Juniata River Water Trail

The beautiful Juniata River flows through central Pennsylvania to where it joins the Susquehanna (a Chesapeake Bay tributary) above Harrisburg. Following the river through its picturesque valley, one can explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region. Opportunities abound for seasonal flat-water paddling for individuals and families interested in single or multi-day river trips. Annual river sojourns allow residents and visitors to experience the unique cultural, natural and historical aspects of the waterway. The Juniata River Water Trail will also be an important link in the developing Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg Mainline Canal Greenway^TM, which connects and promotes stewardship efforts, recreation opportunities, and heritage development projects throughout the corridor.

For more information about Juniata River Water Trail call (814) 940-1922 or visit the following website: http://www.mainlinecanalgreenway.org/.

 

Susquehanna River Water Trail – Lower Section [PA/MD]

From Harrisburg to Havre de Grace, this 65 mile stretch of the Susquehanna shows off the scope of this largest tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The Lower Susquehanna Water Trail helps boaters, canoeists and kayakers explore and enjoy the river’s history and scenic beauty. This section of the Susquehanna offers a tremendous diversity of natural and built environments. From the industrial yards of Steelton to the Conejohela Flats – an internationaly renowned bird habitat – the lower section of the Susquehanna is a contrast of working river and wilderness. A map & guide and interpretive panels at access points guide users to the water trail from Harrisburg to the Mason-Dixon line. The remaining stretch to Havre de Grace is now under development.

For more information about Susquehanna River Water Trail – Lower Section visit the following website:http://www.susquehannaheritage.org/susqriver_watertrail_guide.htm.

Susquehanna River Water Trail – Middle Section

The Susquehanna River meanders 444 miles from its origin at Otsego Lake near Cooperstown, NY until it empties into the Chesapeake Bay at Havre de Grace, Md. The Susquehanna River Trail covers the middle stretch of the river – 50 miles from Sunbury downstream to Harrisburg. Along this route, boaters, canoeists and kayakers can explore the great river and its diverse scenery and habitats. River otters, beavers and other mammals are sometimes seen from the river. In May, many birds dot the landscape as spring migration is at its peak throughout the trail. Birds of prey – such as hawks, eagles, osprey, vultures, and owls – show up along the ridges and throughout the river valley much of the year. Obtain a water trail map and guide in advance, plan your trip, and follow all safety precautions.

For more information about Susquehanna River Water Trail – Middle Section call (717) 948-6780 or visit the following website: http://susquehannarivertrail.org/.

Susquehanna River Water Trail – North Branch [PA/NY]

The North Branch of the Susquehanna River flows from New York through Pennsylvania to Sunbury where it joins the West Branch and forms the river’s main stem – the largest tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail was designated a National Recreation Trail of the National Park Service in 2009. The water trail is part of the Pennsylvania Water Trail System coordinated by Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Free water trail maps are now available. The North Branch Water Trail Map & Guide is now available – A comprehensive river map and guide for paddlers and river enthusiasts providing for a special experience on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake watershed. This valuable guide was co-produced with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

For more information about Susquehanna River Water Trail – North Branch call 570-718-6507 or  visit the following websites: http://www.pecpa.org/,http://www.endlessmountainsheritage.org/.

Susquehanna River Water Trail – West Branch

For 228 miles along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, you can soon explore Pennsylvania’s wild lands, scenic beauty and history by water. Whether you take a day trip or a multi-day paddling adventure, the West Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail will give you access to a vast region of the Chesapeake watershed. The West Branch forms the lifeblood linking what is now known as the Lumber Heritage region. Here, Pennsylvania’s virgin timber was harvested throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries to supply lumber for shipbuilding, construction and coal mine props. Much of this lumber was rafted down the West Branch to markets on or near the Chesapeake Bay. Today, the West Branch flows through a northern hardwood forest of oak, cherry, maple and remnants of the great white pine and hemlock forests of early settlers’ times. Boaters on the West Branch Water Trail can now learn about the region’s heritage and its connections to the rivers and the Chesapeake Bay beyond through a new water trail map and guide.

For more information about Susquehanna River Water Trail – West Branch call (814) 773-3162 or visit the following website:http://www.nps.gov/phso/rtca/wbrwt/watertrail.htm.