Pedal and Paddle

First comes the pedal, which leaves Pottstown's
Riverfront park at 9 a.m...

The schedule for the increasingly popular "Pedal and Paddle" bike and kayak trips from Pottstown to Douglassville and back has been announced.

The first will be held Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Now, you can register on-line by clicking here.

Registration can occur up to one-week before the event, but space is limited to 15 people and these trips often fill up quickly. (You must be 16 or older to participate).

If the May 17 date does not work for you, the other dates are June 28, July 26, Aug. 23 and Sept. 13.

The trips include:

• 4.5 mile bike ride using Bike Pottstown's yellow cruisers along the Schuylkill River Trail from Pottstown's Riverfront Park to Historic Morlatton Village in Douglassville.
• Guided tour of Historic Morlatton Village.
• Boxed picnic lunch at Ganshahawny Park in Douglassville
• Brief introduction to kayaking



...then the visit to Morlattan Village....

• Paddle back to Riverfront Park

The cost is only $25 and includes the bikes, the kayaks, the kayaking gear and the lunch.

Each event begins with a 4.5 mile bike ride from Pottstown’s Riverfront Park to Historic Morlatton Village in Douglassville, using yellow cruisers from the Bike Pottstown bike share program. 

Participants are given a guided tour of Morlatton Village, a historic village consisting of four 18th century buildings that have been restored or are in the process of being restored, one of which is the oldest home in Berks County. 

...then lunch and kayak lessons at Ganshahawny
Park 

in Douglassville....

The village is located directly off the trail and is owned by the Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County, which provides a tour guide during the event. 

The buildings are only open to the public during special events. 

From there, participants take a short bike ride to Douglassville’s Ganshahawny Park where they eat a picnic lunch (provided) and receive a brief introduction to kayaking from outfitter Doug Chapman of Take it Outdoors Adventure Group. 

Then, they paddle back to Pottstown in kayaks along the Schuylkill River.

To begin, the group always meets at the Schuylkill River Heritage Area offices, located beside Riverfront Park, at 140 College Drive in Pottstown.

Registrants are asked to arrive a few minutes early, so they can sign a waiver and spend time in the

...and finally a leisurely paddle back to Pottstown.

River of Revolutions Interpretive Center, which is open during the event.

The tours are held rain or shine, however, if heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast the event may be canceled. If it becomes necessary to cancel, participants will be notified by email by early Saturday morning and a full refund.

All equipment, including bikes, helmets, kayaks, paddles and PFDs are provided. However, it is recommended that you bring the following items: water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, water shoes and bike helmet, if you prefer to use your own. 

For more information call the Schuylkill River Heritage Area at 484-945-0200, or email ckott@schuylkillriver.org.