Little Schuylkill River in Pennsylvania

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Recommended after very heavy rain. The Little Schuylkill is a fun little river when the water is high. When low, quite a few areas will need to be walked. With the rain soaked Sept. in PA as a result of hurricane remnants the river was high. In New Ringold near on Rt 895 at the Wilderness Trekker is a good put in spot right below the bridge. With the high water the trip takes 2-3 hrs. While there isn't any serious whitewater, a couple of short sections of class II rapids can be found. Much of the river is a constant ripple with hardly any true flat water. However after big rains, watch for downed trees and the like. Paddling at the base of the mountains which are about 1100' above makes for some great scenery and there is very little development along this section of river. In Port Clinton there is remnants of a small dam which can be run in at any water level. In the high water it makes a nice little chute to run without any scraping. In Port Clinton good exit points are just before town where a pavilion is across the road next to the river. (The dam is missed if you get out here) Just passed the dam is a steep bank exit to Appalachian Outfitters, and just further down stream is the intersection with the Big Schuylkill which can be a take out point. For the ambitious, a short paddle upstream up the Big Schuylkill there is a landing which is part of the Schuylkill River Trail with parking.

Accommodations:

The Wilderness Trekker in New Ringold provides parking. In Port Clinton, Appalachian Outfitters provides shuttles for a fee and kayak rentals. Additional specific kayaking and river info can be provided there as well. There is parking near the railroad station in Port Clinton or on streets in town. Outhouses provided at pavilion just before town along river.

Fees:

No

Directions:

Travel Rt 61 to Rt 895 East, Follow 895 east to the town of New Ringold. The Wilderness Trekker is just past the bridge at the beginning of town. Port Clinton is about 3 miles south of the 895/61 intersection, just off of Rt. 61.

Resources:

The Schuylkill River Greenway Association has a Schuylkill River Trail guide which provides all the information needed and very detailed river info.

Trip Details

  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location