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The Poconos
Water Sports

Water Water Everywhere

The Poconos are two things, to most people: water and mountains. Actually, the combination of clear fresh water surrounded by lush green mountains kind of visually embodies what makes the Poconos special. There are almost 11.400 acres of lakes in this region, that's spread over approximately five hundred lakes, each one plentiful with fish and the healthy ecosystems that provide fish with their environment. Lots of the lakes in the Poconos are either glacier-make or manmade, but fish and other water wildlife don't care how the lake was made. They thrive no matter what the source. And so do the vacationers who come to enjoy the Pconos' rich treasury of precious natrual resources. There are endless activities performed in, on and around the water, and the Pocoonos is one of the best places in the country to enjoy such activities.

The Basics

If you're boating in the Poconos, be aware that you have to have your boat registered if it uses a motor. That means conoes, kayaks, anything you paddle doesn't have to be registered, although you may register these crafts, too. One reason to register the non-motorized boats is that you don't have to pay a launch fee at state parks in Pennsylvania if you register the vessel, as small and non-motorized as it may be. There is one rule that applies to all boats, no matter how small or how they're powered: you must have life jackets aboard...one for each person. Pennsylvania has a Fishh & Boating department who can fill you in on all the rules and regulations concerning boating and the state of Pennsylvania.

Another universal rule is that there is no alcohol or pets allowed in parks, and if you book a boat trip through an outfitter, there is no alcohol involved, either. Most of the water sport areas described on this page are public parks, so keep this in mind while you browse.

Rafting

White water rafting is superb in the Poconos. In fact, it's reason enough alone to take your vacation here. If you have never tried whitewater rafting, then you are in for the ride of your life. The Lehigh River is number one area to go whitewater rafting, but you can also try the Delaware River, which is a little calmer, but swift as well. Imagine careening down a fast river, paddling around jagged rocks as your raft leader shouts out commands you've just learned in the pr-trip lesson. Paddle Right!, Paddle Left!, Hold On!!!. You and your fellow paddlers are working from pure adrenaline energy here, and it's the most primal three or six hours of your life. You can sign up with one of many outfitters who are carefully trained and have years of experience taking amateurs like you down the rivers of the Poconos.

Tubing

Floating down a slow-moving river on a giant ridiculous looking inner tube is one of the greatest summer pleasures in life, and everyone should try it at least once. There's no feeling on earth quite like encircling yourself in a cushy air-filled giant donut, feeling safe and padded on all sides, while the water carries you gently down stream. Or some like to extract excitement out of tubing and try faster waters...do this at your own risk. Remember, your butt is sticking through the hole in the donut, so it's not as protected as the rest of you! Or for some safer excitement, get a group of people together in inner tubes and bounce around on the water, bumper car style. Guaranteed fits of giggles for anyone involved!

You can rent tubes at most of the National Parks and Recreation areas in the Poconos for about $20 or so a day. Sometimes half-day rentals are possible, too. You might have to leave a deposit for the tubes, and you'll definitely have to sign some paperwork that releases the rental agent from any legal risk of being sued if something goes wrong. Don't worry, this is standard procedure.

Boating

The abundance of lakes in the Poconos is accompanied by an anbundance of State Parks on lakes, which is good for boaters. There are numerous public boat launches dotting the parks in the Poconos, and all you have to do is pick which one you would like to use. We'll list Poconos parks and recreation areas that have boat launches here, for your vacation planning. In general, check with park info stations for guidelines on restrictions on any particular lake. Some allow all sorts of boats, some allow non-motorized boats only, and some allow non-motorized and electric engines only. Some areas a have strict speed limits, and some may allow boating, but not fishing.

Some Parks & Recreation Areas with Boat Launches

  • Delaware Water Gap National Receation Area. Beware of strong currents. Boat launch is free with price of admission to Area.
  • Hidden Lake. Electric motor boats and non-motorized boats only.
  • Milford Beach. Two boat launches here.
  • Smithfield Beach. Two boat launches here. Gas and electric-motor boats allowed here. Speed limits apply.
  • Delaware River. All along route 209 there are clearly marked boat launches. These launches are free, and there's free parking, too.
  • Beltzville State Park. Bring out your big guns here...no limits on horsepower, and you can go up to 45 mph.
  • Mauch Chunk Lake Park. Boat launches here too.
    • Lake Wallenpaupack. Launching here for around $7.00. There's a free launch, but it is very very crowded.
    • Gouldsboro State Park.
    • You can dock here any time, any day, provided your boat is registered in the state of Pennsylvania.
    • Promised Land State Park. Promised Land Lake in this park allows electric-powered and no-motored boats. Bruce Lake allows boats. If your boat is not registered in State of Pennsylvania, you will need to purchase a boat launch permit.
    • Tobyhanna State Park. They have boat launches for boats registered in PA only.

Canoeing and Kayaking

There are numerous places to rent canoes in the parks and recreation areas of the Poconos. Most of the state parks have rentals, and you can expect to pay $30 to $40 a day for rentals, based on two people per canoe. Also expect to pay a deposit and sales tax in addition to this price. You will also have to sign a release. There are outfitters who are licensed to operate within the State Parks, as well. Look for one where you get a mini-lesson with the rental. Even if you've canoed for years, it might not hurt to see what you can learn. If you're going canoeing or kayaking in one of the rivers in the Poconos, always keep safety in mind...currents may be unpredictable and even if you are a seasoned canoer or kayaker, remember that you are in new waters, so keep aware of the currents, rapids, and whatever lies out there in the waters of the Poconos. But always, have fun!!
 

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