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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. A wide variety of wildlife, large rocky islands, and mountainous views make for a beautiful and rewarding trip down the river.  Valley to Summit offers a variety of kayaking rentals and guided tour trips ranging from 3 to 4 hours.  A guided kayak tour includes a professional Valley to Summit guide showing paddlers the way, and kayak rentals are for those who want to rent a kayak and enjoy the sights on their own. Take a look through the options and decide which trip is best for you - see you on the river!

 

Location: Lancaster, PA, near Harrisburg, PA, and Baltimore, MD

River Sections: White Cliffs Of Conoy, Chickies Rock, Conejohela Flats, Conowingo Islands

Season: May - October

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Explore a series of low-lying islands and mudflats that provide a habitat to over 250 species of birds along the Susquehanna River via kayak. The National Audubon Society designated the mudflats as an Important Bird Area - paddle among great egrets, great blue herons, cormorants, Canada Geese, osprey, bald eagles, kingfisher, and migrating shorebirds, tundra swans, and snow geese. The paddling is easy-going as the water is normally shallow and the flats provide protection from wind and currents. 

TRIP INFO

  • TRIP TYPE: Guided and Rentals

  • 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

  • EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Novice and beginner

  • MEETING & TAKE-OUT LOCATION: Blue Rock Access

  • PUT IN LOCATION: Blue Rock Access

  • SHUTTLE: No Shuttle

  • 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). FAQs for details

CONEJOHELA FLATS WATER TRAIL - Susquehanna River - Valley to Summit Kayaking

Conejohela Flats Water Trail - 2 or 3 Hours

Join us on this 5-star guided kayaking tour and explore a cluster of 30 exposed bedrock Susquehanna River islands sculpted by thousands of years of erosion. The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program refers to this region as “one of Pennsylvania’s most unusual and picturesque riverine landscapes” with cliffs towering as high as 200ft. Paddle upriver and explore narrow channels, hidden coves, and sandy beaches while navigating playful currents. There will be options to get out of your kayak, explore, snack and even maybe discover hidden swimming holes.

TRIP INFO

  • TRIP TYPE: Guided only

  • PRICE: $75

  • TRIP LENGTH: 3 Hours (2.5 hours on the river)

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

  • EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner

  • MEETING & TAKE-OUT LOCATION: Muddy Creek Access

  • PUT IN LOCATION: Muddy Creek Access

  • SHUTTLE: No

  • 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). FAQs for details

CONOWINGO ISLANDS WATER TRAIL - Susquehanna River - Valley to Summit Kayaking

Conowingo Islands Water Trail

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This short and sweet guided kayak tour down the Susquehanna River has several historic attractions, a section of fun riffles (shallower, faster-moving sections of a stream), an optional splashy class 1+ rapid, and lots of wildlife sightings. Paddle up to the White Cliffs of Conoy, 30ft cliffs composed of natural byproducts from a nearby limestone and dolomite rock quarry. As you paddle downstream, the current increases while navigating Haldeman Riffles, then complete the trip with a calm float to Riverfront Park.

TRIP INFO

  • TRIP TYPE: Guided only

  • PRICE: $75

  • TRIP LENGTH: 3 Hours (2 hours on the river)

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

  • EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Novice or beginners looking for adventure

  • MEETING & TAKE-OUT LOCATION: Riverfront Park

  • PUT IN LOCATION: Bainbridge Access

  • SHUTTLE: 8-minute ride from Riverfront Park to Bainbridge 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). FAQs for details

White Cliffs of Conoy Water Trail - Susquehanna River - Valley to Summit Kayaking

White Cliffs of Conoy Water Trail

Section 1 of the Chickies Rock Water Trail is perfect for first time kayakers. The river has a mellow current and is straight with awesome mountainous scenery. You’ll be treated to a great diversity of birds throughout the whole stretch with Chickies Rock and the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge as the background.

TRIP INFO

  • TRIP TYPE: Private Group Rentals & Guided Tours

  • PRICE: Rental: $45 | Guided: $65

  • TRIP LENGTH: 3 Hours (2-2.5 hours on the river)

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

  • EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Novice / Beginner

  • MEETING & TAKE-OUT LOCATION: Marietta Access

  • PUT IN LOCATION: Riverfront Park

  • SHUTTLE: 10-minute ride from Marietta Access to Riverfront Park

  • 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). FAQs for details

Chickies Rock Water Trail (Section 1)

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Paddling the full Chickies Rock Water Trail (Sections 1+2). Section 2 is not available as a stand-alone trip. After paddling the tranquil Section 1 (described above), continue downstream from Marietta Access where the river makes a dramatic hard right bend around a large mountain that juts out into the river and take out at Columbia River Park. Highlights include paddling past the geologically notable Chickies Rock and exploring the historical & architecturally stunning Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge all while navigating cool rock formations near the water surface.

TRIP INFO

  • TRIP TYPE: Private Group Rentals & Guided Tours

  • PRICE: Rental: $60 | Guided: $80

  • TRIP LENGTH: 4 Hours (3-3.5 hours on the river)

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

  • EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner+

  • MEETING & TAKE-OUT LOCATION: Columbia River Park

  • PUT IN LOCATION: Riverfront Park

  • SHUTTLE: 13-minute ride from Columbia River Park to Riverfront Park

  • 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). FAQs for details

CHICKIES ROCK WATER TRAIL - Susquehanna River - Valley to Summit Kayaking

Chickies Rock Water Trail (Sections 1+2)

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