EVENT
DATE: 06/01/2019
TIME: 10:00am-3:00pm (prompt start, estimated end)
Holtwood is a section of the Susquehanna River below the Holtwood Dam. It is one of our most beautiful paddles with unique geologic formations. There is abundant wildlife with plenty of osprey and eagles.
We paddle upstream along the low current west bank then switch to paddle downstream along the higher current east bank. We will have lunch on one of the islands before we paddle up Muddy Creek or on the Muddy depending on timing and water levels.
The paddle will be about 4 hours. There is no shuttle. There is a porta-potty at the put-in. PA boat launch permits are not necessary.
Directions from Route 1 South [Pennsylvania]:
Take Route 1 south to the Nottingham exit [Route 272]
Turn right on route 272 (5.2 miles) to Wakefield
Turn right to continue to follow route 272
Turn left on PA 372 [7.2 miles]
Cross over the Norman Wood Bridge
Immediately after the bridge [as you hit the blacktop], turn left onto River Road for approx 8/10 mile
You will see a sign for the Exelon Interpretive Center at Lock 15. Bear left into the parking area. If you get to the PA Fish & Game boat launch, you went too far.
Launch GPS Coordinates: 39.80104 -76.30845
Please respond by email if you plan to join us with your cell number and any equipment needs.
LOCATION
Susquehanna River – Holtwood Area – Lock 15
NEAREST ADDRESS:
0 Riverside Rd
Airville, PA
17302
EXACT COORDINATES:
39.801839, -76.309719
ONLINE DIRECTIONS:
Google Mapping
General Information:
Recreational: Holtwood is a section of the Susquehanna River below the Holtwood Dam. It is one of our most beautiful paddles with unique geologic formations. There is abundant wildlife with plenty of osprey and eagles. Parking is near the Lock 15 Historical Area off the Riverside Rd, NOT at the PA Fish and Boat Commission Muddy Creek lot further down River Rd. The later requires launch permits.
Difficulty & Must Haves:
The water is an impoundment controlled by the Holtwood Dam above and the Conowingo Dam below. During most of the season, there is very little current, but there can be significant currents that build up quickly depending on the rate of release. When the current is low, rocks that lurk just under the water surface are not visible. Paddle carefully. We paddle upstream along the low current west bank then switch to paddle downstream along the high current east bank. We may finish with a trip up the Muddy Creek, a great place for a swim.
Nice to Have & Human Interest:
This is one of our favorite swimming spots, so plan to get wet. Lunch is on one of the sandy beaches.
Additional Notes & Shuttle Info:
