Bushong Mill Dam Canoe Portage Trail

Status: Completed

Description:

Canoeists and Kayakers on the Schuylkill River and Tulpehocken Creek can now take advantage of a new portage around the unrunnable Bushong Mill Dam on the lower Tulpehocken Creek.  This dam is located in Confluence Point Park, just upstream from the mouth of the Tully and its confluence with the Schuylkill.  The Confluence is a rich fishery where the coldwater Tully and warmwater Schuylkill meet.

The new portage path was cleared of obstructions through the combined effort of the Glenside Neighborhood Association, Alvernia College, Reading City Parks Department, and Keystone Canoe Club.
Canoeists on the Tulpehocken Creek should take out on the left bank just upstream of the dam.  The 400' long carry is an easy walk with level to slightly sloping terrain, passing through the dam overlook plaza at the mill ruins.  Put-in again just below the dam in the raceway of the old mill.  

Schuylkill River Water Trail boaters can enter the mouth of the Tully, and then the raceway, then use the new portage to gain access to a one mile flatwater section of the Tulpehocken above the Bushong Mill Dam, running past Stonecliffe all the way to the Berks Leisure Recreation Area. 

Convenient Tully canoe parking is located at the Stonecliffe and Berks Leisure Recreation Areas.  Parking is also available on Blair Avenue, with a 200 yard walk to the Confluence Point Park Landing in on the Schuylkill River.

Interpretive signs are planned describing the history of the Mill, Dam, and the Union Canal.

         If you or your organization would like to volunteer for a project team,  please contact us today!