Knowing your History informs your Present with Uncharted Lancaster (Fun Facts Float Series)

Fun Facts Float: Knowing your History informs your Present
Join the Conestoga River Club and Uncharted Lancaster for a history-filled paddle down one of the most scenic and storied stretches of the Conestoga River. This guided float follows the 3.5-mile route from Rock Hill to Safe Harbor, tracing part of the old Conestoga Navigation Company slackwater canal between Lock 5 and Lock 9. Along the way, Adam Zurn will share fun facts, forgotten history, and local legends tied to the river, including stories of Lancaster County’s waterways, the Conestoga Navigation Company’s dream of turning Lancaster into a port city, the Conestoga Wagon, Safe Harbor, and even a buried treasure tale. 

Adam Zurn is an author, explorer, and founder of Uncharted Lancaster, a history and adventure platform dedicated to uncovering the forgotten stories, local legends, and hidden places of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Blending careful research with folklore and mystery, he brings the region’s past to life through immersive storytelling, treasure hunts, guided explorations, and kayak tours to the ancient Safe Harbor petroglyphs along the Susquehanna River.

A technology education teacher with 24 years of experience at the Lampeter-Strasburg School District, Adam has called Lancaster County home since 1997. He serves on the boards of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County and the Conestoga Area Historical Society and is the author of Uncharted Lancaster: A Field Guide to the Strange, Storied, and Hidden Places of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; Uncharted Lancaster’s Ghosts, Monsters, and Tales of Adventure; and the children’s book Canassatego and His Six Arrows: A Story of Wisdom, Peace, and the Birth of a Nation.

Learn more about Uncharted Lancaster on Facebook and Instagram

Tour information:

The plan is to kayak from Rock Hill to Safe Harbor just north of River Road. We plan to meet at the take out, but we will confirm the exact meeting location closer to the event. Contact Emily at programs@conestogariverclub.org for more information.

Participants should arrive ~15 minutes early to sign in and prepare to shuttle to the launch location.

While we estimate that this event will last for 2.5 hours, there are many things that can effect kayak trip lengths! You may arrive back at your vehicle slightly before OR slightly after 6:30PM.

In the event of bad weather, this event will be canceled and all tickets fully refunded. Fingers crossed for beautiful, sunny skies!

There are a limited number of kayak rental reservations available.

Age limits: No children under 12 years of age may participate on this float. Children 12 to 17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Guest Expectations & Packing List

To ensure everyone's safety and comfort, participants must sign the ACA Waiver and bring the following items:

• You can sign the ACA Waiver when you arrive at the event.

  Please review the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria here.

• Footwear: You must wear closed-toe, full-foot water shoes or sneakers with good traction. Open sandals, flip-flops, and "slip-on" footwear are strictly prohibited. Please plan for your feet to get wet.

• Clothing: Wear comfortable activewear, ideally made of quick-drying fabrics.

• Sun Protection: Please bring a wide-brimmed hat or sunshade and sunscreen/sunblock.

• Hydration: Bring a refillable water bottle or canteen. To support our clean water mission, single-use plastics are strongly discouraged.

• Food: CRC does not provide meals, so make sure to pack nourishment as we will be on the river for several hours.

• Personal Items: Bring a change of clothing and a towel to be kept in your vehicle. If you bring a phone or camera, dry storage (like a heavy-duty Ziploc bag) is highly recommended.

• Health: Bring any necessary prescription medications. You will be prompted during registration to list any emergent medical conditions.

What We Provide

The Conestoga River Club is pleased to provide the following for each reservation:

• Support: Event guides, shuttle, and safety personnel to lead the trip.

• Refreshments: Water bottle refills and healthy snacks.

Emergency Medical & Contact Information Statement

To ensure your safety during the trip, we require all participants to provide the following information during the registration process:

This information will only be used in an emergent situation with appropriate first responders.

• Medical Conditions: You will be prompted to list any known medical conditions at the time of registration.

• Prescription Medications: Participants are responsible for bringing any necessary prescription medications for the duration of the event.

• Emergency Contact: Please provide the name and phone number of a primary contact person who can be reached while you are on the river.

• On-Site Support: The Conestoga River Club will provide an event guide and safety personnel for the duration of the trip.