Trip, Brandywine River, Moving Water, Class 1 Rapids

Paddle moving water, ripples and easy class 1 rapids past woodland, fields and the occasional rock formation.  Participants should have basic river reading and boat control skills.  The time on the water including a break for lunch for this 8 mile trip is approximately 4.5 hours.  The Brandywine River is approximately 50  minutes from the Philadelphia Canoe Club.

Meet at Shaw’s Bridge Park, 274 S Creek Road, West Chester, PA Coordinates: 39.92152699874464, -75.64441590224087.   We will drop off the boats and leave a participant there to look over them while we shuttle our cars to Smith Bridge Picnic Area.

Take Out: Smith Bridge Picnic Area, Brandywine Creek Road, Wilmington, DE Coordinates: 39.8343701974242, -75.57564166990944.   Turn onto Brandywine Creek Road from Smithbridge Road.  Drive ¼ mile on Brandywine Creek Road and turn right into the Picnic Area.  At the end of the trip, we will use a vehicle left at the Picnic Area to take drivers back to Shaw’s Bridge to get their vehicles and get everybody and their boats back together.

To Go On This Trip: Click "REGISTER" and complete the registration Information.  Participants must have completed an American Canoe Association (ACA) Waiver.  ACA Members must complete a paper waiver the morning of the trip if you have not previously completed one on a 2026 trip.  You will need your ACA membership number to complete the waiver.  Individuals who are not ACA members must complete a 1 day event membership waiver and pay $10 cash the morning of the trip.

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 a 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.

Trip Updates: Will be sent via email up to the day before the trip. 

Questions: Contact Tom Moiani at tbmoiani@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