Rentals & Outings
*Rentals occur rain or shine*
Paddle Trip & Rental Information
Click to read our Terms & Conditions
(also at the bottom of this page)
Book a Paddle Trip
We provide all equipment (rental canoes and/or kayaks, paddles, life jackets, dry bags, helmets). Transport of equipment and your driver(s) shuttle is included. Most of our paddle trips are on various sections of Spring Creek or Bald Eagle Creek and take 1-4 hours. $60/person
Rentals Only
If you do not need our transport of equipment services or driver(s) shuttle services, you can rent kayaks, canoes and any other paddle sport equipment and you transport from our Bellefonte, PA location. You must have a vehicle and or trailer capable of transporting the items you will be renting. You can take our rental equipment to any destination and for any number of days. See pricing below…
If you’d like TMO to organize an outing with our transportation, or you want to pick up equipment for your own adventure, call us to schedule your outing or rentals.
You may schedule a paddling trip or rental any day of the week or weekend.
Spring Creek or Bald Eagle Creek Outings
Start your journey from Tussey Mountain Outfitters, located along Spring Creek in Bellefonte, PA. Paddle Spring Creek as it flows into the Bald Eagle Creek at Milesburg, which flows into Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir (Bald Eagle State Park). TMO provides a number of options for outings on both these streams, including starting in Bald Eagle Creek.
Both streams are in a picturesque rural setting. Spring Creek is very swift in spots and you should have some swift water paddling paddling. The Bald Eagle Creek is less demanding but is still swift in spots. There are many different species of birds including Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Kingfishers, Blue Herons, and many migratory bird species. Trout fishing is excellent on both streams. Stop at historic Curtin Village Ironworks along the way to have a picnic.
Suggested Routes:
Inexperienced Paddlers: If you are inexperienced at paddling on streams that are swift with waves, start your adventure at the Spring and Bald Eagle Creek confluence in Milesburg. Paddle to Curtain Village for a 3.8 mile, two hour* trip or to Dowdy’s Hole for 4.9 miles, three hour* trip.
Experienced Paddlers: If you have the paddling skills, start your adventure at our shop and paddle down Spring Creek (2 miles) and continue down the Bald Eagle Creek to Curtain Village or Dowdys Hole adding about one hour.
*TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE, GIVE OR TAKE AN HOUR BASED ON GROUP & WATER CONDITIONS*
Spring Creek & Bald Eagle Access & Launches
There are four main locations at which you can accesss Spring Creek and Bald Eagle Creek.
Bellefonte: Many people start their trips on Spring Creek in Bellefonte below Talleyrand Park. Access includes the downtown waterfront with public parking, Sunnyside Paddle Park, and TMO, amongst others.
Milesburg Bridge (Maps) : Located in the middle of Milesburg, this launch is just below the confluence of Spring and Bald Eagle Creeks. Walk in access only.
Curtin Village (Maps): Popular as a take out, it is located just under 4 miles from the Milesburg Bridge. Walk in access only.
Dowdys Hole (Maps): Located approximate 1 mile beyond Curtin Village. Walk in access only.
Common Curtousy:
Many accesses are on private property. If you are attempting to use a private parking lot or access, make sure you check with the owner before doing so, otherwise you may be fined, prosecuted, or towed.
TMO Access: Access at Tussey Mountain Outfitters is limited and by permission only. Customers take priority when using the parking lot. If you would like to use the parking lot, please ask before unloading your equipment. Due to high traffic or use, we may not be able to accommodate you, but will do our best to do so.
Pricing
Paddle Trips Down Spring & Bald Eagle Creeks:
Per Person: $60
Includes boat, paddle(s), PFDs, and driver shuttle.
Rentals Only Per Day (Pickup and Return yourself):
Single Canoe/Kayak/SUP: $55
Tandem Canoe/Kayak: $90
Driver Shuttles Only (for bringing your own boats):
Price per Person
Milesburg: $15
Curtin Village: $25
Dowdy’s Hole: $30
Bullit Run: $35
Shuttle/Delivery Fees:
$1.75/mile with rental (3 paddler min.)
$2.00/mile without rental
Call for quotes..
Other Destinations
We can outfit trips on other popular waterways, such as the Little Juniata & West Branch. Transport fee is $1.75/mile with a 2 boat rental, minimum, 2.00/mile with no rental**. Contact us for quotes.
*Discounts available for multiday trips and groups.
**Prices and requirements are subject to change without notice.
Terms & Conditions
TMO’s minimal age requirement is six. Minors must be accompanied by someone over the age of 21. That person is responsible for the well being of any minors that are on the paddle trip with them and should know the paddling and self rescue skills of the minor. A person must be at least 14 years of age and have the paddling skills to paddle one of our solo canoes, kayaks, or SUPs. A person under age 14 must paddle with an adult in one of our two person canoes or kayaks. Anyone that is going to be paddling will not need to be an expert paddler but will need to be physically capable of handling the watercraft on their own and be able to swim in a swift current and self rescue. We understand that people of any age may or may not have the paddling and self rescue skills needed to paddle a canoe, kayak or SUP. Rentals will be taken on a case by case basis based on physical abilities and experience levels. We reserve the right to pick the watercraft and the section of waterway we will allow you to paddle with our rental equipment.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that weather is an important factor to consider when paddling, however we run trips rain or shine. If the rain is accompanied by extreme weather, flood conditions, high winds etc, we will have to cancel the trip. If you prefer not to paddle in the rain, we suggest checking the extended forecast for the desired paddle area and cancel as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that our location in the Appalachian Mountains is extremely hit or miss when it comes to rain, even when forecasted. Sometimes it may hit one valley and completely miss another, or it may completely miss the entire paddling area. We can even receive rain when there is none in the forecast, so be ready either way.
Paddling is a water activity after all, so getting wet is part of the experience, whether from rain above or the water below. We suggest wearing appropriate clothing for the weather conditions and for getting wet. This includes avoiding cotton, especially in colder conditions.
Cancellations made within 72hrs of the trip will incur a $10 per person fee.
If TMO cancels the trip due to unfavorable conditions, there will be no charge.
Terms & Conditions
TMO’s minimal age requirement is seven. Minors must be accompanied by someone over the age of 21. That person is responsible for the well being of any minors that are on the paddle trip with them and should know the paddling and self rescue skills of the minor. A person must be at least 14 years of age and have the paddling skills to paddle one of our solo canoes, kayaks, or SUPs. A person under age 14 must paddle with an adult in one of our two person canoes or kayaks. Anyone that is going to be paddling will not need to be an expert paddler but will need to be physically capable of handling the watercraft on their own and be able to swim in a swift current and self rescue. We understand that people of any age may or may not have the paddling and self rescue skills needed to paddle a canoe, kayak or SUP. Rentals will be taken on a case by case basis based on physical abilities and experience levels. We reserve the right to pick the watercraft and the section of waterway we will allow you to paddle with our rental equipment.