Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and Hidden River Outfitters for a picturesque two-mile guided kayak tour on the Schuylkill River.

The tour departs from the Walnut Street dock along the Schuylkill River Trail and heads upriver to the Fairmount Water Works, where you’ll experience a rarely-seen perspective of these historic structures from the water below. Learn interesting facts about the history of the park while enjoying spectacular views of the city skyline at sunset.

No gear or kayaking experience necessary — kayaking equipment and instruction provided.

INSTRUCTOR BIO: Jason Mifflin has owned and operated Hidden River Outfitters since June 2010. From homemade rafts to sea kayaks, Jason loves to be on the water in anything that floats. He spent much of his life paddling a canoe until he discovered kayaking about fourteen years ago. He appreciates both whitewater and flatwater kayaking for their respective exhilarating and relaxing qualities. Jason enjoys sharing his passion for being outdoors with others and reconnecting people with the rivers they often appreciate but never experience. Jason loves to get folks out on the water, regardless of their experience, and expose them to paddling. Also, as a native of Philadelphia, he enjoys recounting the history and function of many of the areas that we encounter on our tours.

TICKET PRICE: Pay what you can – $40, $50, or $60
[ Not sure what to pay? Please refer to this Sliding Scale Pricing FAQ for additional info. ]

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
-All attendees must sign a waiver (provided by Hidden River) in order to participate.
-Parental consent is required for those 18 years and under. Not recommended for those under 12.
-The kayak is roughly two miles roundtrip (moderate exertion).
-Please dress according to weather conditions.
-Bring your own water and snack (drinking water is not available in the park).
-There are limited bathrooms nearby so please plan accordingly.
-Bring bug spray and sunscreen.
-All tours begin with a brief safety talk and an on-shore kayaking lesson.
-There will be a spot to lock up belongings (backpacks, cell phones, etc.) during the kayak tour.
-There are only single-person kayaks available for the tour.
-These kayaking events have a limited capacity. Refunds cannot be issued within a week of the event, except in extenuating circumstances.

PARKING/GETTING THERE: There is paid street parking nearby. As always, NEVER leave valuables in your car! If traveling by public transit, there are bus stops located at Market Street and Schuylkill Ave, Schuylkill Ave and JFK Blvd, and 23rd Street and Market – all a little over a 1/4-mile walk. The nearest Indego bike station is at 120 South 24th Street.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to programs@myphillypark.org

Enjoy our programs? Become a Supporter of Fairmount Park Conservancy to help ensure that Philadelphia’s parks are enhanced for generations to come!