Category: Guides

With hundreds of lakes and rivers, Pennsylvania is an ideal spot for kayaking. Whether you’re looking for a nice relaxed scenic float, or some exciting whitewater adventures, you will find it here. Strap your Sun Dolphin Bali 10 sit on kayak to your car and mark your map with the following 5 amazing places in Pennsylvania…

There are numerous places to go to hit the water with the paddle, but these five are among the top, each offering it’s own unique attractions.

1. Clear Creek State Park

With an average downward flow of four miles per hour, the Clarion River is an ideal spot for beginners, or people who just want to enjoy an easy float through green pastures and lush forests.

You can rent kayaks at many entry points to the river and, as the waters are calm and easy, it is an ideal place to learn or introduce someone to the sport.

Another great advantage is that in many places, boats are restricted to electric and non-powered craft, so you don’t have to worry about getting into anyone’s way.

There are other streams, lakes, and reservoirs open to kayaking in the state as well, including the Juniata River, Minsi Lake, and Mauch Chunk Lake.

2. Swatara State Park

There are many great state parks across Pennsylvania that provide excellent trails for kayaking. However, one that is well worth a mention is Swatara State Park.

With almost 8 miles of stream passing through very few built up residential areas, Swatara Creek is an excellent place for a paddler to explore. You can really feel like you are really in nature here, but some regulations do apply.

Each person must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD, a permit, and there are designated launch areas in both the northern and southern ends of the park.

3. Pine Creek Gorge

No Pennsylvania kayaking list would be complete without mentioning the Grand Canyon of the state, a.k.a. Pine Creek Gorge. The pristine Pine Creek snakes through 17 miles of lush forest and wilderness.

Come here if you’re looking for a bit more adventure, as you’ll find class II and III rapids to navigate through. Experienced paddlers can adventure by themselves, or if you are a novice, there is the option to hire a guide.

Primitive camping along the banks of the river is available. However, Pine Creek is not usually floatable in the summer, unless there has been heavy rainfall, so make sure to check the conditions in advance.

4. Lake Erie

Getting away from the rivers and smaller lakes, Lake Erie offers the opportunity to explore the coves, cliffs, and shoreline with more of an open water feel.

Take a quiet paddle along the extensive coastline, and take the opportunity to enjoy a picnic on the beach, or to one of the ideally positioned restaurants.

Presque Isle State Park offers a great place to escape to a more isolated region, and if you are looking for a more extended stay, the area offers some great wineries to check out.

5. Lehigh Gorge State Park

Carved out by the Lehigh River, the Lehigh Gorge is another adventurous spot offering both calm waters and rapids. This one is more for experienced paddlers though, and beginners shouldn’t attempt it by themselves.

Guided trips are available from a number of licensed outfitters, so everyone can enjoy the excitement of navigating some of the faster waters. If you are heading out privately, then you will need to put in and take off at one of the designated points.

The river is also a historical point of curiosity. It was once the only privately owned river in the United States, and was vital to supplying coal and lumber to the Philadelphia region.

Come here for a paddle through some great scenery, but don’t miss the historical points along the way.

Conclusion

If you are an avid paddler, or someone who is just starting out, there is always something for you to discover while kayaking in Pennsylvania.

From the white waters of Lehigh Gorge and Pine Creek Gorge, to the calmer rivers of state parks and the open water of Lake Erie, everything a paddler could want is covered.

For those interested in beautiful canoeing/kayaking trails, look no further than Montana’s Clearwater River Canoe Trail. Known for its phenomenal two hour canoe trip, the river flows through a dense willow marsh that most deem incredibly exciting.

Photographers and bird watchers alike will be overjoyed about the contents of the trail. It doesn’t matter where you look, all you’ll see is beauty. No pollution, no industrialization, just nature. The trail is three and a half miles long. It’ll take just under two hours to reach the end, while kayaking at a relaxing pace. The trail takes approximately one hour if you’re in a rush, which hopefully you aren’t!

It’s important to note that the trail is open to motorized boats, however, they cannot create any wake. This means they’ll be puttering along at a pace even slower than canoes and kayaks.  If you’re in the market for a kayak, you can take a look at our Bali 10 ss kayak review  or perhaps you want to find an Oru kayak for sale. Your call!

Let’s get started:

More Trail Information

Information boards can be found near the beginning of the trail, near the boat launch. The boards display information on the trail, nice spots to stop and take a break, and of course, all of the bird watching spots to look out for.

The wildlife you can expect to see consists of warblers, bitterns, catbirds, snipes, great blue herons, and so much more. Make sure you bring your binoculars and camera! The opportunities are endless. The park staff welcomes people of all ages for these opportunities.

In regards to parking, there is a small lot at the entrance to the trail. There is also a public bathroom. Please note that no drinking water is provided, and that leaving garbage behind is strictly prohibited. Nature is beautiful, let’s keep it that way!

A fun feature is that in the surrounding area, you’ll find various places to hike and even camp. You’ll also find various stands and such that allow you an up close and personal look at the native wildlife.

Fishing

In regards to fishing, it is allowed in certain areas around the trail. Talk to the park rangers for more specific information. Also ensure that the fishing season is in your favor.Remember, when in doubt, talk to the rangers! They know everything there is to know about the wildlife and its preservation. Brochures are readily available at the trail head.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, one day you and your family will be able to visit Montana’s beautiful Clearwater Canoe Trail. Remember to bring drinking water, a picnic lunch, bug spray, sun screen, and everything else that you’ll need to make the best of your stay.

Fishing rods and hiking gear are not provided by park rangers, nor is kayaking gear. It’s also important to note that you must dress appropriately and be prepared for any situation that might pop up.

There is always the chance for rain or storms, or perhaps insane heat. It’s of vital importance that you remain prepared. Bring plenty of sun screen and a rain coat, if you don’t want to carry an umbrella.

Find the inner adventurer within yourself. Take a trip to Clearwater Canoe Trail. You will not be disappointed!

Located in Alaska, Prince William Sound is an excellent spot for outdoor activities. It contains an assortment of small islands and waterways that challenge both the body and spirit.

Visitors come in many various avenues, including through kayaks, cruise ships, ferries, small boats, and float planes. Featuring an exceptional 3,800 miles of coastline, the sound provides the perfect place to get a respite from modern life. Whether you want to rough it up in a kayak, ride a boat, or watch with amazement as your cruise ship moves through the land, you are guaranteed to enjoy one of life`s best experiences.

Activities To Enjoy At Prince William Sound

Four communities play an essential role in the exploration of the sound. For instance, Whittier lies an hour`s drive from Anchorage, and you can pass through the notable Whittier Tunnel. Also, you can consider using ferries, boats, or kayak outfitters who work out of Whittier.

Aside from that, you can also enjoy the amazing scenery through Cordova or Valdez. Here, you can meet with people from all over the world, who come to enjoy the ambiance and appeal of the sound.

You can also enjoy watching the view from your cabin, as the fishermen release their nets. Other excellent leisure time activities include berry picking, spying deer with binoculars, or even spending time with people at your camp.

Kayaking At Prince William Sound

The sound provides some of the best opportunities for back country adventures, scenic viewing, solitude, and more. Plus, with more tidewater glaciers than any other place in the region, it provides some of the best waterways in the world. It is also partially covered by the 6.9 million acre Chugach Forest.

Large ice fields also surround the inland waterway to produce an exceptional tidewater glacier that tumbles into the sea. Icebergs and post-glacial terrains are major aspects of the landscape, providing a unique perspective of reforestation and geology.

There are various locations where one can enjoy kayaking on or very close to the sound, and here is a list of them:

Alaganik Slough – There are 4 picnic sites, and this is a great spot for salmon fishing.

Quartz Creek Camp – This has 46 campsites, and a boat ramp to launch your kayak, and you can reach Kenai Lake and River for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Six Mile Creek – A great place for whitewater rafting/kayaking, with class IV and V rapids. There are 3 canyons, with the third being class V, and you can opt for guides to go with you if you’re not familiar with the area.

Harrison Lagoon Cabin – Open year-round, this location is more for nature lovers, but you can still go kayaking here. You can also view whales at Port Wells, bear hunting is allowed with a permit, and the area makes for great hiking.

Black Bear Camp – There are 12 camp sites here, with some of the most beautiful views of glaciers in the state. You can take your family kayaking here, at Portage Lake or Creek (if you’re experienced), through class II conditions, at the strongest.

Primrose Camp – This camp has 8 sites with no hook-ups, but has your basic amenities and a boat launch. It’s open year-round, and is great for hiking along Primrose Creek. It’s in Anchorage, which is close to Prince William Sound.

Home to some of the best kayaking locations in the world, Prince William Sound and its surrounding islands/waterways attract thousands of outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. In fact, a kayaking experience at the sound will completely take our minds off of our day to day stresses.

There are various kayaking outfitters and camps, where you can gain access to the various accessories required to have a great time. If you’re looking for a solid starter kayak, check out our review of the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS.

Conclusion

In summary, the Prince William Sound is one of the best outdoor locations in the world. Whether it’s scenic viewing, nature walks, whale watching, sharing a hot cup of coffee, or even spending time with other outdoor enthusiasts at the camp, you are bound to have a memorable experience.

Best of all, the sound provides access to some of the best kayaking locations in the world. The exceptional waterways provide the diversity that is required to challenge and lift your spirits. Happy kayaking, fishing, whale watching, glacier watching, nature viewing, etc.!

Are you a kayak or paddle board enthusiast? Have you been on the lookout for a suitable location to carry out these two activities? Well, you have landed on just the right page. We are here to gladly introduce you to Mammoth Lakes, California.

Mammoth Lakes is a town that borders Nevada State. It is surrounded by picturesque and breathtaking terrains, and pristine ecosystems. We have identified the key areas within the town’s vicinity that are great for kayaking and paddle boarding.

1. Lake Mary

This lake is situated at an elevation of 8,900 feet above sea level. The lake is equipped with two marinas, which also lease paddle boards and kayaks, among other water sporting equipment. The water is generally still, pristine, devoid of strong waves, and very cool.

It is thus very suitable for paddle boarding and kayaking. Moreover, the lake accords spectacular views of the adjacent white mountain peaks, so it is also great for photography.

2. Lake Mamie

Nestled between lakes Horseshoe and Mary, this is a small, yet very popular lake. It is wholly set aside and sealed for fishing, lounging, boating, and a host of other water sporting activities. These restrictions make the entire lake ecosystem well suited for kayaking and paddle boarding.

Being remote and cut off from the “rest of the world”, the area is also a great breakaway for picnics and other outdoor activities.

3. Lake George

Located at a whopping 9,000 feet above sea level, Lake George is great for those outdoor enthusiasts who fancy higher elevations. At the shores of this wonderful lake are a host of boat rental companies and several docks.

You only have to part with a little amount of money to be able to obtain the right equipment to kayak or paddle board. What’s more? The breathtaking look of the lake makes it all the more suited for photography.

4. Horseshoe Lake

On the whole, Horseshoe Lake is a 1.9-mile loop of water that is moderately trafficked. It is close to Mammoth Lakes and is generally great for all skill levels. This is because its waters are tranquil, as they are rarely stirred up by strong winds.

There are no rental facilities nearby; which means you will have to carry along your own kayak or paddle board. Its peaceful ambiance confers great opportunities to relax as well.

5. June Lake

Shaped in the form of a loop, June Lake is a very pristine location. It is situated about a 20 minute drive away from Mammoth Lakes. The lake is the best place to enjoy the beach while you are away from a shore.

With its calm and safe nature, the lake is indeed great for paddle boarding and kayaking. This is the place to practice these two activities, since it is the most ideal locations for both.

6. Grant Lake

Unlike all the other lakes under consideration, Grant Lake, strictly speaking, is not a lake. Instead, it is a giant reservoir. This notwithstanding, it is still deep, large, and calm enough for kayaking.

This lake does not have trees, but that doesn’t stop visitors from using it. It has some of the biggest rainbows in the area, which will make it even more beautiful without trees in the way. Also, you can see Mount Wood better, which has a height of 12,000 feet.

7. Twin Lakes

As the name suggests, this is not just one lake. Instead, it is a series of interconnected lakes that are set at the base of the southeastern slope of the Mammoth Mountain.

This setting shields the waters from harsh external environmental conditions. This is what makes the area well suited for kayaking and paddle boarding.

8. Crowley Lake

Crowley Lake is a large freshwater lake within the Mammoth Lakes region. The fact that it’s large, calm, and deep makes it especially great for kayaking and paddle boarding.

Moreover, it has several rental facilities in its complex, and guided tours are provided as well. This is the place to be if you ever hope to enjoy your time outdoors to the fullest possible extent.

9. Mono Lake

Mono Lake differs from the rest of the lakes in the Mammoth Lakes area, in that it is large, yet saline. It is mainly great for paddle boarding. Guided tours are available to any visitor. The adjacent areas are rich in flora and fauna.

Conclusion

We have given you just a glimpse of what Mammoth Lakes has to offer. It is not enough just to know the best places to kayak and paddle board, but you will definitely want to make the effort to visit any of these locations we have identified and explained above. If you’re interested in kayaking Big Sur, you’ll find this article helpful as well. If you’re looking for a durable and space saving kayak, then the Oru kayak should be a solid option.