With hundreds of miles of rivers and countless lakes, NEPA is a prime spot for watersports. It’s just so peaceful to glide along with nothing but the gentle splash of your paddle dipping into the water. And you always notice things you wouldn’t see from the shore, like bald eagles swooping in to snatch a fish and blue herons wading along the shore.

If heart-pounding adventures are more your style, then NEPA’s whitewater rapids are calling your name. Both the Lehigh River and the Delaware River boast rapids that are thrilling, yet still easy enough for families and beginners.

No boat? No problem. NEPA’s local outfitters can provide kayaks, canoes and rafts, plus all the equipment you need. Many of them even offer shuttle services for river trips so you don’t have to haul all the gear. We’ve rounded up some of NEPA’s most popular watersports destinations and the local outfitters that can help you get out on the water.

Susquehanna River

Drift along the current and enjoy unbeatable views on the North Branch.

The Susquehanna River begins in Cooperstown, New York, and flows 444 miles all the way down to the Chesapeake Bay. The scenic North Branch runs right through the heart of NEPA, winding its way through the Endless Mountains and passing through the Valley Cities.

Sure, maybe you drive past the river every day or have taken a stroll on its banks. But to truly experience the Susquehanna, you have to get out on the water on a kayak or canoe. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular with dramatic oxbow bends, rolling mountains and soaring cliffs. It’s no wonder this section is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is part of the Pennsylvania Water Trail System.

The National Park Service protects over 100 miles along the NEPA border.

The Delaware River forms the eastern edge of the state. There are two prime sections for paddlesports: the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Both are part of the National Park System. Kayak and canoe rentals are plentiful, while rafts are a great option for groups and families.

The Upper Delaware spans about 73 miles, starting from the northeast corner of the state and ending just north of Matamoras. The water is a mix of calm sections, mild riffles and Class I and II rapids. As for scenery, the area is surrounded by mountains, with the Pennsylvania Poconos on one side and the New York Catskills on the other. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot one of the many bald eagles that call the area home.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area follows the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border from Milford to just below the town of Delaware Water Gap. This is where you’ll see some iconic views like the steep slopes of Mount Minsi and the famous Point of Gap.

Ride the whitewater rapids through the Poconos.

If you’re really up for an adrenaline rush, the mighty Lehigh River is the place to be. On dam release weekends, the extra water flows down from the Francis E. Walter Dam and creates churning Class III rapids. However, you’ll also find gentler family-style trips that all ages will enjoy. In the calmer sections, you can even hop out of the raft and cool off with a swim.

When you’re not paddling like crazy through the rapids, take a moment to admire the breathtaking scenery. The river cuts through Lehigh Gorge State Park, one of the gems of the Pocono Mountains.

Don’t worry if you’re a first-timer—you don’t need any experience. These local companies provide guided trips complete with gear, transportation and instruction.

Local lakes offer a relaxing spot for paddlers.

State parks are some of NEPA’s most wild, scenic and pristine places. Some parks have lakes and boat concessions, where you can borrow kayaks and canoes at an affordable rate. Some locations also have stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats and more.

From the water, you’ll get a completely different view of the park. There’s nothing more peaceful than paddling along the glassy surface of the water and taking in the scenery.