5 GREAT PADDLING SPOTS NEAR BELLEFONTE
by Bart Beck
Central Pennsylvania is abundant with water, and naturally, that means plenty of opportunities for paddling. Whether you’re new to the area or new to paddling, the Valley and surrounding areas offer many opportunities to start small and progress your skills at a comfortable rate. To get you started, here are five paddling destinations within 45 minutes of Bellefonte.
Black Moshannon State Park
Black Moshannon is a small lake yet has plenty of space to explore. Luckily, Black Moshannon only allows electric trolling motors, so you won’t have to compete with powerboats. Black Moshannon is named for its dark water provided by natural tannins. Positioned against forested shores, bogs, and abundant lily pads, this lake makes for one of the most beautiful places to paddle in all of Pennsylvania. Go early or late in the day and you just may find yourself paddling with a beaver.
Bald Eagle State Park
Bald Eagle State Park is a large lake located just outside of Bellefonte. Although you can find plenty of quiet and calm areas to paddle, this lake does allow motorboats. This increases the risk and dangers as well as creates wake that you will have to contend with. Explore its upper portions or stay towards the shore and no wake zones. Wildlife here includes lots of turtles, fish, and frogs beneath you. Above you’ll find plenty of song birds on shore, eagles soaring for their next meal, and waterfowl huddled on the water.
Bald Eagle Creek
If you’re looking for a little more excitement or challenge after honing your skills on flat water, try Bald Eagle Creek between Milesburg and Bald Eagle State Park. It’s a slow moving creek that meanders through the valley and provides riffles and swift spots that will keep you active. The moving water also keeps the scenery fresh without having to paddle hard. Birders will enjoy this spot - you’re likely to see wood ducks, belted kingfishers, great blue herons, and bald eagles.
Spring Creek
From downtown Bellefonte to Milesburg you’ll find even more excitement on the Spring Creek waterways. Keep in mind, more excitement requires more skill. Riffles turn into waves and bends in the creek which can be tight and swift. The creek provides a great place to hone your skills and prepare yourself for a multitude of other paddles. The creek even has a slalom course right in Bellefonte. The creek also provides a natural corridor right into downtown Bellefonte. It provides lots of habitat to waterfowl, beavers, and mink. All can be seen with just a short walk or paddle from downtown.
The Red Moshannon Creek
The “Red Mo” will take you to another level of whitewater. It is one of the more difficult creeks near Bellefonte. Being whitewater, this creek does require experience to safely paddle and can pose a lot of danger to those that are not ready for it. It is also home to the Red Mo Race, which is in its 55th year for 2023. Although the Red Mo is way out there and you will see plenty of wildlife, the water quality has been negatively impacted by the mining industry and due to this is limited in overall wildlife. Hopefully as time goes on, it will become a healthier ecosystem and make it even more enjoyable.
Remember, paddling has many inherent risks. Even seemingly easy paddles pose severe dangers. Practicing skills and progressing in difficulty (start on flat water) will make paddling even more enjoyable and keep yourself and others safe. Make sure to bring and wear all your appropriate safety gear and most importantly, have fun with it.
