Susquehanna Outfitters

Rentals

CREEKS – CREEK FLOATS ARE A LIMITED SPRING OPPORTUNITY. DON’T MISS IT!

EVERY TUESDAY, starting April 19, we'll explore a different section of the Swatara Creek and EVERY THURSDAY, starting April 21, we'll paddle creeks convenient to the West Shore of Harrisburg, including the Conodoguinet and Yellow Breeches. Be sure to check out our special float on Shermans Creek (Saturday June 18) which includes a fantastic dinner at the historic Warm Springs Lodge!

Long before airports, highways or even trains, Pennsylvania’s streams, rivers and lakes provided a means of transportation for native inhabitants. As European explorers ventured into “Penn’s Woods,” these waters became important trading routes. Today, you can travel these same routes, enjoying the state’s natural resources while getting glimpses of rich history and tradition on an official

PENNSYLVANIA WATER TRAIL.

Fed by the spring runoff from the ancient Appalachian Mountains and meandering peacefully through pastoral Pennsylvania farmlands our local creeks are home to wildlife as diverse as the landscapes. Mink, beaver, bald eagles, Great Blue Herons, turtles and an occasional white tailed deer, raccoon or fox greet visitors who take the time to explore these wonderful waterways. Join us this spring for an evening workout or a relaxing float on our most beautiful local creeks. Immerse yourself in the awakening of spring’s wildflowers, bustling birdlife and the serenity of a secluded creek at sunset. Explore with a local expert or float on your own. Each week we’ll paddle a different section of these beautiful Pennsylvania Water Trails.

Conodoguinet– Anybody can paddle this creek but not everybody can pronounce its name. “Conodoguinet” comes from an Indian word meaning “a long way with many bends. Winding through a broad, fertile and limestone-ribbed agricultural valley, this is an excellent stream for beginners, butthe Conodoguinet, hidden in its valley, feels a world away. Except for the hum of distant traffic, you wouldn’t know that the real world is so close.Much of the Conodoguinet Creek watershed still has a strong agricultural flavor, including numerous cozy villages and small towns.You canenjoy the creek’s ribbon of greenery, alive with herons, kingfishers and other streamside creatures including minks, fox, muskrats and more. Osprey and eagles are frequently seen over the stream.It’s easy paddling, with a wide channel. The water is shallow, which is perfect for beginners or paddling with children. The wildlife of the trip is remarkable. The bottom of the creek is covered with shells of freshwater clams. Large trout dart through the shadows. Each rock that you turn over has mayfly nymphs scuttling along---a sign of good water quality. Stop on a quiet island along the way to wade and catch some crayfish. Lots of interesting plant life as well; lizards tail, swamp milkweed, silver maples, and buttonwood create a living tapestry along your way.

Time: 6:00 – 8:00

THURSDAYS: April 21 - June 9

Meet at West Fairview boat access parking lot

Click here for map

$25/person- Includes canoe/tandem kayak and shuttle

$35/person – Includes kayak and shuttle

$40/person – Guided float also includes paddling lesson and Eco Discovery Tour

$20/person – Bring your own boat – Includes shuttle

Swatara– Do you want to combine water, recreation, open space, history, culture, scenic beauty and geology into a one day-trip? We have you covered. Canoeing the "Swattie" is like exploring a wilderness. One of the only ways to tell where you are is by the bridges that cross the stream. "The Swattie" is an urban/suburban wilderness less than 50 minutes from Pennsylvania's capital. "Swatara" is an Indian word meaning "Where we feed on eels." The creek was a significant transportation route in the colonial period of North America up through the middle 19th century. Along the entire creek are remnants of the Union Canal.The old towpath is still visible in many areas as well as remains of locks and aqueducts. You will see farms and bank barns, Union Canal locks, forested riparian buffers, the abandoned Lebanon to Tremont railroad and bridge, Harper's Tavern, limestone outcrops and the only lava deposits in the state. Many small limestone caves dot the water trail. Legends place horse thieves residing in these caves. Indian Echo Caverns is a large underground display of geology created by dripping water and the region's limestone deposits where the Susquehannock Indians once lived and hunted.

The Swatara flows so close to Hershey Park you can almost hear the screams from the Super Duper Looper, yet is protected by a forested flood plain and riparian wetlands, that you feel like you are in a world of your own. Gentle currents and clear cool water make the Swattie a popular water trail offering great fishing and secluded swimmin’ holes. Birdlife and wildlife are abundant along most of the creek and you can expect to see several species of ducks, herons, and turtles, and even mink, beaver and white tailed deer if you float quietly.From the Swatara Gap State Park where you can marvel at banks ablaze with blooming wildflowers and forests of rhododendrons, to the mouth of the creek in the shadows of the world famous Three Mile Island the Swattie is one awesome creek that you truly will enjoy.

Time: 6:00 – 8:00

TUESDAYS: April 19 - June 21

Meet at Boat house Rd boat access area

Click here for map

$25/person- Includes canoe/tandem kayak and shuttle

$35/person – Includes kayak and shuttle

$40/person – Guided float also includes paddling lesson and Eco Discovery Tour

$20/person – Bring your own boat – Includes shuttle

Yellow Breeches – The “Breeches” is a good place to hide from the world. The popularity of this limestone stream in south-central Pennsylvania certainly cannot be overstated. Farms, residential areas, and patches of woods dot the landscape along the Yellow Breeches. The Yellow Breeches is fed by limestone and freestone tributaries, and it is not uncommon to become off color with heavier rain. The story is, that during the Revolutionary War, when the British soldiers, wearing their white breeches, crossed the creek or washed their breeches in the creek they became stained from the yellow tint of the water. Hence the name, "Yellow Breeches Creek".

The Breeches flows past pretty farms, fine old houses, and attractive old grist and lumber mills, currently used as residences or warehouses. Much of the creek is wooded and seems amazingly remote as it wanders at the base of bluffs and even rock cliffs, interrupted by open reaches of farms and rolling fields.Agriculture dominates the fertile valley areas, lending a pastoral setting to the middle reach of the stream. In 1992, the Yellow Breeches was designated as a "Pennsylvania Scenic River." The portion of the main stem encompassed by this water trail is characterized mainly by long shady pools with occasional dams and riffle areas.

The Yellow Breeches watershed is world-famous for its trout fishing opportunities, attracting local and state residents, as well as fishermen from throughout the surrounding states. Most of the stream and its tributaries are designated as Cold-Water or High-Quality Cold-Water Fisheries. Trout thrive in the cool, limestone waters of the Yellow Breeches. Brown and rainbow trout are more prevalent in the lower portion of the basin, while brook trout can be found in the smaller, headwater areas.

The intermittent riffles and sharp bends on the Breeches make it a little more challenging for beginning paddlers but the incredible beauty of this unusually clear high quality creek puts it high on almost everyone’s list of must-paddle creeks.

Time: 6:00 – 8:00

THURSDAYS: April 28 - June 16

Meet at Messiah College's Covered Bridge

Click here for map

$25/person- Includes canoe/tandem kayak and shuttle

$35/person – Includes kayak and shuttle

$40/person – Guided float also includes paddling lesson and Eco Discovery Tour

$20/person – Bring your own boat – Includes shuttle

Shermans – Shermans Creek is a particularly pleasant path for the novice paddler to tour the central Pennsylvania ridge and farm country at its finest.Shermans Creek was named for a fur trader who apparently met his demise while crossing the creek on horseback and being swept into the current. Several different Native American tribes lived in the Shermans Creek watershed and valued the area for hunting, trapping, and fishing. Several hundred spearpoints, pottery, and weapons have been discovered at various sites in Shermans Valley.During the early 19th century, the creek’s flow was harnessed and flour and lumber mills were established throughout the watershed. Bald eagles, osprey, kingfishers, and a variety of owls, herons, egrets, ducks, and geese can be seen along Shermans Creek. The creek itself is a prized fishery. There are also nine covered bridges in the watershed and numerous historic mills and mill sites. The entire main stem of Shermans Creek had been designated as a scenic river corridor.

One asset in the watershed that has not changed is the Warm Springs Lodge. Established along Shermans Creek in 1830, this Lodge became a popular recreational destination, due to the six natural warm springs (66º F, year round). The water of the springs was believed to have amazing healing properties. We’ll finish our paddle with a delicious dinnerat the Lodge. A perfect ending to an incredible day!

Time: 11:00 – 4:00

Saturday May 21

Meet at Warm Springs Lodge - (website)

Click here for map

$30/person- Includes canoe/tandem kayak and shuttle

$40/person – Includes kayak and shuttle

$45/person – Guided float also includes paddling lesson and Eco Discovery Tour

$25/person – Bring your own boat – Includes shuttle

Dinner at Warm Springs Lodge - $??

RIVER – Treat yourself, your friends, and the whole family to the clear calm waters of the lovely Susquehanna. We make it easy starting with convenient parking right beside our City Island headquarters. Sit in the cool shade under huge sycamore trees for our free introduction to paddling and the river. We make sure you have all the right equipment you’ll need for a relaxing and safe day on the river. All you have to worry about is which swimming hole you want to stop at first: sunbathe on the smooth rocks beside the longest stone arch railroad bridge in the world or secret away in a nook nestled between secluded river islands? There’s always a happy tune playing and lively conversation with other friendly paddlers on our cool shuttle bus as we drive you upstream to your put in. You just have to float back with the gentle currents. Sneak up on the largest nesting island for wading birds in PA. Listen to the sounds and enjoy the sights of hundreds of nesting Egrets, Night Herons and Cormorants as they dance the ancient mating rituals. Discover the historic ruins of an island farmstead or wade along the sandy edges of the islands collecting river seashells. Or you can bring your fishing gear and try your luck catching a giant catfish, a monster muskie, or a world class smallmouth bass. Enjoy an island picnic or leave your picnic on City Island to enjoy after your float at our riverside picnic gazebo.Still ready to play? Why not hop on one of our super hybrid trail bikes and take a spin on the scenic Riverfront Parkway and Capitol Greenbelt. There’s so much to see and do you won’t want to stop. The summertime Susquehanna is the BEST playground in Central Pa. You can enjoy it on your own or join one of our guided floats led by an experienced local river expert. We’ve been guiding on the Susquehanna for over 20 years. Let us share our knowledge and sense of wonderment with you.

West Fairview– This trip starts at the mouth of the Conodoguinet Creek. You can paddle upstream in the creek to take a turn on a monkey swing into a favorite local swimming hole if you want to cool off.Huge catfish and turtles are often spotted in the crystal clear waters of the Conodoguinet under the monkey swing. As you head out into the Susquehanna you’ll feel the majesty of the largest river flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, but the Susquehanna is “a mile wide and a foot deep”. You can thread you’re way through a maze of shallow water grassbeds heading for the open waters of the Susquehanna. You’ll quickly realize that the water doesn’t really get much deeper even in the middle but the panoramic views will take your breath away. This easy access float is perfect for beginners and a great introduction for children to the magic of the river. You can pull out on the tip of any of the small cluster of islands and enjoy a quick dip or just wade peacefully among the waterwillowgrassbeds and gravelbars.All the islands are public and you can find one for a picnic by yourself or pull up on Independence Island, also known as Party Island, to share the companionship of Harrisburg’s friendly boating community. Head down through Beaver Cove and you can paddle right up to an active beaver dam. An incredible oasis of emerald green grass beds, sandy secluded islands and wild creatures from beavers to bald eagles all thrive within the city limits of Harrisburg! This trip is rated tranquil – no experience needed. (Half Day - Up to 3 hours)

SHUTTLE LEAVES CITY ISLAND:

Saturdays and Sundays - 10:00, NOON, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00

Kayak - $39

Tandem Kayak - $49

Canoe - $44

Shuttle Private Boat - $10/person

Fort Hunter – Fort Hunter – Maybe you’re looking for a float that will offer you more? More wildlife? More secluded lush river islands? More challenging riffles?More swimming or fishing spots?Historical sights and features? Our 7 mile float from historic Fort Hunter Park to City Island is all that and more. Shove off with the Susquehanna Statue of Liberty in the background framed by the world famous Susquehanna Water Gaps. Cruise under the longest stone arch railroad bridge in the world and feel the excitement of the swift riffles above and below the bridge. Nothing death defying just fun. Plan to stop and enjoy the best swimming spot on the river just after you pass the Rockville riffles, on a soft sandy gravel bar with a clear pool to enjoy, and smooth rounded rocks to sunbath on till you’re ready to continue your trip because there’s a LOT more to see. Dozens of lush river islands and grassbeds offer you a variety of shoots to explore. Beaver dams, mink, bald eagles, and herons make their homes here or pass through regularly. Just below the Wade Bridge is the largest nesting island in PA. Approach quietly and you’ll be rewarded with a wildlife experience you’ll never forget. Hundreds of nesting birds in brilliant breeding plumage, building their nests and raising their babies. This trip is rated moderate but still appropriate for ambitious beginners.. (Full Day – Up to 6 hours)

SHUTTLE LEAVES CITY ISLAND:

Saturdays and Sundays - 10:00, NOON, 2:00, 4:00

Kayak - $52

Tandem Kayak - $62

Canoe - $57

City Island – Get off work, jump in a kayak and paddle your way around Cit Island or up to the cluster of islands just above City Island. No shuttle, no time constraints, no waiting, You must have paddling experience to take advantage of this leave from site alternative. It can be quite a workout paddling upstream. But isn’t that what you want? By the hour / on your own/ work harder

NO SHUTTLE – LEAVE FROM SITE:

Tuesday – Sunday - 10:00 - 6:00

Kayak - $15 hr, $35 half day(3 hrs), $45 full day(6 hrs)

Tandem Kayak - $45 half day, $55 full day

Canoe - $40 half day, $50 full day

Bicycle Rentals

RATES

(all rentals include helmets)

Bicycles Delivered:
8-Bike minimum. Full day rental only.
Delivery :Pickup : Shuttle participants and equipment
Capitol Area Greenbelt