West Branch Susquehanna

Grab Your Paddles

Flowing 228 miles total, the West Branch is one of two principal branches of the mighty Susquehanna River and a meandering and beautiful journey through the PA Wilds Lumber Heritage Region. A paddler's paradise, this scenic water trail flows through remote and mature hardwood forests, past historic river towns, and alongside rolling agricultural fields through. The West Branch Susquehanna Greenway corridor is a must-experience journey in the PA Wilds and includes the river itself as well as the parks, trails, and communities that line the river’s banks.

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West Branch River Walks

Located within the West Branch Susquehanna Greenway, the communities of Clearfield, Lock Haven and Williamsport all feature beautiful riverfront parks and walking paths on the scenic river. These river walks offer easy access to stunning views of the ancient river and the other assets along the greenway, including trails, parks, gardens, historic sites, and natural features.

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Hyner Run and Hyner View State Parks

Explore the outdoors and take in the views within the West Branch Susquehanna Greenway! Hyner Run carves a small valley from the surrounding steep mountains, creating a natural haven for outdoor adventures. The park is entirely surrounded by Pennsylvania’s largest state forest, Sproul State Forest. Nearby Hyner View State Park offers one of the most popular scenic vistas in the entire Pennsylvania Wilds, attracting many for the spectacular view alone.

Susquehanna River Water Trail

Paddle the West Branch

Flowing 228 miles from northern Cambria County near the village of Bakerton to the city of Sunbury in Northumberland County, the West Branch is the central historic water trail in the area now known as the Lumber Heritage Region. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Pennsylvania's virgin timber was harvested to supply lumber for shipbuilding, coal mine props and construction. Today, the West Branch Susquehanna Greenway is a prime water trail for paddling kayaks and canoes, flowing through a number of scenic communities and scenic northern hardwood forest of oak, cherry, maple and remnants of the great white pine and hemlock of early settlers' times.

Susquehanna Grains & Grapes Trail

Explore tasty beers and wines along the Susquehanna

The Clinton County Economic Partnership’s Visitors Bureau has a new beer and wine tasting adventure: The Susquehanna Grains & Grapes Trail. In what is a collaboration with six of their member businesses, the new trail invites people to take a “self-guided adventure at six unique beer and wine establishments.” People age 21 and older who are interested in the trail should first secure a free “Passport,” available at the Visitors Bureau at 212 North Jay Street, Lock Haven, and at all of the six trail locations. As groups and individuals work their way along the trail, they can get their Passport stamped at each location. Once their passport is filled, they need to complete some brief information and return the Passport to the Visitors Bureau to be eligible for a prize drawing. Learn more about the trail: pawilds.com/new-susquehanna-grains-grapes-trail-for-beer-and-wine-lovers

“Best Adventure Destinations” – National Geographic Adventure

About West Branch Susquehanna

Flowing 228 miles total, the West Branch is one of two principal branches of the mighty Susquehanna River and a meandering and beautiful journey through the PA Wilds Lumber Heritage Region. Exploring the river by canoe or kayak will give you a glimpse at the remnants of the Pennsylvania Wilds’ logging history. The river flows west to east, and is a state designated water trail and the western branch of the larger Susquehanna Greenway, which includes the river as well as the parks, trails, and communities that line the river’s banks.

 

Flow through the I-80 Frontier town of Clearfield, situated conveniently near I-80 and Rt. 322, into the wild and scenic Elk Country and the Dark Skies landscapes near the community of Renovo, pass through Lock Haven and along the foot of Bald Eagle Mountain ridge past Williamsport on the southern edge of Pine Creek Valley.

Susquehanna River Water Trail – West Branch

Explore an online map and West Branch day trip ideas from Water Trail Manager Susquehanna Greenway Partnership. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the Susquehanna Greenway in Pennsylvania. SGP seeks to build an active network of trails, open space, and communities that enable you to walk, bike, or paddle from town to town.

 

The Lumber Heritage Region also has published for sale “A Paddler’s Map and Guide to the Scenic West Branch Susquehanna River” – with safety and route information, 16 waterproof maps, historic information and recreational opportunities.

Stunning Views

Enjoy stunning scenic views of the West Branch Susquehanna Greenway. Pictured is a Lock Haven Sunset by Maria Boileau, with the Clinton County courthouse in the background.

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