Local Rivers

Susquehanna River

It winds its way south from Otsego Lake near Cooperstown, New York, through the northern and central ranges of the Appalachian Mountains in Pennsylvania. By the time it meets the Chesapeake Bay, the Susquehanna River has flowed 444 miles. With an average daily rush of 22 billion gallons of water, the Susquehanna is the largest contributor of freshwater to the Bay. The Bay was formed over 10,000 years ago when what was then the Susquehanna River was flooded by rising sea levels. The quality and quantity of waters from the Susquehanna and its tributaries directly affect the Bay's health and productivity.

Link: Susquehanna River

 

Muddy Creek

A surprisingly good whitewater run. It would really be first class if it wasn't for the 1.5 miles of flatwater on the end created by the Conowingo Dam. Muddy Creek is actually reasonably clear, and flows through a pretty laurel studded gorge that looks like it belongs in the Appalachians.

Put in at the Paper Mill bridge. The river warms up with some riffles for a mile until you come to the first Class III 4 foot ledge drop. After some more action, the river necks sharply. Get over to the right, because you have reached Muddy Falls, a nasty 15 ft or so drop which requires a 100 yard or so portage over rocks. After this, it's a mile or so of pure sugar, as the river drops over ledge after ledge, including some neat multiple ones.

Entering in the flatwater spoils the fun, and now you must make up for it with a 1/2 mile paddle down to the Susquehanna, then a paddle to one of two public water access points located either a mile up or a mile down stream.

 

Codorus Creek

When compared to other river sections in Pennsylvania this one is of average difficulty. This section is recommended for paddlers of medium experience, if you are a beginner you should probably look for a different stretch of whitewater to paddle. The Pennsylvania Route 24 to Codorus Furnace Road stretch of Codorus Creek is 4.4 miles long and has been determined by American Whitewater to be a class II(III) section. The starting location is a short drive from York-Hanover, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. There are no other stretches to paddle along Codorus Creek than the Pennsylvania Route 24 to Codorus Furnace Road stretch. The Pennsylvania Route 24 to Codorus Furnace Road section of Codorus Creek is a place where the paddling can get a bit too tough for beginners. If you're a camper you can camp at one of the great campgrounds nearby. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way there are lots of good spots for that around here. The excitement of the Codorus Creek rapids are just what you need. Whitewater rafting and kayaking.

Link: Codorus Whitewater