Safe Harbor Petroglyph Tours

Join Paul Nevin for an unforgettable experience as he guides you through the spectacular Safe Harbor Petroglyphs! Paul has been, visiting, experiencing, researching, and educating for more than 40 years and is acknowledged as the leading authority on the rock art of the lower Susquehanna River.
About the Safe Harbor Petroglyphs
The Safe Harbor Petroglyphs, located on the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, PA, are part of what is likely the largest concentration of ancient American Indian rock art sites in the eastern United States. Unfortunately, most of the sites are now hidden under water impounded by hydroelectric power plants. Even with the loss of those sites, the petroglyphs at Safe Harbor still constitute the most outstanding example of Native American rock art in the northeast United States that is accessible to the public. However, they are not easily accessible. The petroglyphs are carved on rocks that can only be reached by kayaks, canoes, or small boats. Among hundreds of bedrock exposures, seven can be found that contain, in total, more than 400 petroglyphs – if you know where to look. The petroglyphs at Safe Harbor are unlike those in the American Southwest. There, images are scratched through a thin, dark, desert varnish exposing the lighter stone underneath. Here images are laboriously pecked using a river cobble as a hammer and a hard stone such as quartz as a chisel. The surface itself is extremely hard. These exposed rocks are the survivors of hundreds of thousands of years of erosion of the river’s bedrock by forces of water, tremendous floods, ice flows, and water and ice-born debris – everything from rocks to trees.
Six rock art sites can be visited along a half-mile stretch of the Susquehanna River. Most spectacular are Little Indian Rock, with more than 150 petroglyphs carved into its surface, and Big Indian Rock, with dozens of petroglyphs in an amazing setting.

Tour Information

First off, calling this a tour is a little bit misleading. It’s more of an adventure, an expedition, an experience. Safe Harbor is a special place. It’s also a spiritual place. Rock art sites are sacred to Native peoples. Experiences range from awe inspiring to life-changing. My regular "tour season" runs from mid-May through late October, however, tours can be arranged other times of the year if conditions allow. Obviously, weather and river conditions dictate when the rocks can be visited. The river is generally more reliable in July, August, and mid-September on. Best viewing is in September and October because of clearer skies and lower angle of the sunlight, so book early if you're looking for a Saturday or Sunday tour! Some September and October mornings can be foggy. Afternoon thunderstorms can crop up during late June, July, and August. Early morning and late afternoon provides the best light. There are techniques that I use on mid-day visits and overcast days for better viewing. At all times, visiting the Safe Harbor Petroglyphs is an unforgettable experience! A limited number of tours are available for 2025, so email to request a specific date*, or purchase a Tour Certificate NOW to ensure a tour and set the date later**. *A request does not ensure tour availibility. **A Tour Certificate ensures a tour and is refundable if you change your mind. If you're flexible date-wise, you can request a tour for within a block of days, and as the time approaches we can look for the best day within the block. Departure points are located about a 1/2 hour drive from the towns of Lancaster, Columbia, and Wrightsville PA, with lodging and numerous attractions nearby.

Booking a tour

Boat Expeditions
These personalized tours are tailored specifically to you, with up to four hours allowed for the experience that suits your interests. You are transported from the departure point to the sites via a “classic” 1963 Seacrest motorboat. This small, 13-foot (13’-9” for the superstitious!) boat is necessary to safely navigate among the many barely submerged rocks on this part of the Susquehanna River. Consequently, there is a strict 4-passenger maximum and 525-pound total weight limit. Boat tours depart from Pequea Boat Launch, Pequea, PA 17565. Cost for this unforgettable experience is $125 per adult, $75 per youth for ages 8-18 (and students).
Kayak or Canoe Expeditions
As with the expeditions by boat, these personalized tours are tailored specifically to you, with up to four hours allowed for the experience that suits your interests. Kayak and canoe tours depart from Safe Harbor Park, 101 Safe Harbor/Powerhouse Rd., Conestoga, PA 17516. Cost for this unforgettable experience is $125 per adult, $75 per youth for ages 12 to 18 (and students) if you bring your own kayak or canoe. Kayaks can be rented for an additional $25/ea. Up to 8 kayaks and/or canoes can participate.
Group Expeditions
Expeditions are also available for organized groups. Up to 8 vessels can participate on short notice. Larger groups can be accommodated, but a lead-time of 3 weeks is required to obtain a special permit. You can bring your own kayaks and/or canoes, or have kayaks provided at $25/ea. Cost varies. Please call 717.578.1358 or email paulnevin@aol.com to make arrangements.
For people of Native American ancestry who wish to visit these sacred sites, special considerations and accommodations are available. Please email your request.

Request a tour date

Email me at paulnevin@aol.com with your request. Please include: Type of Tour (Boat, Kayak, or Group Guide), Date, Time, and Number of Participants) I will reply with availability, payment, and logistics information.

or

Secure a tour now and schedule it later

A limited number of tours are available for 2025. If you purchase a Tour Certificate now,you can be assured that you'll be visiting the Safe Harbor Petroglyphs this season!CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TOUR CERTIFICATES FOR THE 2025 SEASON BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2024AT 2024 RATES (SAVE $25/CERTIFICATE!)
What to expect
  • Here’s how a typical kayak/canoe tour goes:
  • The kayak/canoe launch is located at Safe Harbor Park on the Conestoga River, about ¼ mile from where it empties into the Susquehanna River. We take an easy paddle downstream onto the Susquehanna, then continue for another ¼ mile to our first stop, Circle Rock. From there, we paddle another ½ mile downstream to Big Indian Rock, then take an easy paddle ¼ mile back upstream to Little Indian Rock. Depending on time, interests, and water conditions, we continue back towards the Conestoga River for less than ½ mile and either take a short break on the water, or make a quick stop at Conestoga Rock. From there, we take a moderate ¼-mile paddle to the mouth of the Conestoga, and another ¼-mile moderate paddle back to the kayak launch. The entire route is about 2¼ miles. We’re generally out on the river for about 3 hours.
  • However, there are occasionally times when flow from the dam or on the Conestoga is more than participants are up for, so we do an all-downstream route. For this route, we park a “pick-up” vehicle at the Pequea Boat Launch (Pequea Blvd. & River Hill Rd., Pequea, PA 17565), which is about a 15-minute drive from Safe Harbor Park. We reorder the stops accordingly, but instead of paddling 1 mile upstream, we paddle 2 miles downstream, so this route runs about 3¼ miles. The extra driving and paddling adds about an extra hour. (PAFB kayak/canoe registration or launch permits are required at this boat launch.)

  • Life vests (PFD's) must be worn while paddling. PFD's are included with rental kayaks.

  • There are portable restrooms at Safe Harbor Park. There are no restrooms on the river!
  • I’ve taken people out who have had little or no kayaking experience. In that case, I provide some basic instruction before we head out onto the river. It’s good if you’re “fit”, but you don’t have to be an athlete.
  • Here’s how a typical boat tour goes:
  • Boat tours depart from the riverside dock at Pequea Boat Launch (Pequea Blvd. & River Hill Rd., Pequea, PA 17565). From there, it's a 3-mile (15-minute) boat ride to the petroglyph sites. You can relax and enjoy the scenery! We then visit each of the sites before returning to the boat launch. Life vests (PFD's) are available on the boat, but not required to be worn.
  • There are portable restrooms at Pequea Boat Launch. There are no restrooms on the river!

Note

  • Participants must have the ability to climb onto the rocks. You will be asked to remove shoes when you are near the petroglyphs.
  • There is no shade or shelter on the petroglyph rocks. Surfaces can be hot. Bring water and adequate protection from the elements.
  • Tours may be cancelled due to weather and/or river conditions. In the event of cancellations, tours can be rescheduled or full refunds issued.
Email, call, or text to schedule a tour or request more information paulnevin@aol.com 717.578.1358
Paul Nevin, Guide paulnevin@aol.com 717.578.1358
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