Hike the Appalachian Trail
Through the northeast corner of Pennsylvania runs a portion of the Appalachian Trail. It may just be the most famous hiking trail in existence. Black bears live and thrive in Pennsylvania, so remember to take precautions with food. The trail cuts 232 miles through the eastern section of the state. It enters west of Gettysburg and touches the Allegheny Mountains, before exiting at Delaware Water Gap into New Jersey. The trail entrance/exit is located off of Mountain Road in Delaware Water Gap. This portion of the trail is known for its waterfall, lake and native American History. You could easily hike a portion of the trail and then return to the graveled parking lot at the trailhead. However, Edge of the Woods Outdoor Outfitters will take you on a guided hike of the waterfall and lake. The hikes last roughly two to three hours and the guide provides expert knowledge of the location to make your hike go smoothly.
Edge of the Woods Outdoor Outfitters
110 Main St.
Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327
(570) 421-6681
edgeofthewoodsoutfitters.com
Canoe the Delaware River
After making the trip up the Appalachian Trail to Delaware Water Gap, consider canoeing the Delaware River. The river forms the eastern border of Pennsylvania. The river is also apart of the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area. Besides canoeing, other activities include rafting, tubing, swimming and camping. The Delaware River also hosts a newly found, healthy population of bald eagles that nest on the cliffs. The river can be treacherous, particularly when high. Adventure Sports rents canoes, rafts and kayaks. The company hauls the people, boats and gear to the launch location. Depending on your choice of trip and trip length, paddle time ranges from two hours to 13 hours. The distances start at six miles and maxes out at 34 miles of river to paddle. The company offers one- to three-day trips.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
HQ River Road off Route 209
Bushkill, PA 18324
(570) 828-2253
nps.gov
Adventure Sports
P.O. Box 175
Marshalls Creek, PA 18335
(570) 223-0505
adventuresport.com
Bike Ohio
Of all the possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts in Ohio, biking seems to be a major pastime. Many biking trails are cleared and easy-to-travel. According to OhioBikeways.net, "The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail or simply the towpath, as it is more commonly known is one of Ohio's most scenic bikeways." It travels 110 miles through Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas counties. In 2009, roughly 80 miles were completed. Crushed stone and asphalt make up most of the trail. The towpath will be part of the 325-mile bike path that travels through both Pennsylvania and Ohio. You can bike portions of the trail or all of it at once. And there are plenty of other bike trails in Ohio. The company, Granville Bike Rentals & Guided Tours, rent bikes and offers bike tours. The guided tours visit a winery and an old mill. The tours travel a good distance in half-day or full-day tours covering 23 to 48 miles.
Granville Bike Rentals & Guided Tours
4277 Gale Road
Granville, OH 43023
(740) 504-9769
granvillebike.com
Kayak the Little Miami River
Two Miami Rivers--the Great Miami and Little Miami--inhabit southwest Ohio. While the Great Miami River is a Class 1 river and excellent for beginners, it is a do-it-yourself river, where you need to bring all your gear, possess some knowledge of kayaking as well as entering/exiting the river. On the other hand, River's Edge Outfitters, located on the Little Miami, rents kayaks and gets you started on the river. Their trips range between 3.5 miles and 13 miles in length with paddle times between 1.5 hours and eight hours. The gentle flow of the river--some rapids and obstacles--make the river perfect for beginners.
River's Edge Outfitters
9964 State Route 42
Waynesville, OH, 45068
(937) 862-4540
riversedgeoutfitters.com
