Yellow Breeches Creek in Pennsylvania

Trip Overview

Yellow Breeches Creek from South Middleton Park to Monroe Sewage Facility

This trip is longer than I thought. We put in at South Middleton Park around 3:30 in the afternoon. There were quite a few areas where trees were down across the creek and we had to get out. The water level at Camp Hill was 1.19 feet, which was OK, but it could have been a little higher. (We did have to walk in some spots due to water depth, but not too many.) After a few trees, the first and only real issue was the old dam outside of Boiling Springs that channels water past the lake. This is easily carried around (on the left side.) After a few more downed trees, we got to the bridge in Boiling Springs. From here for a little while there were some cool little rapids, but nothing too serious. There were quite a few fishermen once we got behind Allenberry. (This is probably not a good run to do in the springtime when fishing season is in.) At this point the water starts to deepen (maybe 3 feet) behind the Allenberry dam. There is a chute on the left-hand side of the dam, however, we didnt go over it. (With a little struggle, we got out on the left-hand side and walked around.) After the dam there were some more cool little rapids, which even out and become about one mile of smooth water that lies behind the Monroe Sewage Facility dam. We got out right before the dam on the right side of the creek (there is a school bus turnaround at this point that is easy to park at.) We got out at 7:00 PM. With no trees to walk around and a little higher water, we probably could have made this in two hours.

Note: Boiling Springs is the fly fishing capital of the world. Watch out for fishermen!!!

Directions:

From Harrisburg, take Route 83 to 581 West. Get off 581 at the Route 641 (Mechanicsburg) exit. Go west on 641 through Mechanicsburg. Turn left on Route 174 (cross Route 74) until you see the Boiling Springs Lake. Turn left directly after you pass the lake onto Front Street. Bear to the left around the lake. Turn right onto Mountain Road (crossing the Yellow Breeches) and then left onto Leidigh Drive. Go about 1 mile and turn left onto Criswell Drive. Follow Criswell Drive (along the creek) until you get to the turnaround circle. Park here (this is where you take out.)

Next, turn around. Follow Criswell Drive back to Leidigh Drive. Turn right onto Leidigh, then right onto Mountain Road. Go left at the lake onto Race Street. Turn left onto Park Drive and the South Middleton Township Park is about a mile on the left. Put in anywhere at the Park.