Stonycreek River Lower Section & Bens Creek

General Description

Stonycreek River Canyon is earning an oustanding reputation as an excellent whitewater stream. Its five-mile stretch of nearly continuous rapids has been the site of the 1972 Olympic whitewater trials and of the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy's outfitted raft run which takes place every spring.
Kayakers often describe the Stony as "a play-boater's dream" due to the large boulders and rock shelves that create hydraulics where boaters can roll, turn and spin without moving down river. Though normally a Class III run, the Canyon provides Class IV rapids at higher water levels.
Ben's Creek is a favorite of canoeists and kayakers looking for a more relaxing paddling experience as they wind their way through the surrounding hills and valleys of the region.

Conditions

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Access

• The put-in is at the newly developed Greenhouse Park along Rt. 403 between Benscreek and Tire Hill.
• Take-out options include: In Riverside at the end of the Jim Mayer Trail under the railroad bridge. This is a relatively short run of 1 ½ miles. Parking is very limited at this take-out.
• For a longer paddle, many people take out at the Army Corps maintenance ramps. One of these ramps is located behind Team Chevrolet in the Hornerstown neighborhood. The other ramp is just past the Johnstown Inclined Plane on the right side, where an access ramp leads down to the river from Route 56 - the same spot often used as a put-in for paddling Conemaugh Gap.
• Put in at State Route 601 bridge in Foustwell, or add an additional 1.5 miles by putting in just below the ball field in Hollsopple. The take out is a little tricky. From Hollsopple, take State Route 601 to Foustwell. Make a left before the bridge that goes over the Stony onto SR 4039. Follow this road for approx. 2 miles and under Rt. 219 (4 lane). Just past Rt. 219, make a right onto Kaufman Church Road (on corner). Follow for approx. 1.5 miles and make a right onto SR 4022 (Carpenters Park Road) at a stop sign. Follow over Rt. 219 (4 lane) and down to the Stony takeout (Carpenters Park).

Fees & Licenses

All Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Regulations apply.

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