Trail Challenge Safety Tips

Check trail conditions before leaving. Look for alerts on the trail’s webpage or social media accounts.
Leave a note or send a text; let someone know where you are going and how long you plan to be gone. Consider using an app like Road ID.
Know your path. Take a map or save a picture of your route to your phone.
Take your phone.
Bring water; having water on hand keeps you hydrated and allows you to stay active longer.
Stay alert; keep any music low (or an earbud out) to hear your surroundings and be mindful of other trail users.
Wear the right gear - supportive shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, etc.
Be prepared with band-aids or a small first aid kit.
Check the weather forecast for the duration of your activity.

Life Jackets Save Lives: Always wear a properly-fitted life jacket when paddling on the creek. Submerged objects and unexpected hazards can catch creek users off-guard.
Check the flow-rate: To ensure a safe and optimal paddling experience, the optimal flow rate for paddling on the Perkiomen Creek is between 150 cubic feet per second (CFS) and 1,000 CFS. The minimum flow rate is 180 CFS for the upper six miles of the creek (above Schwenksville), and 150 CFS for the lower 12 miles of the creek (below Schwenksville). Paddling at flow rates above 1,000 CFS is only recommended for experienced paddlers.
Dams are Dangerous: A number of dams and dam remnants are present on the creek. Remember that ALL dams have the potential to drown. Paddlers should portage around all dams and NEVER attempt to go over them.
Utilize only official launch points and please respect private property.

Before going, know what to expect. Check out these video guides to different sections of the water trail: