Outdoor enthusiasts will find Cumberland Valley’s many streams and lakes ideal for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and other water sports. We also offer scenic waterfront dining and hotels so you can enjoy the views while you rest and recharge. Start planning your weekend adventure now.
Boating, Paddleboarding, Kayaking & Tubing
If you are looking for a more relaxing way to get out on the water, try one of the many boating opportunities in the Valley.
- Scenic Children's Lake in Boiling Springs is a great afternoon escape. The lake accommodates shallow-draft boats, canoes, and electric motorboats.
- Visitors can also enjoy boating amid the scenic mountain backdrop on Laurel Lake in Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Canoes, rowboats, paddleboats, and one and two-person kayaks are available for rental daily during the summer season, or you can bring your own.
- Take a leisurely float along the Yellow Breeches Creek (a PA Designated Scenic River) and the Conodoguinet Creek. Both feature float trips that are perfect for kayaks. Or reserve a float trip along the Yellow Breeches with Creekside at Liberty Forge and let them provide the tubes and shuttle transportation.
- Along the eastern border of Cumberland Valley, the sparkling Susquehanna River is ideal for guided float trips via canoe or kayak, as offered by Blue Mountain Outfitters in Marysville or Susquehanna Outfitters in Wormleysburg. Or rent or buy canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards from either outfitter and head out to explore on your own.
- The 59-acre Opossum Lake offers three access points for electric motorboats and unpowered boats and is the ideal location to unwind amidst the quiet, natural beauty.
Fishing Spots and Tackle Shops
Take advantage of Cumberland Valley’s world-renowned fly-fishing streams for the perfect opportunity to get out on the water. While we’ve compiled the top 10 places to fish in the Valley, there are three renowned fly-fishing spots. Get your feet wet at Yellow Breeches Creek, where anglers of every skill level can enjoy the abundance of trout and a mile-long catch-and-release section near Boiling Springs. LeTort Spring Run is one of the finest limestone trout streams in the nation, with wily fish and a handicapped-accessible fishing platform. At Big Spring Creek, fish for rainbow, brook, and brown trout, with some sections catch-and-release only.
To get all the fishing supplies you need for a successful day, visit Precision Fly Fishing and Tackle in Mt. Holly Springs, which has a large selection of bait, rods, flies, wading gear, and apparel.
TCO Fly Shop in Boiling Springs is more than a tackle shop. It’s a fly-fishing destination. Not only does it have all the tackle and gear you could need, but TCO Fly Shop also offers fly tying classes, half and full-day guided fishing trips, and a travel gear concierge who can help you fully gear up for a successful trip.
If you’re not ready to invest in your own gear, Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers a fishing tackle loan program where you can borrow rods, reels, and tackle boxes just like books from a library. All supplies are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
TIP: A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required for persons aged 16 and older. Click here to see a list of fishing license agents.
Swimming Lakes & Sandy Beaches
Looking for a beach getaway without the traffic and cost of traveling to the ocean? Cumberland Valley offers several swimming lakes with sandy beaches and refreshing waters.
Within Colonel Denning State Park, you’ll find Doubling Gap Lake. With its beautiful backdrop of mountains and forest, this 3.5-acre lake is a perfect spot for a fun and relaxing day by the water.
At Pine Grove Furnace State Park, choose between Fuller Lake and Laurel Lake. Both swimming lakes offer sand, cool water, and lovely views. Lifeguards are on duty at Fuller Lake during peak swim season. Laurel Lake doesn’t have a lifeguard, but it does have a snack bar.
Click here to read more about Swimming in the Valley.
Waterfront Restaurants & Hotels
Continue your water adventure with dinner on or along the Susquehanna River. Enjoy one of the Pride of the Susquehanna dinner cruises or maybe even a murder mystery aboard the only authentic paddlewheel riverboat on this side of the Mississippi River. Or enjoy riverfront dining at one of our waterfront restaurants in Wormleysburg. Both Dockside Willies and Duke’s Riverside Bar & Grille feature expansive decks overlooking the river where you can enjoy beautiful views, refreshing drinks, and some delicious American pub fare. If you prefer Southwestern food, try Tequilla Willies, which also has outdoor seating overlooking the waterfront.
Head over to City Island for family fun, including baseball from the Harrisburg Senators, mini golf, and a playground for the kids. Adults will enjoy drinks and amazing views of the Susquehanna River at the Harrisburg Beach Club.
End your day on the water at Allenberry Resort. This waterfront hotel is located along the banks of the Yellow Breeches Creek and within walking distance of Children’s Lake. Allenberry is an Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodge that offers guided fly-fishing packages and can arrange for guests to partake in several other outdoor activities, including tubing and kayaking. Enjoy their outdoor pool, on-site dining, wellness activities at their Longevity Center, and a theater.
Plan Your Visit Today
While it’s easy to spend a whole day on the water, Cumberland Valley offers a wealth of other outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and bird-watching. Plan a Visit to check out our parks, trails, and enticing outdoor areas.
