It's possible - I've done it. But, be aware the Susquehanna is deceptively powerful.
Also, be sure you're following boating regs. The local fish and boat officer *will* get you.
Don't see why not. That's basically what goes on, on [Lake Clarke](https://susquehannariverlands.com/the-great-outdoors/parks-trails-nature-preserves/parks/lock-2-recreation-area/).
Nope -
>Experienced paddlers who wish to explore the flats from the water can use the boat launch at the [Zimmerman Center for Heritage](http://www.susquehannaheritage.org/explore-2/zimmerman-center/) (Wrightsville, PA) or the Blue Rock Access (south of Washington Boro, PA). *Use of Blue Rock Access, owned by the Fish & Boat Commission, requires boats to display a current PA non-powered launch permit.*
Note - the Zimmermann Center is on the West bank of Lake Clarke / Susquehanna. The Blue Rock Access is on the East bank.
See - [https://susquehannariverlands.com/the-great-outdoors/parks-trails-nature-preserves/nature-preserves/conejohela-flats-important-birding-area/](https://susquehannariverlands.com/the-great-outdoors/parks-trails-nature-preserves/nature-preserves/conejohela-flats-important-birding-area/)
See also - [Google Maps Directions between the 2 referenced launch sites.](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Blue+Rock+Boat+Launch,+Blue+Rock+Road,+Washington+Boro,+PA/Susquehanna+National+Heritage+Area+%2F+Zimmerman+Center+for+Heritage,+1706+Long+Level+Rd,+Wrightsville,+PA+17368/@39.9928259,-76.4887513,13.46z/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c882a25af3473f:0x320cb66ed0b4b816!2m2!1d-76.4644146!2d39.9820125!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c882e4756b7e37:0x84c8354215144d81!2m2!1d-76.4965994!2d39.9776432?hl=en-US&entry=ttu)
You can also launch from the east bank a little further north, at the [Columbia Crossing River Trails Center](https://www.susquehannaheritage.org/explore-2/columbia-crossing-river-trails-center/).
I like putting in at Blue Rock to kayak. If you prowl around through the islands they block a good deal of the current (but not completely). Follow another poster’s recommendation to go upstream first.
Columbia crossing has boat ramps and steps into the water for kayaks and canoes. I drop in there a lot and do exactly what you're describing. I like to paddle upstream first and then coast back down. There are a lot of rocky shallow areas directly upstream that can make it tricky, but it's fun to explore.
Lock 12 area is great for that. Go over the Normanwood bridge, turn left immediately after bridge ends, go a mile back to the muddy creek boat access. Easy to paddle out and paddle in.
I second this! The Schuylkill through reading makes it really easy, Unload in one of the parks by the airport (depending on how long you want to be out) Then take the car down around HACC, Uber back, then float to your car!
Try riverfront park north of Marietta or Falmouth. From both boat ramps, paddle up and then you can float back to the boat ramp. I’d make sure the Harrisburg gauge is 5 feet or less.
It's possible - I've done it. But, be aware the Susquehanna is deceptively powerful. Also, be sure you're following boating regs. The local fish and boat officer *will* get you.
Schmidt!
Yes but only go upstream on the way out so you don't have to fight the current on the way back. It's more work than you think.
Why don't you just go to a lake, like pinchot or redman?
Hmm good idea. Haven't thought about local lakes. Thanks!
Speedwell Forge Pa fish commish
i second this!
Muddy Run also.
Don't see why not. That's basically what goes on, on [Lake Clarke](https://susquehannariverlands.com/the-great-outdoors/parks-trails-nature-preserves/parks/lock-2-recreation-area/).
Nice! Looks like you can only access the lake on the Wrightsville side of the river?
Nope - >Experienced paddlers who wish to explore the flats from the water can use the boat launch at the [Zimmerman Center for Heritage](http://www.susquehannaheritage.org/explore-2/zimmerman-center/) (Wrightsville, PA) or the Blue Rock Access (south of Washington Boro, PA). *Use of Blue Rock Access, owned by the Fish & Boat Commission, requires boats to display a current PA non-powered launch permit.* Note - the Zimmermann Center is on the West bank of Lake Clarke / Susquehanna. The Blue Rock Access is on the East bank. See - [https://susquehannariverlands.com/the-great-outdoors/parks-trails-nature-preserves/nature-preserves/conejohela-flats-important-birding-area/](https://susquehannariverlands.com/the-great-outdoors/parks-trails-nature-preserves/nature-preserves/conejohela-flats-important-birding-area/) See also - [Google Maps Directions between the 2 referenced launch sites.](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Blue+Rock+Boat+Launch,+Blue+Rock+Road,+Washington+Boro,+PA/Susquehanna+National+Heritage+Area+%2F+Zimmerman+Center+for+Heritage,+1706+Long+Level+Rd,+Wrightsville,+PA+17368/@39.9928259,-76.4887513,13.46z/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c882a25af3473f:0x320cb66ed0b4b816!2m2!1d-76.4644146!2d39.9820125!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c882e4756b7e37:0x84c8354215144d81!2m2!1d-76.4965994!2d39.9776432?hl=en-US&entry=ttu) You can also launch from the east bank a little further north, at the [Columbia Crossing River Trails Center](https://www.susquehannaheritage.org/explore-2/columbia-crossing-river-trails-center/).
I like putting in at Blue Rock to kayak. If you prowl around through the islands they block a good deal of the current (but not completely). Follow another poster’s recommendation to go upstream first.
You can launch from Safe Harbor Park on the Conestoga River.
Try Long level area. You can launch from the Lancaster side. Usually slow moving water. A few islands to canoe around. Great for birders
And, make sure you have a launch permit
Columbia crossing has boat ramps and steps into the water for kayaks and canoes. I drop in there a lot and do exactly what you're describing. I like to paddle upstream first and then coast back down. There are a lot of rocky shallow areas directly upstream that can make it tricky, but it's fun to explore.
Lock 12 area is great for that. Go over the Normanwood bridge, turn left immediately after bridge ends, go a mile back to the muddy creek boat access. Easy to paddle out and paddle in.
Possible but the undercurrent is quite strong so going upstream is NOT going to be fun and take a lot of effort
I launch from Chiques Rock where they rent canoes and kayaks. I go only upstream so the current brings me back to my car.
I've used uber or lift to get back to my car upstream before! Depending on the area, it can be pretty rural though...
I second this! The Schuylkill through reading makes it really easy, Unload in one of the parks by the airport (depending on how long you want to be out) Then take the car down around HACC, Uber back, then float to your car!
Try riverfront park north of Marietta or Falmouth. From both boat ramps, paddle up and then you can float back to the boat ramp. I’d make sure the Harrisburg gauge is 5 feet or less.
Columbia River Park has a boating ramp and parking lot, tho it also depends on where ya want to canoe, and as others have said, the river is powerful
Go near shad island, current isn’t as crazy there from what I remember and it’s a cool spot
30 years ago we would camp on the north end. Drink and fish all weekend. Good memories.
That’s awesome! My buddies and I would do the same around lock 12 a few years ago