Whitewater Boating in Pennsylvania State Parks
The following Pennsylvania State Parks offer whitewater boating opportunities in Pennsylvania. Some of these state parks have shuttle services for boaters.
All whitewater boaters must follow the state parks whitewater boating rules and regulations. Parks may have additional specific rules related to whitewater boating at that state park and a list of licensed concessionaires on thier indivudual state park whitewater boating webpage.
Whitewater Boating in Pennsylvania State Forests
Whitewater boating occurs mostly on the white water stretches of state forest streams. The most notable of which is the Pine Creek through the Pennsylvania Grand canyon where private companies typically provide the rafts.
Whether you’re interested in a three-day excursion or a two-hour easy paddle, any time spent on Pine Creek will be unforgettable. The water is best for canoeing durinf March, April, and May, but heavy rains may permit passage at other times of the year.
Most of the creek is considered Class 1, and is easily navigated by experienced paddlers; however, there are more challenging Class 2 and 3 rapids in some areas.
Tiadaghton State Forest and Tioga State Forest have launch sites, parking, and camping facilities along the Pine Creek.
International Scale of River Difficulty
The classes below are the American version of the rating system used throughout the world. This system is not exact. Rivers do not always fit easily into one category and there may be regional interpretations. This information is from American Whitewater.
- Class I: Easy—Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Self-rescue is easy.
- Class II: Novice—Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers.
- Class III: Intermediate—Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges is often required. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can occur.
- Class IV: Advanced—Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. May be large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. Rapids require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Self-rescue is difficult.