City: Hershey, PA
County: Dauphin County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 40.30883164, -76.66567674
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Run
I
Take-out
Swatara Creek - 4. Harpers Tavern, PA to Boat House Rd., Hershey, PA
Current Conditions
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• 2.10-6.30 ft
Swatara Creek at Harper Tavern, PA
--
• 2.50-5.60 ft
Swatara Creek near Hershey, PA
Whitewater Runs on Swatara Creek
5 runsDifficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site:
Put-in at this location
This location is on the run
Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Downstream from here Upstream from here
I
Put-in at this location
5. Union Deposit, PA (Swatara Creek Park, S. Hanover St.) to Middletown, PA
14.2 mi
I
Take-out at this location
4. Harpers Tavern, PA to Boat House Rd., Hershey, PA
12.7 mi
I
Upstream from here (8.9 mi from take-out)
3. Jonestown, PA (Market St.) to Harpers Tavern, PA
10.0 mi
I
Upstream from here (15.0 mi from take-out)
2. Pine Grove, PA (Canal Park) to Waterville Bridge Trailhead
11.6 mi
II+
Upstream from here (25.6 mi from take-out)
1. PA 125 Bridge south of Tremont to Pine Grove, PA (Canal Park)
6.9 mi
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Located in Hershey, Dauphin County, Boathouse Park offers convenient access to the Swatara Creek Water Trail via a 16-foot-wide concrete boat ramp and EZ Dock, making it ideal for launching kayaks, canoes, and other non-motorized watercraft. Creek access is available immediately upon entering the park. This is one of two formal trailheads on the Swatara Creek Water Trail, alongside Scotto's Italian Restaurant in Jonestown, making it a popular put-in or take-out point for paddling trips.
The Swatara Creek features generally calm waters with a few small riffles near the end of runs, providing mild paddling conditions suitable for most skill levels. Water conditions and float times vary based on creek flow and your paddling pace. Remember that Pennsylvania law requires life jackets for all occupants of kayaks and canoes from November 1 through April 30. Nearby recreation opportunities include access to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and connections to the larger Captain John Smith Water Trail system.
The Swatara Creek features generally calm waters with a few small riffles near the end of runs, providing mild paddling conditions suitable for most skill levels. Water conditions and float times vary based on creek flow and your paddling pace. Remember that Pennsylvania law requires life jackets for all occupants of kayaks and canoes from November 1 through April 30. Nearby recreation opportunities include access to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and connections to the larger Captain John Smith Water Trail system.
Nearby Recreation Areas
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Located within
Amenities
parking