Many activities are available for people who want to enjoy the great outdoors in Pennsylvania, including fishing, backpacking, hiking and mountain biking -- just to name a few. Kayaking is also popular, and is a recreational activity that can be either exhilarating or relaxing, depending on your preference. Numerous kayaking adventures await you in Pennsylvania, whether its a lazy float, fishing on a lake, or a white-water adventure.
Located just four miles north of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, off Route 82 in Hibernia County Park is Chambers Lake. Chambers Lake is a 90-acre impoundment -- or man-made lake -- constructed in 1994, then opened for fishing in 1999. The lake is fairly large and predominately flat water, with only a few rough patches in high winds. The area is popular for panfish anglers, and a tranquil spot for the avid kayak fisherman. The lake is surrounded by Hibernia County Park's hiking and horseback riding trails and is perfect for an overnight kayak fishing and camping trip. The calm lake is ideal for young or beginning paddlers. No permits are required at the park, but a kayaker needs to have a launch pass available from the Pennsylvania Boat and Fish Commission. A valid fishing license is also required if you'll be fishing.
Those looking for a short but enjoyable day trip, whether solo or with family, should consider Conodoguinet Creek. The creek flows behind the town of Mechanicsburg in a low valley within earshot of the Carlisle Pike shopping center. You can drop your kayak in at marked launch points in either Willow Mill Park or Hidden Creek Park, which are both situated right on the creek. The Creek makes a loop, effectively doubling back on itself, making for a scenic 15- to 20-minute float. Paddling conditions are easy, with wide a wide channel and shallow water for most of the year, making this creek ideal to float with children.
The Allegheny River is an ideal location for kayak enthusiasts. A total of 87 miles of the river has been designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. Over 135 sites have been surveyed by the U.S. Forestry Service as possible historic and prehistoric sites, with four sites already on the national register. The River also flows around more than 100 islands between the Kinzua Dam and Oil City, and seven of these islands make up the Allegheny Islands Wilderness. Seven major kayak and canoe outfitters and transporters line the river in the towns of Warren, Tidioute, Youngsville, Tionesta and Franklin. In addition to popular areas of the Allegheny, less-traveled areas are abundant along this historic river. The Allegheny is ideal for the adventuring kayak enthusiast with a love for history. A day, weekend or week long kayaking trip can be spent along the Allegheny with camping areas available at many turns.
Blue Marsh lake is located just 5 miles north of Reading in the town of Bernville, just off Route 183. The lake is popular for boating and is the main location for lake kayaking in Berks County. Several areas of the lake require a parking fee of $3 as of 2011, and the state-use boat ramps require a Pennsylvania boating sticker. Some areas offer free parking, but the ideal spot to paddle is in the northern quadrant of the lake, away from the wake zone. Mt. Pleasant, Church Road, Bernville-Robesonia Road and Peacock-School Road are ideal access points to launch in the northern part of Blue Marsh Lake. The lake has many inlets and coves, as well as an island that can be explored with a vast amount of wildlife at every turn.
