schuylkill river kayak trip

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Kayak the Schuylkill River in PA's Americana Region

Young Daniel Boone once roamed the woods that pass by on either side of my kayak. His homestead, where he lived until he was 10-years-old, is located right here in Pennsylvania's Americana Region, near this section of the Schuylkill River. After his chores were done he took every opportunity to be in the wilderness, hunting, and tracking and honing the skills he was so famous for…even fishing this very same stretch of river. He preferred this to sitting in a classroom. This stretch hasn’t changed much in the past 250 years since he ran these woods…only the addition of a summer bungalow and a bridge or two.

My family and I have come to this pretty stretch of the Schuylkill River to paddle from the villages of Gibralter to Monocacy, a distance of a little over 6 miles. (The village of Birdsboro and the Daniel Boone Homestead lie just west of the river.) We have chosen this stretch because the river’s difficulty is rated A-1. And , we have chosen this stretch of river to paddle because of the spirits of those who came before us. This particular piece of river is steeped in history.

Pennsylvania rivers are rated on a scale of A-5; Class 5 being life-threatening; Class 1 has short, straightforward riffles with waves less than 1 foot high; a Class A rating is flat water. The lovely thing about this stretch of the Schuylkill is that you don’t have to wear yourself out paddling, as the current is lively. You can relax and concentrate on steering, make adjustments in your boats’ course, learn to control where you go.

The river is fairly wide here- about 50 yards, except where the river braids and gives you a choice of going around islands. At these spots, the riverbanks move in closer and the land feels more intimate. You can examine huge gnarly tree roots as the trees struggle to remain upright while the river cuts beneath them. The roots look like intertwined arms and legs, extending five feet down from the tree. It gives us a better idea of what a tree’s root system looks like beneath the surface.

My daughter paddles ahead, chasing a great blue heron off its nest and then continues down the river. There are a few sets of riffles on this stretch which are just enough of a challenge to make you focus and paddle and steer and make you feel exhilarated. We whoop it up but a train whistle from the bank competes with our joyous hollering.

Before the European settlers arrived at the banks of the Schuylkill, there were Native American encampments on both sides of the river. Longhouses and smoke from wood fires curling through the air would be the sight a river traveler would see back then. Those early river travelers used hollowed out trees as their boats, however. Even now, if you plow the fields along the Schuylkill, you can turn up arrowheads. William Penn’s diaries spoke of traveling to this part of the river to trade with the Indian chiefs.

But it was the Swedes, who first came to live along this stretch of the Schuylkill, arriving in 1701. The oldest house in Berks County is the Mavis Jones House, 1716, still standing tall along the river near here. The Swedes were water people, they used the river to fish and to float goods down river on flatboats.

A train passes by on the riverbank, blowing its whistle as it approaches Birdsboro. Hay Creek comes in here, a well-known trout stream. There are lots of fish in the Schuylkill, particularly famous for its large quantity of smallmouth bass. Before the river was dammed, shad ran up the river from the ocean, which is what brought the Boones and the early settlers onto the river.

The town of Birdsboro evolved into a steel town when founder William Bird, an early Irish immigrant, established a forge here. It grew into a flourishing and prominent iron industry, the Bird Iron Works. His son, Mark Bird, built Hopewell Furnace. The pig iron manufactured here was taken in heavy carts to the Schuylkill River to be floated downstream to Philadelphia. The Schuylkill River contributed a huge part to fueling the Industrial Revolution, moving the coal from the north to Philadelphia and it was a very necessary means of transportation. Today, we are on it chiefly for recreation and to reminisce about the past.

The only “hazard” on this stretch of the Schuylkill River is the bridge at Birdsboro. You must stay to the left when you go under the bridge abutments, not the extreme left and never the center or the right. The last famous person to inhabit this stretch of river is the great great grandfather of Abraham Lincoln. Mordechai Lincoln built a two-story farmhouse in 1725 and raised his family on the homestead. It is still standing near Loraine up the Monocacy Creek in Exeter Township, on the east side of the river.

Learning about all the famous people who lived along these shores and getting a little insight into the history of the Schuylkill, just made this stretch of river our favorite. What better place to make a little history for our own family.

Fall rains often see higher water levels and enable the paddler to once again get out on the river. This section of the Schuylkill River is usually runnable at this time of year. If you are new to paddling, it might be best to wait until summer to begin practicing when the water and the air temperature is warmer, in the event of capsizing. Before you set off down a moving river, you should feel very comfortable paddling and steering around a lake.

A wonderful resource for advice, workshops and a schedule of outings is the Keystone Canoe Club.

If you’d like the company and the security of a group, join the Schuylkill Sojourn, a 6- day river trip sponsored by the Schuylkill River Greenway Association,  that takes place every June. Participants can sign up for a day, a few days, or the entire trip.

Lisa Haggerty

Kayak Tours of the Schuylkill River

A beloved summer tradition, kayak tours of the Schuylkill River start their summer schedule today.  This professionally guided tour of the tidal Schuylkill includes equipment rental, 1/2 hour of instruction and 1 hour on the river. The tour departs from the Walnut Street Dock. Individual and tandem kayaks are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Tours are led by Hidden River Outfitters and are age-restricted.

Dates: Many dates available starting June 8th! Click "Learn More" below for full calendar...

Location: Schuylkill River Trail under the Walnut Street Bridge on the east bank of the Schuylkill River

Under Walnut Street Bridge 2427-31 Walnut St, Philadelphia , PA 19103 United States

Make today an adventure

Your next adventure is a click away. explore the schuylkill river water and land trail with activities such as bicycling and paddling. go schuylkill greenways makes it possible with featured excursions, equipment rentals, lessons, guides and more..

Explore the Schuylkill River Trail on two wheels with a bike ride

Paddle along the Schuylkill River with a kayaking trip

Pedal & Paddle

Combine both adventurous activities with a special pedal & paddle event

#DIY Trail Excursions

Want to experience the Schuylkill River Trail and the towns along it but don’t know where to start?? NO WORRIES. Click the button below for three Do-It-Yourself Trail Excursions complete with directions on how to get on the trail, parking details, and suggested stops for refreshments. ENJOY!!!

ABOUT GO SCHUYLKILL GREENWAYS

The mission of Schuylkill River Greenways NHA is to connect people and communities to the river and the trail. The boundaries of the Schuylkill River and Schuylkill River Trail cross five counties in Pennsylvania (Schuylkill, Berks, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia), making both a natural connector of the communities in these areas. Schuylkill River Greenways wanted to explore how the organization could assist in creating an industry of recreational hubs throughout towns along the river. The hubs would allow more people to do fun and adventurous activities even if they don’t own equipment such as a bike or kayak because rentals would be available. Schuylkill River Greenways partnered with two local outfitters to kick start such a hub system which is now being called “Go Schuylkill Greenways.” Take It Outdoors Adventures organizes group kayaking trips and more. Riverbend Cycles is a full-service bike shop and offers weekly community rides. Go Schuylkill Greenways features programming information from these two outfitters as well as recreational programs offered through Schuylkill River Greenways. The vision is that eventually there will be a system of hubs along the entire Schuylkill River where people can easily rent a bike or kayak, stop at a local eatery for a meal, and explore attractions in nearby towns.

ongoing events

#recoverywednesday at riverbend cycles.

WHEN: Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. 

WHERE:  Riverbend Cycles – 1 Station Avenue, Conshohocken, PA 19428

ROUTE: 19 – 25 miles to Valley Forge and back. Ends at Conshohocken Brewing Company

Pottstown Rental Station on Saturdays & Sundays

Through the Take It Outdoors Adventure company, a rental service is offered every week. Individual have the opportunity to rent both bicycles and kayaks for the day with a shuttle service provided as well. It’s recommended to make a reservation to ensure space

WHEN:   Every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

WHERE: Pottstown Riverfront Park – 140 College Drive, Pottstown, PA 19464

ROUTE: There are several choices depending on preference and which activities are being done

Saturday Wiss Ride with Riverbend Cycles

WHEN: Every Saturday at 4 p.m. 

WHERE:  Boy Scout Camp at Wigard and Henry Avenue in Philadelphia

ROUTE:  Varies depending on the group

Pedal & paddles

Our Pedal and Paddle events are back for 2018! And this year, we have more options than ever before, with an event focused on water quality monitoring, two that feature tours of historic Morlatton Village and two that takes place at Lock 60 of the Schuylkill Canal. All Pedal & Paddles take place from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays, except for an evening ride on July 26

thank you to our generous sponsors

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Kayak Rentals and Tours on the Schuylkill River

Try one of our kayaking adventures, guided or self-guided, fit for any nature-lover. Leave your daily worries behind at the shores and banks as you immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery and wildlife surrounding the refreshing and tranquil waterways. Our kayaking tours are available for all levels, including first-time kayakers.

Kayak Rentals and Tours

Kayak Rentals

4 Kayak Rental Options

Prefer trips without a guide? Choose from 4 kayak rental trips on the Schuylkill River that range from 3hr. to 5hrs. Paddle downstream leisurely at your own pace enjoying wildlife sightings and the beautiful tree-lined scenery. These kayak adventures travel through beautiful river towns such as Birdsboro, Douglassville, Pottstown, Mont Clare, Phoenixville, and Valley Forge.

Guided Kayak Tours

6 Unique Kayak Tours

Explore beautiful sections of the Schuylkill River Water Trail that meander through and connect the river towns of Birdsboro, Douglassville, Pottstown, Mont Clare, Phoenixville and Valley Forge. With calm flat water, an abundant wildlife sightings and banks lined with a dense forested tree-line, you'll be sure to get the full experience of kayaking the "Hidden River." 

A short but sweet 3-hour kayak paddle trip that introduces you to the wild beauty of the Schuylkill River outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Calm, slow-moving water, a diversity of stately trees lining the banks, birds soaring above, great blue heron stalking fish in the shallows, and hopeful sightings of animals like eagles, turtles, frogs, and fish make for a relaxing day outside and on the water.

TRIP TYPE: Guided and Rentals

PRICE: Rental: $45 | Guided: $65  

TRIP LENGTH: 3 hours (1.5-2 hours on the water)

WHAT'S INCLUDED: Guide(s), kayak, paddle, life jacket with whistle, laminated map, waterproof bag and compartment

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner

MEETING & TAKE-OUT LOCATION: Pottstown Riverfront Park

PUT IN LOCATION: Ganshahawny Park

SHUTTLE: 10 minute shuttle is provided from Pottstown Riverfront Park to Ganshahawny Park

RESTROOM: Porta Potty at put-in + take-out

AVAILABLE KAYAKS: 13 single sit-ins + 2 tandem sit-on-tops (up to 30 available by arrangement). FAQs for details

Starting your 5-hour kayaking tour from Union Meadows Park, enjoy the tranquil Schuylkill River as it takes you through rural Berks County. At the halfway point, stop at peaceful Ganshahawny Park for a snack, bathroom, and stretching break. Continue downriver as you enter Chester County and paddle to Pottstown Riverfront Park. For this trip, there are no guided options, but you can take advantage of our rental kayaks and enjoy the sights on your own.

TRIP TYPE: Rentals only

PRICE: Rental: $65  

TRIP LENGTH: 5 hours (3-4 hours on the water)

WHAT'S INCLUDED: Kayak, paddle, life jacket with whistle, laminated map, waterproof bag and compartment

PUT IN LOCATION: Union Meadows Park

SHUTTLE: 14 minute shuttle provided from Pottstown Riverfront Park to Union Meadows Park

Union Meadows Park (Birdsboro) to Riverfront Park (Pottstown) - 5 Hours

Schuylkill River Water Trail

Debris pileups block access through bridges in schuylkill county  .

• This notice was  posted on July 4, 2020 & may not be current

The Schuylkill River begins at its headwaters in the mountains near the tiny coal-region town of Tuscarora, PA and flows southeasterly for 137 miles through Schuylkill, Berks, Montgomery, Chester, and Philadelphia Counties on its way to its confluence with the Delaware River. The Schuylkill River Watershed is the most densely-populated region in Pennsylvania. Over 3.2 million people live, work, and play in this 1,700-square mile area (over 1.2 million acres). Almost one-third of the state’s population lives within its boundaries and nearly 25% of the U.S. population lives within a five-hour drive of the Schuylkill.

The Schuylkill River Water Trail is a paddler’s destination, but recreational motorboaters, water skiers and rowers will also find many places to enjoy the Water Trail. Some of the Schuylkill’s tributaries and nearby lakes also offer public access.

Use the links below to see more details about each section of the Water Trail.

Paddling the Schuylkill River can be a fun way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Public access points to the Schuylkill are marked as landings on the Schuylkill River Water Trail. These locations are publicly owned and maintained and meet Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission standards. Look for the oval medallion at these launch points. The river can be shallow and rocky at spots, so please be sure to check the water levels in the area you wish to paddle before putting in. Also, please note that there are several dams on the Schuylkill, and paddlers are required by law to portage around these dams. Portages can be lengthy in unimproved locations.

To gauge how much time it takes to paddle from one landing to the other, consult the water trail map to calculate the river miles from point A to B. Typically 4 river miles will take a little more than an hour under normal flow conditions. Or, visually gauge the speed of the river. The average person walks at 3 miles per hour. Is the river moving slower or faster than you can walk?

The maps included on this website are from the printed guide A Paddler’s Guide to the Schuylkill River Water Trail .

Water Trail Plans & Studies

Schuylkill River Water Trail Access Project Priorities 2019

(Click the image below to view document) 

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Last updated: October 15, 2018

Kayaking Lessons

From: $ 115.00

Looking to learn how to kayak Rivers and/or Lakes? Or teach one of your own who wants to learn the sport? Kayak classes & instruction with Top Water aim to give beginners the skills and confidence necessary to Kayak & Kayak Fish safely on solo ventures. Kayaks & gear are provided or bring your own kayak. Learn kayaking skills, boat control, how to read Rivers, dealing with current, and all the beginner kayaking principles.

Type: Kayak Lessons- Schuylkill River | 1/2 Day (+$150.00) Kayaking Lessons | Schuylkill River | Full Day (+$235.00) Kayaking Lessons | Schuylkill River | 6 Hr Day (+$185.00) Kayaking Lessons- Lake (+$115.00)

Times are in America/New York

• Choose a date above to see available times.

Description

River kayaking lessons.

Learn how to Kayak on the Mighty Schuylkill River with Top Water Trips. Or learn to navigate a lake near you! Marsh Creek and Blue Marsh are lakes we guide and teach on often! Exploring nature in a kayak is a healthy and fun way to enjoy the outdoors. Our Kayaking Lesson/ Course begins with a brief introduction and safety talk from your guide and instructor. We will outfit you with a personal flotation device (PFD), kayak and paddling equipment, and teach you everything we know about setting up your kayak. Then, you’ll receive instruction on a variety of paddling techniques.

Moving water always adds variety to your kayaking lessons and there is nothing more soothing than floating through the swift and scenic waterways of the Schuylkill River System. Read our River Kayaking Tips below and book a River Kayaking Lesson today All necessary gear and instruction will be provided on-site! Gain the confidence to kayak safely and efficiently on Class I & II River systems!

Lake Kayaking Lessons-

Take Your Lake Kayaking Lesson on the lake of your choice! Check out to Our Waters find a lake near you that we teach on

The lessons will cover:

• Introduction to kayaks and basic equipment
• Entering, exiting, and maneuvering the boat
• Basic paddle strokes

River Kayaking Tips

Get educated.

Call the local livery to see if they offer guided trips or get in touch with a kayak school for some beginner river kayaking lessons.

River Reading

When beginners look at a river, they just see moving water. But with some training, you’ll be able to recognize changes in current from afar, submerged rocks and trees (strainers), and places where it’s safe to rest and regroup (eddies are usually a good spot).

If you’re paddling a river for the first time, go with a friend who has paddled the river before. Whether or not they’re an expert, you can at least rely on them for the inside scoop as you paddle.

Check the Weather Before You Go

Ferry gliding.

Ferry Gliding is a skill useful in whitewater paddling and recreational boating which will increase your control over the river. Perfecting ferry gliding will allow you to move across the river without being carried downstream…

To Learn More About River Kayaking Give us a call and book your Lesson

Want to learn how to Kayak Fish or Kayak Fly Fish ?

Weekends Booked Full until Early June | Weekday Avaibility starts in May | Hot Trips Now | Fly Fishing, Smallmouth, Catfish Dismiss

Open Weekends by Timed Reservations Only | Trips start & end at our location

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9-mile Schuylkill River Kayak Trip

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This 3-4 hour (may be longer, based on water levels), 9-mile trip offers a bit of everything, with some class 1-2 rapids, followed by smooth water for the remainder of the trip. Please review the SRG's write-up with recommendations on how to best navigate the first mile of this trip, starting from Poplar Neck:  https://schuylkillriver.org/trailpress_itin/kerpers-landing-to-gibraltar-bridge/

Equipment Options Sit-in or Sit-on top kayaks.

Trip Recommendations

• Pack a cooler for a picnic or snack along the way
• Wear sturdy sandals for better traction and foot safety
• Stay safe from the sun with hats, sunglasses and sunscreen

Price is per person.

Additional Info Intermediate level - has some class 1-2 rapids in first mile or so of the trip (dependent on water levels) Rentals include life jacket and paddle. Parental consent required for 17 and under. 

Note:  Recommended for experienced paddlers only, parental discretion required.

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Schuylkill River Trip

Join the staff of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network for a guided paddle along the Schuylkill River on Saturday, October 15 (rain date October 16). This trip is a great opportunity to paddle Pennsylvania’s first Scenic River as well as to learn about the issues we are working on in the middle Schuylkill

On this 10-mile trip, you can expect to see turtles, egrets, and herons. The timing of this trip also means we may also see migrating birds. We will also learn how the legacy of coal mining can still be seen in this section of the river, and we will discuss current threats to this reach which include a natural gas power plant, power lines, and a gas pipeline.

This trip, which will take approximately 4 hours, is a flat-water paddle that is suitable paddlers, age 18 and older, of all abilities. Plan to bring water, snacks/lunch, sunscreen, and a dry bag. Wear shoes that can get wet (not flip flops).

Registration is required for this trip. Single kayak rental is available and includes paddle and PFD (life jacket).

Register here

Guided paddle with kayak rental: $75

Guided paddle with shuttle: $40

Rentals and shuttles will be provided by Take It Outdoors Adventures .

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Mother's Day Riverboat & Kayak Tours

Take mom on a tour of the tidal Schuylkill River this Mother's Day! Sit back and relax in a 1920s style mini commuter yacht or experience the river in a kayak. Either way, you will see spectacular views of the tidal river and city skyline.

Body of missing kayaker found in Schuylkill River in Upper Merion Township, police say

U PPER MERION TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) -- The body of a kayaker who went missing in the Schuylkill River in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, was found on Thursday, police said. 

The 70-year-old man has been missing since Monday, April 29, after he went on a fishing trip on his kayak, police said. The man's identity isn't known at this time. 

Police said the man's body was found at 5:50 p.m. on Thursday by a fire department marine unit and turned over to the Montgomery County Coroner's Office. 

Police said he launched his kayak on Monday at the Upper Merion Boathouse at 400 Falls View Drive and that he posted a selfie on social media while he was traveling on the river in the boat.

On Monday at around 2 p.m., authorities said Upper Merion Township police received a call from a resident a mile away from the boathouse about a man calling for help in the area of the woods and the river. 

Police said officers responded to the scene but didn't hear or locate anyone near the river or wooded area. Crews continued to search up and down the river but didn't find anything on Monday. 

On Tuesday, police said officers found the man's Toyota RAV4 at the boathouse and located the man's kayak at the base of the dam near the middle of the river, along with other items. 

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Upper Merion Township Police Department at 610-265-3232, or by submitting a tip via CrimeWatch . 

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Body of missing kayaker found along Schuylkill River in Upper Merion Township

UPPER MERION TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- A kayaker who went missing along the Schuylkill River was found dead in Upper Merion Township on Thursday evening.

(The video in the player above is from previous coverage on this story.)

The body of 69-year-old Tony Luongo was found around 5:50 p.m. in the river, police said.

Luongo was reported missing on Monday after he didn't return from a fishing trip.

Luongo's neighbor, Don Wallace, knew something was wrong around 4 p.m. that day.

"He comes home to let the dog out. No matter where he is fishing, he's always coming home," Wallace said.

Police say Luongo posted a selfie photo to his social media account at about 12:40 p.m. Monday.

Around 2 p.m., police received a 911 call stating that there were possible calls for help along the river minutes before.

"When the officers went to check on the person screaming, we did not find anyone in the area," said Upper Merion Township Police Chief Thomas Nolan.

Luongo's kayak was located at the base of the dam near the middle of the river around 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Additional items associated with the missing boater were recovered in a down tree approximately 1,000 feet upstream from the Upper Merion boathouse.

Related Topics

• MONTGOMERY COUNTY
• UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP
• PENNSYLVANIA
• MISSING PERSON

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Body of 70-Year-Old Missing Kayaker Found in Schuykill River

UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — The search for a 70-year-old man who disappeared during a fishing trip on the Schuylkill River has ended tragically with the recovery of his body, according to local authorities. Upper Merion police were alerted by West Norriton police about the man’s failure to return from his outing. His Toyota RAV4 was located at the boathouse, prompting an immediate search.

Rescue teams, using boats and drones, searched areas around and downstream from the dam. The man’s kayak was discovered around 4 p.m. last Tuesday near the dam’s base in the river’s middle. Authorities also found some of his personal items snagged in a downed tree approximately 1,000 feet upstream from the boathouse.

On Tuesday afternoon, emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 2:42 PM to assist the 56th Police District in searching for a missing kayaker. The Upper Merion Township Fire & EMS, together with several mutual aid companies, conducted an extensive search of the waters.

The search operation lasted several hours, concluding around 8:30 PM when the teams were unable to find the kayker.

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