Trip, Schuylkill River Moving Water/Class 1 Paddle, Canal Park to Betzwood Access

Join this trip on a pretty section of the Schuylkill River above and through Valley Forge National Park.  Much of the shoreline is undeveloped.  The Virginia Bluebells should be in bloom blanketing the shoreline.  Primarily a moving water run with a few ripples and a class 1 rapid through the remnants of the Goodrich Dam.  Approximate trip time for this 8-mile paddle is 3 hours.  We will stop for lunch along the way.  The Schuylkill river is approximately 45 minutes from the Philadelphia Canoe Club.

Meet at Schuylkill Canal Park, 31 Bridge Street, Mont Clair, PA, Coordinates 40.14585824366342, -75.50783400500805.  Turn off Bridge Street onto Towpath Road and park at the parking lot adjacent to the canal lock. We will drop off the boats and leave several participants there to look over them while we shuttle our cars to Betzwood.  There is a porta potty at this location.

Take Out at Betzwood Access, 1499 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA  Coordinates: 40.10887404392181, -75.42177717920165 At the end of the trip, we plan to use the vehicles that we left at Betzwood Access to take drivers back to Canal Park to get their vehicles.  There are bathrooms at Betzwood.

To Go On This Trip: Click "REGISTER" and complete the Registration Information. Participants must be American Canoe Association (ACA) members and complete an online waiver.  Uncertain if you have a waiver?  Log into the ACA Website, click “My Profile” and “Date Annual Waiver Expires”.  If it is expired or has never been done click here to complete a waiver.  Non-members are encouraged to join and complete the waiver before the trip.  The $40 membership provides insurance for club events for the next year.  The day of the trip ACA members without an annual waiver (bring your membership number) and non-members (pay $10 cash for a 1 day event membership) can complete a paper waiver.

Requirements: 

• Transportation of your boat and gear to the trip location.

• Wear a PFD while on the water and you should have a whistle.
• Wear quick drying clothes suitable for getting wet.  If the weather is cool dress in layers and have a set of dry clothes with you in the boat.
• Protect your toes, wear water or close-toed shoes.

Suggestions (for your comfort):

• Bring water to drink and lunch.
• Bring a dry bag or waterproof container for your personal belongings/extra clothes.
  Have a secure place to carry your car keys.
• Have a set of dry clothes in your car if you want to change for the ride home.

Questions: email Mark Sagin at saginmark@gmail.com

Rain, inclement weather, or high or low water levels can cancel or reschedule the trip or change the trip location.

TRIP PARTICIPANTS RESPONSIBILITIES.pdf