| Difficulty | I-IV |
| Length | 3.3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Schuylkill River at Philadelphia, Pa |
| Flow Rate as of 54 minutes | 452 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 13, 2026 |
River Description
Contrary to previous postings, the Philadelphia Canoe Club does not have any permits to run Flat Rock Dam. It has been illegal to run the dam since 1997. Although the dam was designed to allow safe descents by experienced paddlers at some levels, other levels can be very dangerous if not fatal. The Philadelphia Canoe Club advises to obey the law and portage the dam. As always, be very careful around dams.
There are several miles of of Class I-II whitewater from below the Dam to the Belmont Avenue Bridge. Anne's Rock Rapid, which offers good high-water pop-ups, is just upstream. Then there's another mile of flatwater to the Canoe Club, which is at the junction of Wissahickon Creek and the Schuylkill. The club is just off Ridge Avenue, before the entrance to the Schuylkill expressway.
River Features
Put In - Lower Marion Township Park
Access PointDistance: 0 mi
Put In - Lower Marion Township Park
Flat Rock Dam
PortageClass: IVDistance: 0.16 mi
Flat Rock Dam - We wanted to correct an inaccuracy in the previous posting. The Philadelphia Canoe Club does not have a permit to run the Dam. It has been illegal to run the dam since 1997. Although the dam was designed to allow safe descents by experienced paddlers at some levels, other levels can be very dangerous if not fatal. The Philadelphia Canoe Club advises to obey the law and portage the dam.
Short Take-Out - Belmont Ave. Bridge
Access PointDistance: 1.87 mi
Short Take-Out - Belmont Ave. Bridge
Take Out - Philadelphia Canoe Club
Access PointDistance: 3.33 mi
The Philadelphia Canoe Club, which is at the junction of Wissahickon Creek and the Schuylkill. The club is just off Ridge Avenue, before the entrance to the Schuylkill expressway.
Trip Reports
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Untitled
Oct 27, 2009
here is the big runnable dam in gladwyne
PC
Philadelphia Canoe Club
May 8, 2007
We wanted to correct an inaccuracy in the previous posting. The Philadelphia Canoe Club does not have a permit to run the Dam. It has been illegal to run the dam since 1997. Although the dam was design to allow safe decents by experience paddlers at some levels, other levels can be very dangerous if not fatal. The Philadelphia Canoe Club advises to obey the law and portage the dam.
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Untitled
Apr 14, 2007
A PCC training class for local college students, early spring 2007
