"River time". Learn what it means. Live it.
When you spend days on the river: things change. People change. Time changes.
HIGHLIGHTS:
An overnight experience on the river is unforgettable.
Daily paddles within the conditioning of most paddlers.
Typically, smooth class 1 water, with only seasonal exceptions.
No portage sections
No logistical vehicle considerations
Safe and enjoyable for people of all ages
Start and finish location:
100 Ave. D & H north
Riverside, PA 17868
Overnight trips are different:
Show up at our location on the day and time you specify. Park and we will shuttle you to your predetermined launch location. Overnight trips offer a lot of options for start, finish, gear, food, lodging, etc.
Planning your overnight trip:
On this page we will review the options of an overnight river adventure. As we do, you will experience a "pre-paddle" as you envision how this might all come together. This is a fun, exercise, but I caution you against getting too deep into expectations at this point. If their is one thin you learn, as an outfitter over time is set your Adventurers expectations properly. Expecting your trip to go exactly as you "pre-paddle" experience it, is a recipe for disaster. Real life, is not a controlled environment. Set your expectation accordingly.
Some tips for your planning:
Aggressive paddlers might want to start in Nanticoke and finish at the Sunbury Confluence location (57 miles).
More recreational groups, might want to start in Shickshinny and finish in Danville (36 miles).
And there are many options in between the previous two extremes (as little as 25 miles). Please plan realistically.
This is the stretch of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River that we most usually service. Green towns are the most paddle friendly locations.
Picking a launch location:
Bagged lunch in foreground. Blue sky and wide open space in background. Heaven.
Eagles are routinely seen on this section of water.
Your trip will start at our location in Riverside PA (see map above). You will arrive, park your vehicle, and unload your gear. We'll quickly get you outfitted with paddles, pfd's, and your boat, while we brief you in regard to what the locals have been experiencing on the river lately. Next step: a shuttle ride to your predetermined launch location.
Picking a launch location is IMPORTANT.
Beating your group into submission is not the right plan for most groups. Usually, groups find a more leisurely pace most enjoyable. You know your group best. We'll work to your decision.
River Section Features:
Second night dinner. Steak and salad and drinks and friendship.
Quiet. Some times of year are more quiet than others.
Peace. A slow, flat water paddle is good for the soul.
Time. To talk or not talk. Your choice.
Flora. Lots of trees, flowers and fresh air to breathe.
Fauna. Eagles, beaver, ducks, song birds, and fish to enjoy.
Historic. Rail road bridges, Canals, old Indian encampments.
More people. this section is deeper, and therefore has more motorized boats. Some people like this fact, some don't.
Once you are ready to begin your journey, you'll be safely launched and within minutes you will be paddling past historic eel weirs and Delaware Indian campsite locations at the mouth of the Mahoning Creek. Keep your eye out for Bald Eagles, as they are routinely seen in this area of river!
R.A.C. can provide this shelter for up to 6 people. it's an option for overnight adventurers.
A campfire by river edge is magical.
Food:
We can provide food for your group as an option. Below is the menu as we typically find our Adventurers find pleasing. We have limited options at remote locations. We hope you understand.
You can see a TYPICAL MENU HERE
Breakfast, bag lunches for the river and some legendary dinners, make taking the food option, a consideration for those Adventurers wishing to have a slightly less rustic affair.
Lodging:
Shikellamy State Park and the Overlook are awe inspiring locations.
Typically, our Adventurers provide their own tents for their shelter. However, there is another option.
R.A.C. has a 6 person pop-up camper we can use on some of our remote camp locations. It's an option on the form you fill out to use the camper. If you are interested, you can see costs during the registration process, and we can take it from there.
Getting Ready for your trip:
What to bring? So many options. There are different ways to handle weekends on the river. More experienced paddlers, might opt for less gear. Beginners, might want to make sure they have all their bases covered instead of feeling unprepared in the event of an unexpected need. The choice is yours.
To help you get ready, we have prepared our "Paddle Support Pages". These pages act as our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) and they help you visualize your trip, and get ready, before you are actually on the trip.
Items from things go pack, to safety to itineraries can be found here. Please take a few moments to look over this material, as it will help you prepare for your weekend on the river:
Click here for our PADDLE SUPPORT PAGES
Shikellamy State Park finish location:
Created and maintained by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Shikellamy State Park is a beautiful destination to conclude your adventure. This island is located where the North branch of the Susquehanna and the West Branch converge (hence the name of "confluence"). We partner with Lake Augusta Outfitters to give our adventurers, a safe welcoming place to take out, stretch the legs and explore the island. When you are done, simply give us a call, and we'll be there in around 30 minutes to pick you up and shuttle you back to our location, and your vehicles. It's that simple!
Overnight kayak and canoe packages on the Susquehanna River
TO BOOK:
Select a boat from the pull-down menu at right.
Select the time of your stay (1 or 2 nights)
Click the "Add to cart" button.
You will be asked to provide some contact information and items pertaining to your trip.
You will also be asked to approve a waiver.
You will be asked to consider a variety of options for your trip. Check of the items of interest. By clicking them now, you ARE NOT locked into any services, fees, or schedule. They are there as items of consideration, as we plan your trip. Once your entire party has completed the preliminary registration process, a R.A.C. Representative will contact you to work out the details of the trip and present you with a finally tally for the group and services requested. At that point, we will more formally complete your registration. This first step merely reserves your spot, gear and transportation in a very fluid way.
When you have satisfactorily completed the form, it will be added to your cart.
Complete that process for each person in your party. You can also have them complete their own registration separately.
Use the "GROUP NAME" on the registration form, so that it's easy for us at R.A.C. to properly identify the members of your group.
After you have everyone that you would like to register, added to your cart, you can finish the transaction by using the "Checkout" button. There, you can provide payment information, and complete your registration for your adventure and others you are registering!
Thank you for your choosing R.A.C. Looking forward to seeing you on the award winning North Branch of the Susquehanna River!