Description:

Join the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) and the Susquehanna River Trail Association (SRTA) on Saturday, June 29, 2024, as we discover the Middle Section of the Susquehanna River Water Trail. This day-trip paddle is one of four that will showcase the recreational opportunities of the water trail through the Susquehanna River Sojourn Series.

Paddlers along this section of the river will experience iconic landmarks like the Rockville Bridge and City Island, along a route that will showcase the protected birding grounds of Wade Island and a few of the island campsites which are available for public on a first-come first-serve basis. Lunch will be provided at the end of the 6.8-mile paddle.

When: June 29, 2024 | 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Where (start): PFBC Fort Hunter Boat Launch
Where (end & lunch): City Island, Harrisburg

Paddling Distance: 6.8 miles (easy-moderate, there will be a few riffles)

Price: $40 / ticket

Rentals: $40.50/single | $58.50/tandem

Register Today

Refunds are available up to one week prior to the date of the event.

Schedule (tentative)

  • 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Registration opens at the PFBC Fort Hunter boat launch. This will be a time for participants to check-in, receive their appropriate materials, and drop off boats. Port-a-johns, and informational tables will be accessible to participants.
  • 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Shuttle (Drivers only, all others are asked to be dropped off at the launch site)
  • 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM: Opening remarks and kayak safety talk.
  • 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Launch of paddlers from Fort Hunter.
  • 10:45 AM – 1:30 PM: Participants will paddle from Fort Hunter to City Island. Along the way, they will see the Rockville Bridge, Wade Island birding area, island campsite, and City Island where the paddle ends.
  • 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Take out at City Island and loading boats back onto vehicles.
  • 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Picnic lunch at City Island. Participants will be asked to fill out a short survey about the event prior to departing.

FAQs

How do I rent a kayak?
  • To reserve your kayak or canoe, simply mark your registration. Rentals are $40.50 per single vessel, $58.50 per tandem. The outfitter will have the rentals and safety equipment available at the launch.
What about check-in?
  • Check-in will be located at the PFBC Fort Hunter boat launch.
  • Please bring your signed participant forms if you did not already submit them electronically.
Will there be a shuttle?
  • Yes. If you are bringing your own boat(s), please drop them off at the put-in at the PFBC Fort Hunter Boat Launch when you check in. Please also drop off any passengers in your car with your boats. Drivers should then check in and proceed down to City Island. If you are renting boats, drivers should drop off passengers at Fort Hunter, check-in, and only the drivers should proceed to City Island. We will then shuttle only the drivers back up to the put-in.
  • We shuttle this way (with your cars at the end of the paddle) so that your car will be right at the take-out at the end of the day. There will not be a shuttle back to the put-in at the conclusion of the event.
What's the address/route?
  • Our starting location (registration/check-in) and put-in location is at the PFBC Fort Hunter Boat Launch.
  • The take-out for the kayaks is located at the north end of City Island.
  • Paddlers along this section of river will enjoy a few riffles at the start of the paddle, to be followed by a meander amidst some of the Middle Section’s iconic river islands. Be sure to take a look as you pass by for the chance of seeing birds and other wildlife. The route is 6.8 miles.
What about lodging?
  • There are plenty of accommodation options in the city of Harrisburg.
Can I bring my kids?
  • This is a family-friendly event, and children are welcome to attend. However, children under the age of 12 may NOT pilot their own craft (kayak or canoe). This article from REI can help you plan for the paddle event.
Do I need to register my boat?
Is there a rain date?
  • Rain – the event will continue as scheduled for rain alone. Should alternate weather conditions present on the day of the event, SGP & SRTA will determine an appropriate alternative or cancel the event.
  • There is not an alternate rain date at this time. Should that change, SGP will notify all registrants.
What should I bring?
  • If it is cold and rainy, NO COTTON.
  • If an article of clothing says it is fleece (like a sweatshirt) make sure the fleece is polyester.
  • You are required to bring and wear a PFD if you are providing your own boat.
  • Please wear appropriate closed-toe shoes, as we will be getting in and our of our boats on several occasions and the landscape may be muddy/rocky.
  • Athletic-type/quick-drying apparel is recommended, and consider bringing a backpack or hydration pack, and snacks.
  • *extra water will be provided*

 

More Questions? You may also call or email Poppy Breining with any questions: (570) 231-4576 or [email protected].

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