For many paddlers the Red Moshannon Canoe Race signifies the beginning of Pennsylvania’s paddling season. Held every spring for the past 40 years, the Red Mo race draws paddlers from around the Mid-Atlantic to test their kayaking or canoeing skills in the class 3 water. And like a kid counting the days until Christmas, the Pennsylvania paddling season is the time of year that I wait for.

I not hard a core paddler throughout the year, I usually begin my paddling season in late March or April and end my season around November. Every year I manage to get in my favorite paddles on the West Branch of the Susquehanna and the Delaware River through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area, and Pine Creek.

There are a few Pennsylvania secrets that are worth including on the must-do paddling agenda. Pine Creek is one of those rivers. If you haven’t paddled this pristine Pennsylvania creek then you are missing out on one of the best canoe camping paddles in the Mid-Atlantic region. Pine Creek flows through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and offers beautiful scenery, wildlife, trout fishing, hiking, photography, and some easy class 1-2 whitewater. You can do a short day trip through the canyon or a longer three or four day trip from Ansonia to the West Branch of the Susquehanna. Paddle Pine Creek during the week and you’ll have it to yourself.

If you are looking for a different paddle this season, put Pine Creek on your list of must-do paddles - you will not be sorry.