Now that it is officially summer, high temperatures and sweltering humidity will soon be a daily occurrence. However, Berks County offers easy and fun ways to cool down this season!
Pennsylvania’s Americana region is home to many waterways that will guarantee outdoor fun and a chance to cool off while partaking in a wide variety of water recreation activities. Get behind the wheel of a boat to enjoy a leisurely cruise, make a splash and go for a swim, or pick up a paddle and explore the waterways — whatever summer activity you choose, you can enjoy an adventure-filled summer while staying cool!
Captain Your Boat
With Blue Marsh Lake, French Creek State Park, and the Schuylkill River Greenways all in our backyard, boating enthusiasts will never get bored exploring Berks County’s waterways. Captain your ship around Blue Marsh Lake’s 1,147 acres of water where you’ll also find the convenience of three boat launches.
French Creek State Park lies adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and is the largest contiguous block forest between Washington, DC and New York. It occupies two lakes, the 68-acre Hopewell Lake and the 22-acre Scotts Run Lake. where boating launches are available. The lakes make ideal boating venues among the beautiful farmland of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. If you do not own a boat, rentals are available at the Hopewell Lake pool complex. Remember to boat with caution and follow all Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission safety guidelines.
Dive Into Summer
After you park your boat, cool off in Blue Marsh Lake’s swim beach or the swimming pool by Hopewell Lake near French Creek State Park. Along with a family-friendly swim beach, the Dry Brooks Day Use Area at Blue Marsh Lake offers picnic tables, grills, pavilions, public restrooms, and a concession stand.
While lifeguards are not present at Blue Marsh Lake’s swim beach, there are lifeguards on duty during open pool hours by Hopewell Lake. The pool is open from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Pick Up A Paddle
There’s nothing quite as peaceful as paddling around a local waterway in a kayak or canoe. You can partake in the popular summer activity at Blue Marsh Lake where the boat launches are also open for kayaks and canoes. Blue Marsh Outdoors offers affordable rentals so you and your whole family can enjoy a day out on the water.
If you’d prefer paddling in faster moving water, the Schuylkill River Water Trail is an ideal destination that flows for 137 miles where it joins with the Delaware River. Regardless of whichever waterway you choose to explore, it’s just as important to make sure you obtain the proper registration and life jackets before heading out on the water.
Try Out a New Water Sport
Kayaking and canoeing remain a popular summertime activity in our region, but a new paddle water sport trend is emerging — stand up paddleboarding. Not only is paddleboarding a fun and affordable activity to partake in on the water, but there’s many different ways to enjoy the sport!
Relax while floating on the board, get a full-body workout in while paddling, join a paddleboard yoga class, or compete in races — the possibilities are endless. For beginners just trying out the sport, the learning curve is fast and boards can be rented at Blue Marsh Outdoors.
Go for a Float
While you may not be able to go on your planned summer vacation and float around the resort’s lazy river this summer, you can find great tubing spots right here in Berks County! Get a group of people together, blow up some water rafts, and float down the Schuylkill River.
If you’re more comfortable floating down the river on a guided trip, there are local businesses that offer shuttle and group services.
Spend Your Summer in Berks County
Our region has activities for every person’s interest for all seasons in the year. Spend your summer days cooling off in our area’s waterways, hitting the trails, or learning about the culture and history.
If you’re embarking on a road trip this summer, check out our guide. We look forward to your visit!