PENNSYLVANIA

Conococheague Creek

The Conococheague Creek is one of the largest tributaries to the Potomac River starting northeast of Chambersburg, PA traveling through Maryland for about 22 miles and then filtering off into the Potomac River. Float trips are the most popular water activity happening on this creek because you have a 72-mile stretch to drop in and pull off of! People who are familiar with this creek like to blend floating and fishing to make the trip even more fun and eventful!

Cowans Gap State Park

Looking for a place that has all the necessities for a fun summer day? Look no further; Cowans Gap sits on 1,085, acres with a lake 42-acre lake allowing for swimming, camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and boating (electric only). With a lakeside beach for relaxation, you can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, paddle boards, and boats.There is a concession stand with food for those visiting and also a store with campground necessities.

Falling Spring Creek

This creek is home to beautiful
sightseeing opportunities, meadows, historic homes, and even rainbows! Plan a day to go tubing, kayaking, canoeing, and even more daring activities like whitewater rafting. This creek in particular is popular for having different sections suited for different water activities – rapids, calm water, obstacles to go around, and places to pull off and rest. If you take a trip here, watch out for fly fishers!

Laurel Lake

Venture out for a free trip at Laurel Lake which is 25 acres and has a lakeside beach to lay out and get some rays! This place has all your outdoor activity needs: hiking, camping, biking, sightseeing, and swimming of course! If you journey out further in the water, only electric boats are allowed as well as canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats. If you don’t already have those things, fear not – you can rent them at Laurel Lake.

Letterkenny Reservoir

Spend a day at Letterkenny Reservoir with activities like fishing, boating, and swimming. You have 58 acres to explore, with various places located off the river to enjoy for lunch or shopping! Popular fish species within the reservoir are anglers and rainbow trout. If you are in the mood to stay dry, adventure off to state parks close by, such as Cowans Gap, Fowlers Hollow, and Caledonia.

Long Pine Reservoir

Enjoy a day at Long Pine Reservoir, with activities such as kayaking, canoeing, boating (electric only), paddle boarding and fishing. Swimming is prohibited due to this reservoir being a clean water source for the Borough of Chambersburg. Even if you aren’t looking for water activities, stay dry by hiking the two trails available! 

MARYLAND

Antietam Creek

Antietam Creek stretches 54 miles, starting in Pennsylvania and continuing for 42 miles in Maryland. It is perfect for a day of fun with float trips, kayaking, and canoeing. As you float, keep an eye out for the Antietam Battlefield located in Sharpsburg, MD – this area was a focal point in the American Civil War! There are various access points along the creek where you can get out, rest, eat, or just relax for a little. Float fishing is popular along the creek, as well as other animal sightings, which make this the perfect trip for nature sightseeing.

Blairs Valley Lake

If you like to fish, this is the spot for you. The lake is filled with large bass, panfish, bluegill, red ear sunfish, and black crappies. Only non-motor water vessels are allowed such as rowboats, paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. Alongside the lake, there’s forest surrounding the area which is popular for hunters during the hunting season. You may also see numerous animals on your visit, including white-tailed deer, bears, rabbits, birds of various species, and even snakes!

Cunningham Falls State Park

Cunningham Falls offers visitors the chance to escape into nature with sightseeing, waterfalls, and hiking trails. There are multiple hiking trails to try out, ranging from .5 miles to 7.5 miles, with some connecting to the falls. For your safety you cannot swim at the falls, but you can take in the beautiful view. There are spots for camping and picnics at Houck area and Manor area, and your pets are welcome in these areas only. Fishing and hunting are allowed; those 16 and older have to have a permit to fish and to hunt, and you must make a reservation.

Potomac River

The Potomac River spreads over a wide range of area allowing many people to enjoy its naturalistic beauty and serenity, crossing through Maryland, Pennsylvania, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. The watershed sits at an astonishing 14,670 miles with nearly 60 percent of it being forest, which qualifies the river as one of the most forested watersheds in the country! You can engage in a variety of water activities such as fishing, paddleboarding, hiking, boating, wildlife watching, and riverside sightseeing!

WEST VIRGINIA

Mountain Lake Club

Looking for a place that has all the summer fun? The Mountain Lake Club is the place to visit! Their beach is open 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily with a food truck there from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily. If you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, check out the Lakeside Bar and Grill. Aside from food, Shannondale Lake is 55 acres and the shoreline is 25 acres. Visitors can also explore historic ruins left from the fire of the former Shannondale Lodge. Prices vary depending on if you are a member or non-member, so check their website for more information!

Opequan Creek

Visit Opequan Creek for an ideal spot to float, fish, canoe and kayak. Areas such as Route 45 and Gold Course Road require someone to be DNR certified, whereas, Hoffman Road, Scrabble Road, and Paynes Ford do not. On the float you may see and hear songbirds, meadows of wildflowers, various tree types, and deer! The creek also has an abundant fish population with breeds such as smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, channel catfish, brook trout, rock bass, largemouth bass, and fallfish.

River Riders

River Riders is a guaranteed stop if you’re looking for both adventure and relaxation with a number of water and land activities as well as cabins and campgrounds to end your day. For adventure, check out the white water rafting, paddleboarding, and tubing! You can also float with ease on a more relaxed path. Ziplining here is a must; you’ll definitely dry off after a day of tubing. Alongside ziplining, they have a canopy tour and an adventure park.

Sleepy Creek

You’re not going to want to miss out on what Sleepy Creek Lake has to offer; they have multiple activities that span over 22,928 acres of land. With things to do for all ages, it’s easy to plan family getaways here! You have a 205-acre lake to fish on, and there are breeds such as largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. Among the woods, there are many bird species to see like warblers, American redstarts, prairie warblers, red-eyed vireos, scarlet tanagers, and even more!