June is National Rivers Month and being home to more than 2,000 miles of water trails in 28 designated waterways, Pennsylvania’s outdoors is the place to be when temps soar into the 90s. Many trails offer easy access and close to home opportunities – ideal for physical distancing and avoiding large crowds.
While you might have checked off some of the larger rivers from your #PABucketList, such as the Schuylkill, Lehigh, and Yough, consider adding these small, scenic waterways known for both their high-quality fishing and non-motorized water recreation, e.g., kayaking, canoeing, and tubing.
1. Shenango River
Greenville
Get out on the water with a kayaking or rafting adventure on the Shenango River Water Trail. With multiple launch points, choose your own adventure of up to 23 miles. The easy-flowing Class I float time makes Shenango a fantastic option for the entire family. Along the way, park your boat in Greenville to enjoy a picnic lunch or hike the Shenango Trail.
2. Juniata River
Huntingdon
Paddle along the eastern slopes of the Allegheny Front along the Juniata River Water Trail. This component of the Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway offers a 320-mile corridor of natural wonders, history, culture, and recreation following the path of the historic Main Line Canal.
3. Pine Creek
Ansonia
Pine Creek Water Trails are undoubtably one of Pennsylvania’s most scenic and historic waterways. Begin your journey at the Big Meadow Access Area in Ansonia where adequate public parking is available. It’s here that the water connects at Pine Creek Gorge. Navigate a 17-mile stretch of dynamic terrain and be rewarded with stunning forested views and steep canyon walls.
4. Loyalhanna Creek
Ligonier
Loyalhanna Creek Water Trail provides an exciting variety of paddling experiences: whitewater and moving flatwater through scenic ravines, including Chestnut Ridge, and still water on Loyalhanna Lake with open views for bird and wildlife watching. Above Ligonier and through Loyalhanna Gorge, the stream offers Class I and II whitewater rapids.
5. French Creek
Meadville
As "One of Pennsylvania's foremost aquatic treasures," French Creek Water Trail is arguably one of the most ecologically significant waterways in the commonwealth with its outstanding water quality and rich biodiversity, as well as its notable history. Begin paddling at Union City Dam in Erie County and float 78 miles to the junction with the Allegheny River.
Fun fact: In 1753, George Washington named the creek as he traveled along it in efforts to dislodge the French troops from the area.
6. West Branch Susquehanna Water Trail
Cherry Tree
Flowing 228 miles in total, the West Branch Susquehanna Water Trail is one of two principal branches of the mighty Susquehanna River and a beautiful journey through northern PA. A paddler's paradise, this scenic water trail flows through remote and mature hardwood forests, past historic river towns, and alongside rolling farms.
7. Potato Creek
Smethport
On Potato Creek Water Trail, choose between three canoe and kayak launch areas. Unload canoes behind the ballfield in Crosby on Route 46 to float 6.4 miles to East Smethport or continue your adventure and float 10.9 miles to Coryville towards Turtle Point then another 2.7 miles to reach the Larabee Y for great access to the Allegheny River.
8. Yellow Breeches Creek
Fayetteville
Originating on South Mountain in Michaux State Forest, the world-renowned limestone stream, Yellow Breeches Creek, winds through scenic farmland, forested areas, local community parks, and the region’s suburbs, ultimately joining the Susquehanna River at New Cumberland. The main stem is approximately 49-miles long and 60-feet wide at its middle stretch, where you can enjoy fly fishing, nature watching, and a leisurely float down the creek.
9. Kiski-Conemaugh Water Trail
Freeport
Canoe and kayak along one of southwestern PA’s scenic river systems — the Kiski-Conemaugh Water Trail. Paddle your way along an 86-mile stretch that borders Somerset, Cambria, Westmoreland, Indiana, and Armstrong counties. From Freeport Community Park in Freeport to Greenhouse Park in Johnstown, and all the parks in between, travelers can choose from 11 access points to experience the trail! Features include Conemaugh and Packsaddle Gaps, nearby bike trails and campgrounds.