The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership has created many ways for visitors to experience and explore the Susquehanna River. The West Branch of the Susquehanna exists in the PA Wilds, and the Water Trails and experiences there are almost endless. One of the many day trips that kayakers and canoers can take, is the trip from Renovo to Hyner. Below you will find a Water Trail itinerary that will start your adventure in Renovo and end in Hyner as you travel down the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
Your Trip
River miles: 7 miles
Estimated paddle time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Hazards: none of significance
This day trip is your chance to paddle one of most remote areas of the Susquehanna River, deep in the wooded landscape of Pennsylvania’s Lumber Heritage Region along the West Branch. Here, Pennsylvania’s virgin timber was harvested throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries and floated down the Susquehanna to supply lumber for shipbuilding, construction, and coal mine props. Today the woodlands and waterways of the Lumber Heritage Region provide some of our favorite landscapes for outdoor recreation.
To begin this excursion, launch from the Renovo 5th Street Access (constructed in 2018), and paddle a few miles past green wooded mountains and some residential areas. Just past the North Bend access you will pass the mouth of Young Woman’s Creek, and from this point the river will flow southeast. A few points of interest from here include the Red Hill Fossil site, Hyner Run, and just under the Gold Star Mothers Bridge you will finish your voyage at the Hyner Access. Keep your eyes peeled for hang gliders launching from the top of Hyner View State Park. Nearby is the Western Clinton Sportsmen’s facility.
Renovo is a Susquehanna Greenway River Town. The Renovo access has parking and is near food, restroom, picnic, and lodging. The Hyner access also has parking. Camping and a cabin are within a drivable distance at Hyner Run State Park (fee).
Put In: Renovo 5th Street Access at River Mile 97.8
Take Out: Hyner Access on south side of the river at River Mile 90.8
McCrackens Canoe Sales and Rental (Clearfield)
River view courtesy Terrain360
For additional day trip paddles in Clinton County, click here.
For Water Trail map, refer to Susquehanna River Water Trail, West Branch: Section 8 & 9
*This article was originally published on the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership website
The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) mission is to grow the Greenway by connecting communities, promoting active healthy living, and facilitating collaborative partnerships along the Susquehanna River. This work strives towards accomplishing our vision for a Greenway that builds connections along the Susquehanna River, inspires people to engage with the outdoors, and transforms communities into places where people want to live, work, and explore. Learn more about the SGP by visiting their website and the West Branch of the Susquehanna located in the PA Wilds.
Author: Guest Contributor
The Pennsylvania Wilds is home to more than 2 million acres of public land, 50 state game lands, 29 state parks, 8 state forests, 2 National Wild & Scenic Rivers, abundant wildlife, hundreds of miles of land and water trails, some of the darkest skies in the country, and the largest elk herd in the northeast.
The PA Wilds team is grateful to share the many stories of this region through the words and images of our talented guest contributors.