Paddle Two Distinct Waterways Near Pittsburgh
River and lake locations give paddlers two genuinely different experiences in one trip planning decision
Canoe Rental
Canoes are available at the Perryopolis river location and the Somerset lake location, giving groups flexibility to choose the waterway that fits their outing.
Kayak Rental
Kayaks can be rented at both locations, with guests transported upstream at the river site and paddling their own way back at their own pace.
Group Outings
Boy Scout troops and youth organizations regularly book group outings months in advance, with printable reservation forms available for groups booking offline.
Paddling Lessons
Paddling instruction is offered for guests who want guided direction before heading out on the water independently.
Rent Canoes and Kayaks on Two Waterways
River and lake paddling near Pittsburgh, serving guests since 1978
Hazelbaker Recreational Services has been putting paddlers on the water since 1978 — 46 years of outings, return guests, and group trips that keep coming back. The Perryopolis river location runs Thursday through Monday with trip times starting as early as 9 a.m., while the Somerset location at Laurel Hill State Park is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two locations, two very different kinds of water, and one operation that knows how to handle both.
Whether you're planning a solo afternoon or coordinating a youth group outing, knowing which location fits your trip makes the difference. The river site is ideal for guests who want the independence of paddling downstream at their own pace after being transported upstream — no shuttle logistics to figure out on your own. The lake at Laurel Hill runs on a first-come, first-serve basis, so it's easy to drop in during the season without a reservation.
Hazelbaker Recreational Services draws a loyal crowd — 80% of visitors return annually, and many come out more than once in the same season. That kind of repeat business reflects something genuine about the experience, not just the setting.
Built on 46 Years of Return Customers
Eighty percent of guests come back year after year, many more than once per season
Booking, Arrival, and What to Expect
The Perryopolis location takes full prepayment reservations year-round, and most summer bookings are locked in by January or February — especially for groups. If you're organizing a Boy Scout troop, a school outing, or any organized group, planning ahead by late winter gives you the best access to available trip times. Liability waivers are required for all guests, and digital forms are available on the site to complete before your visit.
River trips run Thursday through Monday with departure times at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon. The season opens the week before Memorial Day and runs through fall. Guests at the river location are transported upstream and paddle back independently — no experience required, but knowing the basics makes the trip more enjoyable, which is where paddling lessons come in.
Here's a quick look at what's available across both locations:
Canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, rowboat, and paddleboat rentals at one or both sites
Bike rental available as an add-on option
Printable PDF reservation forms for school groups, youth organizations, and offline bookings
Gift certificates available — particularly useful for seasonal gifting between Thanksgiving and Christmas
Visit the reservations page to check availability and secure your spot before the summer calendar fills up.
See what our clients are saying
Island Dave
It's been a while but love this place. Drift ,fish, swim , picnic on the Yough.Great value
Mike H.
This is the happiest place on earth. I feel like I'm in paradise every time I go!!
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Forty-Six Years of Accountability on the Water
Hazelbaker Recreational Services has operated since 1978, and the numbers behind that run tell their own story — an 80% annual return rate isn't something you manufacture with marketing. Every guest, whether it's their first trip down the Yough or their tenth season renting a kayak at Laurel Hill State Park, leaves with a liability waiver signed and a life jacket on, because the operation takes both safety and accountability seriously from the moment you arrive.
Running two distinct locations — one river, one lake — requires consistency in how equipment is maintained, how guests are oriented, and how trip logistics are managed. That consistency, built over four-plus decades, is what keeps youth groups, Scout troops, and individual paddlers returning to Hazelbaker year after season rather than looking elsewhere.
Ready to plan your outing? Browse rental options and group booking details to get started.
