Susquehanna Outfitters
Kayak, Canoe & Paddleboard Adventures on the Susquehanna River
There are plenty of places to enjoy the outdoors in Central Pennsylvania, but very few let you experience the Susquehanna River from the middle of it.
Located on the Wormleysburg waterfront just minutes from downtown Harrisburg, Susquehanna Outfitters offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, guided trips, lessons, and special events designed to help visitors discover the river in a safe, accessible, and unforgettable way.
Whether you're a first-time paddler or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, their experienced team helps families feel comfortable and confident while exploring one of Pennsylvania's most iconic natural resources.
At a Glance
Location: 333 South Front Street, Wormleysburg, PA 17043
Activities: Kayaks, Canoes, Paddleboards, Guided Trips, Lessons & Special Events
Best For: Families, beginners, outdoor enthusiasts, tweens, teens and adults
Reservations: Recommended
Adventure Pass: 🌄 Pennsylvania Outdoor Adventure Pass Partner
Why Families Love It
Beginner-Friendly River Adventures
New to paddling? No problem. The Susquehanna Outfitters team takes time to answer questions, explain equipment, and help guests choose the best experience for their comfort level.
Parent hack: Kids often gain confidence quickly once they're out on the water and realize they can navigate independently.
Explore the River Like Never Before
Paddling provides a completely different perspective on the Susquehanna. Discover islands, wildlife, historic bridges, and views of the Harrisburg skyline that most locals never get to experience.
Parent hack: Bring a waterproof phone case because you'll want photos.
Flexible Options for Every Family
From solo kayaks to tandem boats and guided excursions, Susquehanna Outfitters makes it easy to customize the experience to your family's comfort level and abilities.
Parent hack: Don't be afraid to ask questions. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful when determining what setup will work best for your family.
Tips for Visiting
- Book ahead. Popular weekends fill quickly.
- Dress to get wet. Water tends to win every argument.
- Bring sunscreen and water. The river reflects sunlight more than you might expect.
- Wear secure footwear. Flip-flops occasionally pursue independent adventures.
- Bring a camera. The scenery is incredible.
- Ask about the islands. There is so much more to explore than many first-time visitors realize.
Business Review
Our Macaroni KID Experience
Confession time: I was nervous.
We originally reached out to Susquehanna Outfitters because we were interested in paddleboarding. Our family paddleboards fairly regularly, but only on still water. Lakes? Absolutely. Calm coves? No problem. Moving water on the Susquehanna River? That felt like a completely different adventure.
To make matters more interesting, the day of our trip was incredibly windy.
The good news? The Susquehanna Outfitters team immediately put me at ease. They were flexible, knowledgeable, and happy to help us adjust our plans. After talking through conditions and comfort levels, we decided kayaking would be a better fit for the day, and I am so grateful they encouraged us to choose the experience that made the most sense for our family.
Within minutes of launching, my anxiety disappeared.
The river was beautiful, the guidance was excellent, and what initially felt intimidating quickly became one of our favorite outdoor adventures of the year.
Roland, my 11-year-old, confidently paddled his own kayak for the trip. Watching him navigate the river independently was one of those parent moments where you suddenly realize your kid is more capable than you sometimes give them credit for.
Ridley, age 7, started out solo as well. He did great, but after a while he decided that paddling is apparently harder work than it looks. We switched him into a tandem kayak, which turned out to be the perfect solution and allowed him to keep enjoying the adventure without completely exhausting himself.
Speaking of exhausting... I can officially confirm that paddling on moving water is a significantly better workout than leisurely paddleboarding around a lake. My arms learned this lesson very quickly.
One of the highlights of the trip was learning more about the islands scattered throughout the Susquehanna. Our guide explained that many of them are public and shared information about how visitors can access and explore them responsibly.
My biggest regret from the entire experience is that we simply did not have enough time. The more we learned about the islands, the more I wanted to spend an entire day exploring them.
By the end of our paddle, everyone was smiling, tired, and already asking when we could come back.
For a family that thought they were signing up for paddleboards and ended up falling in love with river kayaking instead, I would call that a pretty successful adventure.
