This adventure awaits program is geared toward those interested in learning how to kayak and those looking to explore a new kayaking location. Everything is provided, including kayaks, equipment, shuttle, guides, paddling, and safety instruction.
Location: Mahantango Creek to Millersburg 6.5 miles on the Susquehanna River
Our kayaking trips begin at the end! You will meet up at the MYO Park S. Market Street in Millersburg, where you will be shuttled upstream to your drop-in location and begin your 6.5-mile trek down the Susquehanna River back to Millersburg. Once your trip is completed, you will be at the location where you dropped off your vehicle.
Meeting Location:
MYO Park (Millersburg) | South Market Street | Millersburg, PA 17061
There is ample free parking and a restroom facility on-site. You will begin and end the trip from this location. Upon meet-up, you will be boarding a shuttle vehicle that will take you north of Millersburg, where your adventure will begin.
Enjoy approximately 6.5 miles of easy paddling on the normally gentle, tree-lined Susquehanna River for approximately 2.5 - 3 hours! This guided evening paddle will let you discover firsthand why many are getting involved in this healthy life-long hobby. Guides will provide kayak skill instruction before and during the trip. Participants should be in moderate physical condition and prepared to be physically active. You will be paddling, not just floating, at a leisurely pace during this program. You will board at a primitive launch location with uneven ground and a slight hill. Guests should wear athletic footwear that can get wet and won’t fall off easily, such as sneakers, sandals, water shoes. What to expect from kayak and creek:
We will use some sit-in and some sit-on kayaks. Appalachian Kayaks will match them to the person based on height or other factors. Tandem kayaks will be used for children 6-9 years of age to paddle with their responsible adult. Kayak bottoms are fairly wide and flat, offering a lot of balance forgiveness. The Susquehanna River is a healthy ecosystem abundant with countless species of wildlife.
Restrictions:
Participants must be at least 6 years of age to participate.
Participants between the ages of 6-8 must be in a 2-person kayak with a responsible adult.
A responsible adult must accompany participants under the age of 18. No one under the age of 18 can participate without a parent, adult family member, or guardian.
** Limited quantities of tandems are available.
Additional information:
This event is rain or shine. Kayaking is a water sport, so getting wet is possible. If it is very hot, you can take a short break to cool off in the river. In the event of severe weather conditions, the trip will be canceled.
Two adults may be in a tandem as long as they don’t exceed the weight limit of 450 pounds.
Weather Conditions Policy: Trips run rain or shine–we reserve the right to modify or cancel trips when severe weather and water conditions are determined unsafe by Appalachian Kayak’s management. If we cancel the trip, we will provide a full refund. At that time, you can re-register for any available program. If the trip is canceled, notification will occur 1-2 hours pre-trip via personal phone call, text, or email using the contact information you provide when registering.
Other safety factors: We reserve the right not to provide rental or shuttle to individuals who are visibly impaired/under the influence.
Children: The minimum participant age is 9 years for a single kayak rental, or 6 years of age if riding in a tandem with an adult 18 years or older. (Our requirements for determining suitable weather and water conditions are elevated for trips including children.) If you are bringing someone else’s children, please have their parent or guardian sign their waiver.
Information Needed When Registering:
Each participant must answer the following questions as part of the reservation process. This will ensure the outfitting of the right-sized equipment:
1. The height of each kayak participant.
2. The weight of each kayak participant.
3. You acknowledge that no renters can be under the age of 6 years old. Participants between 6-9 years old must be in a 2-person kayak with a responsible adult. A limited number of these kayaks are available.
4. For those participants 6-9 years of age you must let us know the name of the person they will be sharing a tandem kayak with during the program.
What to know before you go:
- Keep your confirmation email with directions and details. Arrive ready for a fun adventure!
- Arrive ON TIME (or a few minutes early), well-fueled, and rested. Bring your ticket confirmation and a liability waiver for each attendee.
- Dress in quick-drying clothing or a bathing suit (no jeans or heavy cotton)
- Wear Water Shoes or Old Sneakers
- Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. You may want to bring dry clothes to change into afterward.
- Wear Sunscreen
- Wear a Hat and Sunglasses
- Bring a Waterproof Bag or Dry Sack
- Insect Repellent
- Trash Bag
- Cell Phone and/or Watch
- Small Cooler for Snacks/Drinks
- Water to stay hydrated during the trip
- Cash Gratuity: As with any service industry, it is customary to give tips for an enjoyable experience. The guides work hard to ensure you have a clean, safe, and fun experience.
You MUST have a completed Appalachian Kayak waiver for each person in your group in order to participate in this program. Appalachian Kayak Waiver – Save some time on the day or your trip and bring your waiver already completed!
This program is non-refundable. We are happy to substitute the name of a friend or relative if you register and are no longer able to attend. Please contact us directly for assistance. We will need the name of the new attendee, their cell phone number, height, and weight information so we can have the proper equipment. Substitutions must be made at least 24 hours in advance to allow for equipment changes.
Program Contact: Nancy Gates | Assistant Program Manager | Dauphin County Parks & Recreation Department |[email protected] | 717-599-5188, ext. 2113.
Adventure Awaits programs are sponsored by UPMC.