top of page
Schuylkill.jpg

SCHUYLKILL RIVER KAYAK RENTALS

Only 40 minutes from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Schuylkill River is an excellent option for beginner and novice kayakers. Tranquil water, an abundance of wildlife, and lush greenery along the banks make for a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Valley to Summit offers a variety of kayaking rentals ranging from 3 to 6 hours. Kayak rentals are great for those who want to rent a boat and enjoy the sights on their own. Take a look through the options and decide which trip is best for you - see you on the river!

Location: Phoenixville and Pottstown, Near Philadelphia, PA 

River Sections: Lock 60 Loop, Ganshahawny Park, Towpath Park

Season: May - October

Schuylkill.jpg

Enjoy a calm and scenic 4 mile kayaking loop on the Schuylkill River Oak Reach Canal. Wildlife sightings of turtles, blue herons, ducks, and more are abundant. With a 2 mile float down the Schuylkill River and a tranquil return paddle on the historic Oaks Reach canal, this unique trip is a great option for beginner kayakers. 2 portages are required, which means you have to carry your kayak over land to get from the canal to the river and vice versa.  

TRIP INFO

  • TRIP TYPE: Rental

  • PRICE: Rental: $45  

  • TRIP LENGTH: 3 Hours (2-2.5 hours on the water)

  • DATES: Every other Saturday starting May 20 & every other Sunday starting May 28

  • WHAT'S INCLUDED: Kayak, paddle, life jacket with whistle, laminated map, waterproof bag and compartment

  • EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner. Great for first time kayakers

  • MEETING & TAKE-OUT LOCATION: Lock 60 Recreation Area

  • PUT IN LOCATION: Lock 60 Recreation Area

  • SHUTTLE: Not required

  • RESTROOM: Porta Potty at put-in + take-out

  • AVAILABLE KAYAKS: 13 single sit-ins, 11 single sit-on-tops, 4 tandem sit-on-tops, 2 tandem sit-ins

The Lock 60 Loop - Schuylkill River - Valley to Summit Kayaking

click map

Lock 60 Loop (Mont Clare / Phoenixville)

lock-60-loop

This is a great relaxing section that displays the wild beauty of the Schuylkill River outside of the City of Philadelphia. Hallmarks include slow-moving water, a diversity of stately trees lining the banks, birds soaring above, great blue heron stalking fish in the shallows, and hopeful sightings of eagles, turtles, frogs and fish. As you near the end of the paddle, explore a one mile long series of river islands.

TRIP INFO

  • TRIP TYPE: Rental

  • PRICE: Rental: $55  

  • TRIP LENGTH: 4 hours (2-3 hours on the water)

  • DATES: Every other Saturday starting May 27 & every other Sunday starting May 21

  • WHAT'S INCLUDED: Kayak, paddle, life jacket with whistle, laminated map, waterproof bag and compartment

  • EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner. Great for first time kayakers

  • MEETING & TAKE-OUT LOCATION: Towpath Park

  • PUT IN LOCATION: Ganshahawny Park

  • SHUTTLE: 10 minute shuttle provided from Towpath Park to Ganshahawny Park

  • RESTROOM: Porta Potty at put-in + take-out

  • AVAILABLE KAYAKS: 13 single sit-ins, 11 single sit-on-tops, 4 tandem sit-on-tops, 2 tandem sit-ins

Ganshahawny Park (Douglassville) To ​Towpath Park (Pottstown) - 4 Hours - Schuylkill River - Valley To Summit Kayaking

click map

Ganshanaway

Ganshahawny Park (Douglassville) to ​Towpath Park (Pottstown)

Starting your  kayaking tour from Union Meadows Park, enjoy the tranquil Schuylkill River as it takes you through rural Berks County. At the halfway point, stop at peaceful Ganshahawny Park for a snack, bathroom, and stretching break. Continue downriver as you enter Chester County and paddle past Pottstown Riverfront Park. After exploring a one mile long series of river islands towards the end, make your final push to Towpath Park. For this trip, there are no guided options, but you can take advantage of our rental kayaks and enjoy the sights on your own.

TRIP INFO

  • TRIP TYPE: Rental

  • PRICE: Rental: $75  

  • TRIP LENGTH: 6 hours (3.5-5 hours on the water)

  • WHAT'S INCLUDED: Kayak, paddle, life jacket with whistle, laminated map, waterproof bag and compartment

  • EXPERIENCE LEVEL: prior kayaking experience recommended

  • MEETING & TAKE-OUT LOCATION: Towpath Park

  • PUT IN LOCATION: Union Meadows Park

  • SHUTTLE: 15 minute shuttle provided from Towpath Park to Union Meadows Park

  • RESTROOM: Porta Potty at put-in, half way point and take-out

  • AVAILABLE KAYAKS: 13 single sit-ins, 11 single sit-on-tops, 4 tandem sit-on-tops, 2 tandem sit-ins

click map

Towpath

Union Meadows Park (Birdsboro) to Towpath Park (Pottstown)

bottom of page