Seasonal
Melissa Walter
As the weather has continued to heat up, and the days have gotten longer, one thing on my mind has been how my family, friends and I can spend time cooling down at our favorite local spots. From lakes to creeks and everything in between, there is always something to do in the nearby counties.
As the weather has continued to heat up, and the days have gotten longer, one thing on my mind has been how my family, friends and I can spend time cooling down at our favorite local spots. From lakes to creeks and everything in between, there is always something to do in the nearby counties. I am looking forward to kayaking, fishing and tons of other opportunities to have a day-off adventure. If you are interested in joining in on the fun, keep reading to preview a list of my top five locations and all of the possibilities that each holds.
Marsh Creek Lake - Downingtown, PA
Located right in Chester County is the picturesque Marsh Creek Lake. This 535 acre body of water was the result of a dam that was placed on the Marsh Creek, which resulted in the spacious man-made lake. Not only can visitors enjoy the gorgeous surroundings from the banks of the lake, but there are also tons of opportunities to get out on the water and have fun. With options like boat and kayak rental, swimming and fishing there always seems to be excitement in the area. Another activity that visitors can enjoy is paddleboarding and paddleboard yoga, which is run by a local organization called Marsh Creek Watersports. The company also offers a night tour experience, during which they guide visitors through the lake on kayaks with flashlights and headlamps to see what creatures emerge from the lake at night.
Core Creek Park - Langhorne, PA
Locals to Bucks County should certainly consider visiting the next location on my list, which is Core Creek Park. The 1,200 acre park is located just off of Woodbourne Rd, and has much more in store than meets the eye. Visitors can expect to enjoy fishing, kayaking and boating, but one activity that they may not expect is aquacycling. Aquacycling, for those unfamiliar, is essentially riding an oversize tricycle that floats. There are pedals and wheels just like a normal bike but much more fun.
Schuylkill River - Pottstown, PA
If you are considering visiting the portion of the Schuylkill River that is accessible from Pottstown in Montgomery County, then you must book your day with the local company Take It Outdoors Adventures. An experience with them is number one on my bucket list for my family this year, and here is why.
Not only do they offer rentals for single and/or double kayaks and canoes, but they also offer guided trips, multi-day adventures (if you are looking to camp for the weekend), and tours for large groups. Visitors have the option, when renting a kayak or canoe, of choosing a 4.5 mile or 8.5 mile trip, both are considered beginner so all skill levels can enjoy. The opportunity to make memories is endless.
Scotts Run Lake - Elverson, PA
​​​​​​​Nestled within the gorgeous 7,526 acre French Creek State Park in Elverson, PA, this massive body of water is known as an oasis for locals to Berks and Chester Counties. The area is known for being the largest block of forest between Washington D.C. and New York City, and for its beautiful wildlife. Visitors can expect a fantastic day of fishing, boating or simply relaxing on the 20 miles of lake found at Scotts Run. In addition to boating opportunities, those looking to enjoy kayaking are welcome as well.​​​​​​​
Schuylkill Banks - Philadelphia, PA
​​​​​​​For Philadelphia locals, the Schuylkill River and Schuylkill Banks are an iconic feature to the region. Beginning in the city and spanning out towards the suburbs, as mentioned above, this winding body of water has something special to offer everyone who visits. For me in particular, I love to kayak in this area, and a great option for rentals and advice is Hidden River Outfitters, a local company offering rentals, guided tours and tons of safety info about the area. If you are taking a trip with Hidden River or venturing out on your own, the best launch for your kayak is Walnut Street Dock. From there you can enjoy an 8 mile span of river with both industrial city views and dense greenery as you make your way past the city.
The opportunities are seemingly endless for outdoor adventures that will keep you cool this summer in the Greater Philadelphia region and neighboring counties. I know my bucket list is full for weekend trips and hopefully yours is too. Comment below if you have other areas that you think I should visit this season and best wishes for a fun Summer 2021.
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