Northeast PA is “packed” with water for paddling… or should we say “Wallenpaupacked” and more!
Glide along one of the many waterways in your kayak or canoe for a paddling adventure in Northeast PA. Along the way, you can experience quiet wooded settings which you can enjoy in or out of your boat.
Meander through water trails surrounded by forests and hillsides that change with the seasons. Fall is the real show off with hills ablaze in colorful foliage. If you enjoy a float that brings you close to small town charm, you are steering in the right direction. Small towns that sit alongside water trails where you can learn about the rich history are easy to come by in Northeast PA.
Popular Waters for Paddling in Northeast PA
Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack’s more than 5,700 acres is a recreational boater’s playground. It’s important for paddlers to know that with no horsepower restrictions, they will be sharing the massive manmade reservoir with all kinds of powerboat recreationalists. It’s safest, and probably most enjoyable, for paddlers to make their journeys closer to the shore leaving the main channel for motor boats. Find a number of day-use areas on Lake Wallenpaupack.
North Branch Susquehanna River
The North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail is part of this river. Excellent sections include the Great Bend section in Susquehanna County and the Endless Mountains portion in Bradford and Wyoming counties offer forestlands, isolated areas and extensive wildlife sightings. Birdwatchers enjoy the Susquehanna River Birding and Wildlife Trail here.
With dozens of boat launches along the trail, paddlers will find opportunities to visit historic sites as well as visit small river towns. Along the trail, you can also visit one of PA’s newest state parks, Vosburg Neck State Park in Wyoming County.
The trail is friendly to paddlers of all experience levels with only a few Class II rapids under certain conditions. Remember, to make a float plan and share it with someone before you go and always wear your life jacket.
Find a Waterway
You can also find a place to launch your kayak or canoe using our Find a Waterway map.
Your Ticket to the Water
Remember, you need a valid launch permit or boat registration to launch from any Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, DCNR State Park or State forest access. Conveniently purchase a launch permit online at HuntFish.PA.gov.
Adapted from Discover Northeast PA! by Linda Stager in Pennsylvania Angler & Boater Magazine
