Schuylkill River Water Trail

Description

The Schuylkill River Water Trail begins at its headwaters near the coal town of Tuscarora, PA and slows southeasterly for 137 miles. The Schuylkill River watershed is the most densely populated region in Pennsylvania, and nearly 25% of the U.S. population lives within 5 hours driving distance of the river. 

The Schuylkill River is considered a Class I-II+ river. This denotes that the river contains a few riffles and small waves in most places, and easy rapids with small waves and clear channels that are apparent without scouting in others. Overall, the Schuylkill River Trail is a manageable paddle in just about any location.

Although a paddling destination, it should be noted that Schuylkill Water Trail paddlers will share the water trail with motorists, skiers, and other rowers in many sections.

The best time to paddle the Schuylkill River Water Trail is in early summer. The normal flow of the Schuylkill River allows for small, shallow-draft powered and non-powered boats. Motorized crafts are passable in deeper sections, including above Flat Rock and Black Rock Dams, Norristown, and Port Indian.

Due to the nature of rivers and paddling, it is important before embarking on a paddling excursion to guage how long one's trip will take. For reference, typically 4 river miles takes a little over an hour to complete.

One of the most significant raptor migration routes in North America crosses the Schuylkill River at Port Clinton. Because the birds don't remain just on the ridge top as they move through, paddlers can see these impressive creatures in the valleys and riparian corridors. During the paddling season, paddlers can see osprey, great blue heron, little green heron, merganser, wood duck, belted kingfisher, warbler, black bear, beaver, mink, and rattlesnakes are all animals that frequent the river and surrounding riparian and ridge areas.

Paddling Safety Tips

• Wear an appropriate Personal Flotation Device (PFD):  At least one fitting PFD is required by PA Law to be on a paddler's person at all times.
• Expect to get wet: Avoid wearing cotton of other slow-drying fabrics.
• Be prepared to swim: Avoid paddling in areas paddlers wouldn't swim.
• Capsizing: Paddlers should not let go of their boat under capsizing circumstances.
• Scout ahead: Know the river.
• Prep for the weather: Check ahead for weather alerts and plan accordingly.
• Wear wading shoes: To avoid wet feet, wear appropriate footwear.
• NEVER TAKE YOUR BOAT OVER A LOW-HEAD DAM.
• Portage around all dams.
• Never boat alone.
• Keep painter lines and coiled ropes secured.
• Never tie a rope to yourself.
• Kneel to increase your stability: Specifically before rapids.
• If colliding, lean towards obstruction: This will help to avoid capsizing.
• TELL YOUR FRIEND: Tell someone you trust about your trip (where you're going/when you'll be back). Make sure to check back up with them when done.

Pennsylvania Boating Regulations

• One wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) must be on paddler's person at all times.
• All boats must display an anchor light when at anchor between sunset and sunrise.
• All powered boats must show running lights between sunset and sunrise.
• All motorists must carry with them a sound-producing mechanical device audible for at least a half-mile.
• All motorboats must be registered, regardless of where they launch.
• Unpowered boats must either be registered or display a valid launch permit.
• Operating watercraft under the influence of drugs and alcohol is strictly illegal.

Trail Manager

The Schuylkill River Greenway National Heritage Area manages the Schuylkill River Water Trail. They can be contacted at 484-945-0200.

For more information, please visit schuylkillriver.org.