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The Poconos
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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 | |
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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!!Marketed || Directory || Poconos Hotels || Poconos Attractions || Poconos Parks || Poconos FAQ
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