11 Best Places to Paddle Board in Pennsylvania (PA)

Discover the beauty of the Keystone State from a unique perspective.

Ever considered exploring picturesque lakes and winding rivers on a paddle board?

We’ve gathered the best places to paddle board in Pennsylvania for you.

Embark on this exciting adventure and experience Pennsylvania like never before. Ready to dive in?

🗺️ Map

Where to Paddle Board in Pennsylvania

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Presque Isle Bay

• 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
• 📍 Access Point: Presque Isle State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, can be windy in afternoon
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl, shorebirds
• 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Lighthouses, picturesque beaches, marshes
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to park regulations

Presque Isle Bay, located in the heart of Presque Isle State Park, offers calm waters for paddle boarders.

Surrounded by picturesque beaches, marshes, and lighthouse views, this bay provides a scenic and relaxing paddle boarding experience for all skill levels.

#2 Lake Nockamixon

• 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Nockamixon State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Largemouth bass, walleye, pickerel
• 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Forested hills, scenic lake views
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, respect no-wake zones

Lake Nockamixon, situated within Nockamixon State Park, offers over 1,450 acres of calm waters for paddle boarders.

The forested hills surrounding the lake provide a tranquil and picturesque backdrop for all adventurers. Experience nature’s beauty while exploring this vast lake.

#3 The Schuylkill River

• 🏖️ Location Type: River
• 📍 Access Point: Bartram’s Garden, Philadelphia (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, protected from winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Turtles, herons, ducks
• 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Philadelphia skyline, historic bridges, Fairmount Park
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Keep distance from boating zones, respect river regulations

The Schuylkill River allows paddle boarders to experience nature while admiring Philadelphia’s urban landscape.

Launch from Bartram’s Garden and explore the winding river that offers stunning skyline views and notable historic landmarks, such as Fairmount Park and various bridges.

#4 Marsh Creek Lake

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Marsh Creek State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, can be windy
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, birds, turtles
• 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Rolling hills, lush forests
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Check for park regulations, use caution in windy conditions

Marsh Creek Lake, located within Marsh Creek State Park, offers paddle boarders over 500 acres of picturesque waters.

The surrounding rolling hills and lush forests provide a serene environment for a relaxing day on the water.

#5 Raystown Lake

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Seven Points Recreation Area (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Deer, bass, waterfowl
• 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Scenic coves, forested shores
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to designated zones

Raystown Lake, situated in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, offers over 8,000 acres of calm waters for paddle boarders.

The lake’s scenic coves and forested shores provide endless exploration opportunities for a unique and unforgettable paddle boarding experience.

#6 Lake Wallenpaupack

• 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Palmyra Township Public Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, can be windy
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Smallmouth bass, walleye, waterfowl
• 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Forested hills, wide open waters
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Keep distance from boating zones, use caution in windy conditions

Lake Wallenpaupack, nestled in the Pocono Mountains, offers paddle boarders a sizable body of water surrounded by picturesque forests.

The open waters and numerous access points provide ample opportunity for paddlers of all skill levels to experience the beauty of the Pennsylvania outdoors.

There are many great places to paddle board in Pennsylvania, but the following 6 spots are among the best. While the list might not reach 13, these locations all offer unique and enjoyable experiences to add to your paddle boarding adventures.

#7 Beltzville Lake

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Beltzville State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, can be windy
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, water birds
• 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Forested hills, scenic shoreline
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow state park rules, use caution in windy conditions

Nestled in the heart of the Poconos, Beltzville Lake offers a pristine waterway for paddle boarding.

The calm waters and forested hills make this location a peaceful retreat for paddlers of all levels.

#8 Leaser Lake

• 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Leaser Lake Access Area (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, can be windy
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, water birds
• 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Wooded shoreline
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Non-motorized boats only, follow park rules

Located in Northwestern Lehigh County, Leaser Lake offers a quiet spot for paddle boarding.

Experience the peaceful waters and enjoy the serenity of this lesser-known lake.

#9 Brandywine River

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
• 📍 Access Point: Brandywine River Museum of Art (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, water birds, occasional deer
• 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Historic buildings, picturesque riverbanks
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Exercise caution around downed trees, follow local rules

The Brandywine River, near Chadds Ford, offers a winding journey through Pennsylvania’s scenic countryside.

Paddle boarders can enjoy the picturesque riverbanks and historic buildings along their route.

#10 Lake Ontelaunee

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Ontelaunee Township (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, can be windy
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, water birds
• 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Rural scenery, dam
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: No swimming, follow park rules

Lake Ontelaunee, located north of Reading, is a peaceful spot for paddle boarding.

Surrounded by rural scenery and a beautiful dam, it offers a tranquil experience for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

#11 French Creek

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
• 📍 Access Point: French Creek State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, water birds
• 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Woodlands, rock outcroppings
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Wear a life jacket, be aware of water levels

French Creek, located within French Creek State Park, offers a serene experience for paddle boarders.

The gentle currents and scenic woodlands create a serene atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing day out on the water.

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