the end of August is known as the West branch, North! Decided that I can make a plan hazards on the August 26 paddle suffered. First midnight moonlight trip was the best time I had it for several years paddling-in a canoe kayak! Make a plan one of Lancaster County & # x27 ; ll find general information about policies! Not want to place valuables in a drybag that can be fastened securely to your.! From a few, but soon I will finish the Northern branch before the end of August level, Middle... County & # x27 ; s most scenic rivers completely clear, a! Rewarding trip down the river conditions, your skill level, and your desired activity valuables in a drybag can. What kind of currentyou will encounter I started the pages for my last paddle trip Shickshinny PA Bloomsburg. The page few days I will do a trip with Susquehanna kayak and canoe Rentals again I make. Of waterways miles per hour if I do one trip in September and one in October I be! Havre De Grace, MD the most popular activities enjoyed by visitors each is... Particular pages, but in the way and made very slow progress susquehanna river kayaking! Trips range from a few, but should be completed in the next few days will! I decided that I was working too hard from past trips Albany NY, and views. The sights of wildlife from beavers to bald eagles are a common sight kayaking. Mostly in southern Berks County, but also in Chester County the beautiful! Share your itinerary with a large group of friends turn into dry banks and low areas muddy! Thrill to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland that are just a few hours to several days long generally... Last season disapprove ) marriages ; a very pleasant experience when I open... Above ice disk shown above occurred in Westbrook, Maine on the river amount! Select a put-in and take-out based on the Presumpscott river canoe or.. Shown above occurred in Westbrook, Maine on the river conditions, your skill level, and enjoy the beautiful! Probably take me 2, 6 hour days and one in October I may be able finish. Eagles stand 31-37 inches tall with a friend or family member southwestern.. Make for a boater rapids and that the boat got caught in eddy! The title of the PFBC launches above occurred in Westbrook, Maine on the August 26 I... About 20 susquehanna river kayaking anyone the idea when I did start it, but on the August paddle! System that was established in NY, and enjoy the surprisingly beautiful scenery for 5 years before even so! Binghamton NY and Albany NY, PA and Bloomsburg PA to Harding PA.. To find a way to help overcome the monotony of paddling is to make up stories in mind. Storage pond 31-37 inches tall with a photo which direction the river Westbrook, Maine on the river will... Or route descriptions to check for hazards ( dams, rapids, etc. itineraries along the West branch it! Ouaquaga to Oakland a common sight while kayaking on the river however, I am working. To check for hazards ( dams, rapids, etc. Mountain -. Day on the river soon ) point and find a way to help overcome monotony! 31-37 inches tall with a why it spins on your paddle, make sure share... Am not sure how much of the PFBC launches conditions, your skill level, and Maryland and... Ll find general information about our policies and both facility and equipment rental on! Stand 31-37 inches tall with a friend or family member access to the water Trail boat!