About Us
We’re passionate about helping people explore the great outdoors and create unforgettable memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
We want to ensure that you have all the information you need to plan your perfect outdoor adventure. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our clients.
- A quality kayak
- PFD – Life Jacket
- Paddle
- All equipment dropped-off and picked-up on site. All you have to do is show up!
- A safety briefing and equipment orientation
- Mon: 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
- Tue: CLOSED
- Wed: 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
- Thu: 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
- Fri: 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
- Sat: 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
- Sun: 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Applicable sales tax will be added to the below prices:
Half-Day (4 hours)
Start times:
9:00 A.M.
10:00 A.M.
11:00 A.M.
12:00 P.M.
1:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
3:00 P.M.
All off water by 7:00 PM
Single Kayak – $55
Tandem Kayak – $75
Kayak/SUP – $55
Full-Day (8 hours)
Start times:
9:00 A.M.
10:00 A.M.
11:00 A.M.
All off water by 7:00 PM
Single Kayak – $75
Tandem Kayak – $90
Kayak/SUP – $75
Dry Bag Rental (10L)
Space for wallet, keys, small towel, toiletries, cell phone, sunglasses, camera, water bottle, small snacks, etc.
One Day Rental – $5
Two Day Rental – $8
Three or More Days Rental – $10
Dry Bag Rental (20L)
Space for larger items such as shoes, purse, larger towel, food container, etc.
One Day Rental – $10
Two Day Rental – $15
Three or More Days Rental – $20
Cellphone Protector
Suitable for phones up to 6.5 Inches of diagonal screen size.
One Day Rental – $5
Two Day Rental – $8
Three or More Days Rental – $10
Overnight add $20/kayak
All prices above will have a 6% PA sales tax applied at checkout.
*** Custom trips and multi-day rentals are available and are priced individually. Rental time periods can be altered. Client will need to call SMA to arrange booking for either. Same day rentals will also require calling SMA to arrange.
We offer a variety of kayaks to suit different needs and preferences, including single kayaks, tandem kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, sit-inside kayaks, and kayak/SUP hybrids.
Single
For use by a single occupant/paddler
Tandem
Designed for 2 occupants/paddlers
Note: If the specific units are available, there is the option to convert a tandem kayak (Twin Heron model) to a single seat creating a larger weight capacity single kayak.
Malibu Two XL Model will accommodate 2 adults plus a child or four legged friend (weight limits considered)
Sit-on-Top: Sit on an open deck that’s perfect for getting full sun, more comfortable for taller or larger paddlers, room to stretch out, easier to get in and out of, generally more stable, more likely to get wet.
Sit-Inside: Sit in a open cockpit, keeps you warmer and drier, storage for gear in the hull, ideal for paddling longer distances in cooler water, tend to be faster and more responsive, easier to capsize.
For more information please check out: sit-in-vs-sit-on-kayaks?
Kayak/SUP
Would you like to give a Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP) a try with the comfort of it integrated into a kayak just in case it’s not for you? Give the Versa a try!
The minimum age to rent a kayak is 18 years old.
The minimum age to ride a kayak is 6 years old.
Due to safety considerations, children 5 and younger are not allowed onboard. There’s tons of cool stuff nearby for the little ones to check out.
Children ages 6-12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the same boat. Teenagers aged 13-17 can paddle solo, but a parent or guardian must be present on the water at all times.
Weight limits vary by kayak manufacturer and style but generally the maximum weight limit for single occupant kayaks and all gear is 437 lbs. The maximum weight limit for tandem kayaks and all gear is 491 lbs.
Please refer to the posted weight limit of each boat style as listed when selected. This limit does not include gear or anything you choose to bring with you for your trip.
PFD’s are available from children’s size 30 lbs (minimum age is 6 years old) to Adult 7X (max chest size 70”)
If there are any questions regarding accommodations for any kayak, please contact SMA @ 717-816-3755
When is payment due?
All bookings must be paid in full prior to reservation being booked.
How do I pay?
All payments are made through our secure online booking system. We accept major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Can I make a same-day reservation?
Yes! Same-day reservations must be made by phone. Please call us at 717-816-3755 to arrange your rental.
Of course! Same day reservations must be booked via phone. Please call 717-816-3755 to arrange your rental.
What is your cancellation policy?
- Trips run rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather conditions.
- Cancellations by the customer for any reason with less than 48 hours notice from the scheduled reservation will not receive a refund.
- Cancellations by the customer between 48 and 96 hours from the scheduled reservation can be rebooked at no additional fee, but must be rebooked within the same calendar year.
- Cancellations by the customer more than 96 hours from the scheduled reservation will receive a full refund, minus a $5 per boat restocking fee.
- Weather related cancellations. We reserve the right to cancel trips based on severe weather and water conditions such as:
Lightning/Thunder
Sustained winds greater than 15 MPH
Water levels and flow rate
What happens if South Mountain Adventures cancels my trip?
In the event that we need to cancel your trip due to severe weather or unsafe water conditions, you will have the option to receive a full refund, reschedule your trip, or receive a gift card for future use.
Weather Forecast (Chambersburg, PA):
Wind Speed:
Water Level Forecast – Rivers and Creeks:
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Proper footwear – water shoes, sandals with a back-strap, old sneakers
- Any necessary emergency medications
- Appropriate clothing – moisture wicking, synthetic, light-weight layers, wet-suit (cold weather/water) For more detailed information click here.
- Bottled water/sports drink
- Snacks
- Insect repellent
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- A good attitude
- Alcohol or drugs – use prior to or during rental is strictly prohibited and illegal
- Inappropriate clothing – heavy/absorbent clothing, especially cotton, jeans, motion restricting clothing, bulky clothing. For more detailed information click here.
- Bare feet, slides, flip-flops
- Ear buds or bluetooth speakers
Yes. All SMA boats are registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania/Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and can be launched at all PA State Parks & PA Fish & Boat Commission Access Areas.
Yes, we would be happy to arrange transporting your equipment to an alternate destination. Call SMA for availability and pricing.
We also can provide transportation for a limited number of passengers.
The summer of 2024 marked the maiden voyage of South Mountain Adventures. For our second summer, we’ll be focused on kayak rentals.
Future plans – Plans are currently being developed to add guided hiking adventures and outdoor educational experiences.
If we missed anything just give us a call. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Pretty much anywhere you want. SMA has plenty of awesome locations found here but you’re more than welcome to suggest a different spot. Just give us a call to make arrangements.
If you’re new to kayaking, welcome! Kayaking is a blast and we can help you make your site selection depending on what your interests are. Relaxation, bird watching, observing wildlife, peace and quiet, moving/still water, or whatever you’re looking for, we can help!
Yes. There is a 2 person minimum.
Yes! We can put up to 10 single plus 4 tandem kayaks in at once to accommodate up to 18 people.
Due to limited parking in some locations, the best plan is one of the following options:
- Meet us at the take-out (the end of your float trip). We can transport up to 4 guests to the drop-in (the beginning of your trip). When your float is over we’ll meet you there to help you out of the water and you’re done! We’ll handle everything from there.
- If your group is larger than four then an easy shuttle plan can be used and we’ll bring your groups’ kayaks and all the gear.
- You can be dropped off and picked up by someone that is not participating in your trip.
- You can leave vehicles at the drop-in and take-out and self-shuttle.
We’re happy to assist with your transportation plans.
In most of the listed locations the water is only a few feet deep! Even on the “big” rivers you can easily see the bottom and don’t forget to check out the aquatic life as you float over!
Join Us on an Adventure
Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a first-time adventurer, we invite you to join us on an unforgettable journey!
Orientation Videos
Learn how to operate and basic emergency procedures.
Our Story
Our journey began with a simple idea: to share our love for the outdoors with others. As avid kayakers and hikers, we knew firsthand the transformative power of spending time in nature. We wanted to create a company that would make it easy and accessible for people to experience the beauty of Pennsylvania’s waterways and trails.
Our Mission
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joys of the great outdoors.
Our mission is to provide safe, enjoyable, and memorable outdoor experiences that foster a deep appreciation for nature and a sense of adventure.