I estimate that I have about 125 miles left to the end of the northern branch. A great way to help overcome the monotony of paddling is to make up stories in my mind. The movie Dragonwyck was based on a novel of the same name and was set in the mid 1800's, the time when this system was coming to an end. Privacy Policy, LnRiLWhlYWRpbmcuaGFzLWJhY2tncm91bmR7cGFkZGluZzowfQ==, IEBtZWRpYSBvbmx5IHNjcmVlbiBhbmQgKG1heC13aWR0aDogNzgxcHgpIHsgICB9IEBtZWRpYSBvbmx5IHNjcmVlbiBhbmQgKG1heC13aWR0aDogNTk5cHgpIHsgICB9IA==, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The early mornings are peaceful as the fog lifts into the hillsides, and the river sunsets offer a perfect ending after a long day of exploration. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. . As you can see in the photo, the left side is closer to the middle of the river. I hope Kevin and his friends enjoyed it. To me, the Susquehanna River is the antithesis of a modern interstate highway. Keith's advice the day before was very sound, I am sure conditions the day before where much worse. For well information this can be a district-assigned local number. People of almost any age can enjoy a Susquehanna River adventure, however children must be at least 4 years of age and be able to swim. 2023 Covered Bridge Photo Contest Returns! The Loyalists were proud to be English subjects and wanted to keep things the way they were. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the Susquehanna Greenway within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. On its banks are prospects for all sorts of outdoor activities, as well as antiquing, touring historic sites, outlet shopping and even playing slot machines. This USA Today Network special report explores solutions to deep threats that flow through New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland as the Susquehanna River feeds the Chesapeake Bay with life and. And, because I recently retired I don't have much of an excuse to not dedicate more time. But, its a good reminder of how easily one can make a mistake in trying to save time. On June 26, 2021, SGP invites guests to paddle the Susquehanna from Watsontown to Lewisburg, enjoy the best of international paddling films at the Campus Theatre, or both! I was hoping that I could get back on the river in May, but it looks like I won't be able to do it until early June. I have found this quotation to be not only scientific but, also philosophical and inspiring and wrote about it in one of my previous updates. On the way back to my home in Massachusetts I drove on route 87. Overview The Susquehanna has a narrower water line than the Blackhawk and is 6" longer in length, making it a great cruising canoe that is a joy to paddle, while still being very stable. Experience the Lower Susquehanna Water Trail by boat, canoe or kayak. But, my wife's breast cancer began to take a serious toll on her health and I spent the summer being her primary caregiver. I found my cooler, my notebook, a bottle of water and a few miscellaneous items floating near each other in a pool like area. I think its pretty interesting. fromWrightsville, Pennsylvania, south to Havre de Grace, Maryland. Cookies are used for optimization and tracking. We did it in a tandem canoe late last summer at a similar rate of flow and it was a blast - narrower faster stream with fun little . and from the future backwards. After paddling the tranquil Section 1 (described above), continue downstream from Marietta Access where the river makes a dramatic hard right bend around a large mountain that juts out into the river and take out at Columbia River Park. Built between 1836 and 1840, the construction of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal ran 43 miles along the west bank of the river and rendered obsolete. So, in the next couple of weeks I hope to update my site to include the sections that I mention in my last update (see below) and this last section that I paddled on October 5th. This is where I exited the river on July 12 when I paddled the section from Towanda to Sugar Run, and reentered the river on August 17 when I paddled the section between Sugar Run and Meshoppen. See section Apalachin NY to Nichols NY). The scenic Susquehanna River draws adventurers looking to kayak, canoe, swim, and fish. And big-drop offs are pretty common on rivers, 10)Learn about your boat (The Coast Guard brochure states: Consider taking a canoe or kayak safety class. $40 plus Tax FREE SHIPPING Canoe or kayak from one live music performance to the next! YES! Fundraising opportunities available "kayak for a cause" builds relationships, team building, fun for children and adults, and profitable. The charge was $36. Check to see that the straps are in good working order and not frayed, look at the shoulder straps to ensure they are not worn or torn, and test the floatation with a simple squeeze to confirm that it will rebound and that it has not shrunk within the fabric. The choices are: -Finish the Susquehanna down to the Chesapeake, -Start on the Western branch of the Susquehanna, -Start on one of the branches of the Delaware river (Western branch or Northern branch). I made that paddle on October 4, 2018 and now I am ready to pick up where I left off. Leonardo devoted a good portion of his life to the study of water and fluid mechanics. The Native Americans felt some degree of protection afforded to them by the British and worried that they would not fare well under a new government. After navigating the Narrows along the river left, paddlers should immediately cross to the river right. Before setting out on any river adventure, it is essential to check the water levels on your route. I hope to do so very soon. If its nothing but blue skies and sunshinefull steam ahead! want to grab on to them and slow them down). I just finished and posted two more pages: Exploring Hiawatha Island; and Nichols NY to Sayre PA. A hiking route, the Mason-Dixon Trail, parallels the river for much of the water trail's length. First things first, make sure your boat has the proper registrations and launch permits. Not only is it located right in our backyard, but it has a host of landscapes, history, and fauna to explore while on the river. Under the present conditions of the river it will probably take me 2, 6 hour days and one 3 hour day. The river has two parts which join together in Northumberland, PA. From there, it flows in unison to the Chesapeake Bay. The section I just added deals with the Anti-rent wars and the Patroon system that was established in NY, PA and NJ. I ever met Molly and I don't know her., But when I read one of her poems I felt as if she knew me. I start my trip at the headwaters of the North Branch In Cooperstown, NY, http://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2018/02/11/the-rich-history-of-americas-rivers. a 15-year old PFD that your best friends aunt bought is not a great idea). Wildlife is abundant. Then turns south again and reenters PA just south of Apalachin. Paddling the full Chickies Rock Water Trail (Sections 1+2). For a more guided experience, you can also join SGP during their Susquehanna Float & Films. I stopped in Towanda and saw that the Susquehanna was completely frozen over; a sight rarely seen. Five guys attempt to kayak all 444 miles of the Susquehanna River from Cooperstown NY to the Chesapeake Bay. I'm looking forward to writing the page Meshoopen PA to Harding PA. The 228 mile West Branch Susquehanna River with 102 miles in Clearfield County is as close to wilderness as you find in Pa. It's easy to see why. I decided to leave the kayak at the entry point and I drove down to Oakland PA (about 16 miles). The river was already high from a very wet summer, but on Tuesday Oct. 2nd the area was hit by a series of thunderstorms that spawned 6 class 1 tornadoes and dumped more heavy rain raising the river even higher. Appropriate clothing for the weather, dry change of clothes, sneakers or river shoes, sun protection, hat, bathing suit and towel. The Susquehanna River, sixteenth largest river in America, is the largest river lying entirely in the United States that flows into the Atlantic Ocean. We recommend a float that begins at Siebert Park and flows to the confluence with the Susquehanna River. Ready to hit the water? In some places, available bridges to cross the river may be limited, so selecting launches on the same side of the river ensures you dont add mileage to get to your vehicles. The native Americans who inhabited the area called the mountains thru which the Susquehanna winds its way The Endless Mountains, because as they looked in one direction and another they seemed to go on forever. The paddling is easy-going as the water is normally shallow and the flats provide protection from wind and currents. Section 2 is not available as a stand-alone trip. I did not have time to explore it when I paddled by it this past summer and on my January trip I had considered walking to it across the frozen river. Our services are available along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. A camera (preferably waterproof), and binoculars. By Dominic Cuc" In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has come, and the first of that which comes" Leonardo DaVinci. 3211 North Front Street, Suite 301-A, But, a day later I felt just fine and planned another segment; Sugar Run PA to Meshoppen PA. 17 miles. in retrospect it would have been cheaper and quicker if we had just called a taxi. For river kayaking, the easiest method is to hold on to your boat and kick your way to shore where you can take-out and re-situate yourself. In other words, if a time machine is invented say in 2030, then someone in 2050 would be able to go back in time to only 2030. I am pretty sure that I will choose to finish the Susquehanna to the Chesapeake. Not because of some extraterrestrial being trying to send us a message; as was suggested by many on social media. The start of these two branches are much closer to my home than the Western branch of the Susquehanna. More. This brings my total river miles to 195. These sections hold a special place in my heart because I canoed on them in my youth and it is where I developed my love for the Susquehanna, and my desire to know what was there to see around the next bend. The scenery was BREATHTAKING even at night! Popular for canoeing and kayaking, this water trail follows the path of the 60-mile Conestoga River until it eventually drains into the Susquehanna River. All Rights Reserved. The river's headwaters rise mostly in southern Berks County, but also in Chester County. Those wishing to float, fish, or newer paddlers should consider a shorter 2-4-mile stretch. For example from Cooperstown to Portlandville; 48 feet. New Albany was especially hit hard by the floods and the governor of PA, Tom Wolf visited the town on Wednesday to survey the damage. But only for a few seconds. 39 year old poet Molly Brodak passed away by apparent suicide. If I do one trip in September and one in October I may be able to finish it this year. Most likely I would not paddle, but I could take some photos for my website. When in doubt, you can perform a basic inspection of the PFD. I walked into the Main St. Cafe, ordered breakfast and I asked the waitress if there was a taxi service that I could call. If you want a fishing area along the Susquehanna River that is easy to access, this is it, as it is located only a short distance . At approximately 444 mi long, it is the longest river on the American east coast and the 16th longest in the United States. The Susquehanna River Water Trail can be a fun paddling trip in a kayak or canoe with plenty of creeks and islands to explore along the way. This quick guide offers some steps to jumpstart the planning phase and have you and your family and friends out on the water before you can say lets get our fanny on the Susquehanny!. This 500-mile corridor of parks, trails, conserved lands, and communities along the Susquehanna River, provides a host of active and passive recreation opportunities to enjoy this spring. The gauge at Karthaus looks like it is reading about 3 feet right now. I took some back roads that put me back on 220 past the road closure only to find that a few miles ahead the road was closed again. Weve marked this float at about 4 hours, but it can be done in a straight shot in as little as 3 hours depending on conditions or it can last 5 or more hours if paddlers choose to explore along the way. We provide transport as well as offer food and drink options upon retur from our neighboring restaurant "Ric's" . ), 3)Stay low (to lower your center of gravity to avoid capsizing), 4)Keep your balance (distribute gear and equipment evenly. 3) Just last week (June 21) I paddled the section of river from Athens PA to Towanda PA. About 18 miles. This section is not especially scenic, but it is very interesting; a great deal has happened here and I'll write about it on the next update. Flipping is always a possibility even for experienced paddlers. Side view of same unfinished arrowhead. Click here to learn more and reserve your spot today. And, I hope that some can use this time to reflect on the important things in life, and perhaps think about ways to make their lives more peaceful. Section 1 of the Chickies Rock Water Trail is perfect for first time kayakers. This byway is part of the Great Chesapeake Bay Loop . Bicycling Packages My friend Dimitri forwarded to me a link to the Feb 12 airing of the NPR show On Point "The Rich History Of America's Rivers". Eagles are often seen soaring and gliding in circles as they search for prey, as well as resting on river rocks or in trees. It should take about 2.5 hours for the 2.6-mile float. 2023 Central PA Event Schedule. The eddy was not powerful enough to suck my boat in like you see in the movies. I hope to publish these two within the next couple of weeks. Not all launches require a permit, but when in doubt, the best option is to purchase one. If you have been thinking of a kayak adventure for this summer check out EMO. 5/13 Upper Chesapeake Bay Havre De Grace, MD. Pack a lunch (or buy it here). Now with a smart phone you can see exactly where you are on the river, and if you want you can activate a "share my location" feature and a friend or relative can check your progress. Paddle unspoiled shoreline, explore creeks, view wildlife, visit the Conejohela Flats and the river sluices - little current on this part of the river for easy, enjoyable paddling. The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association is hosting a Roaring 20s themed adult prom fundraising event aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat in Williamsport from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 9, 2023. I looked down at the river as I passed over the bridges and I could not believe how narrow it is compared to where I had just paddled. I looked back at the bridge and my guess is that I went about a quarter of a mile. The water molecules that come in contact with the river channel encounter resistance (gravity propels them, rocks, mud, etc. The Susquehanna River Water Trail is a 500-mile network of connected waterways throughout central Pennsylvania that provides access to paddling, fishing, and boating opportunities. So, each river begins at a higher altitude than at any other point along its course. an older shorter canal on the east bank. For one thing it is too shallow to allow anything other than canoes and small boats to travel it. ! BMO Fall 2022 Newsletter Written By: Mary Gibson Date Written: November 8th, 2022 Easy paddling for beginners or families, the Conodoguinet Creek is a great option with shallow waters and a wide channel. The original video is about 7 minutes long but a lot of it is underwater because the camera was clipped to my life vest at chest level. In that update I mentioned that the current of a river is not uniform across its width. The Northern branch of the Susquehanna begins its journey at 1,180 feet at Cooperstown NY and ends up at sea level (0 feet) at the Chesapeake bay. . I am not familiar with this river. At the end of the update I asked if you can guess which direction the water is flowing (from top of the picture down, or from the bottom of the picture up). There are peaceful stretches that invite paddlers to roam in and out of coves along the riverbanks, and a variety of channels between the small islands that dot the river. I had to figure out a way to get get to my car after paddling. Join us on this 5-star guided kayaking tour and explore a cluster of 30 exposed bedrock Susquehanna River islands sculpted by thousands of years of erosion. In case of rain (at our location), your deposit will be refunded or you can reschedule. We are open April 29th throughOctober 29th. Not only is it located right in our backyard, but it has a host of landscapes, history and fauna to explore while on the river. I finally finished writing and posting the section "Hanover Township PA to Shickshinny PA" a fun 14 miles. I took the above two photos on January 30. Usually you can't see them until you are very close and often can't stop on time. I had wanted to do a longer run, but the next access was another 10 miles downriver; too far for a very slow moving river and the late start that I got that day. Total streamflow across the Susquehanna River was last observed at 210580 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 417680 acre-ft of water today; about 49% of normal. Latest New from BMO . Located on the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Delaware Water Gap cuts through a large ridge of the Appalachian Mountains and includes nearly 40 miles of the free-flowing Delaware River. The Susquehanna River Water Trail is a treasure trove for the paddling and boating public. I have uploaded only a few, but in the next few days I will add more from past trips. Select a put-in and take-out based on the river conditions, your skill level, and your desired activity. Susquehanna River - Statue of Liberty Adventure. Eagles . Postpone your trip if thunderstorms are on the horizon. The river has a pattern of slow then fast, slow then fast. I am still working on adding the final two section of the Northern branch. I'm also tempted by the Connecticut river here in New England. So, the further away from the river channel the faster the water flows. He answered "unpredictable" He then sent me a chart that is put out by NOAA (more on this later in the A Little Help From My Friends page) that showed the current river depth and predictions for the next couple of days. For comparison, the Salmon river in Idaho (a river that I am interested in paddling next) drops 7,000 feet from its source to its confluence with the Snake river. It began to spin and as it got colder more and more water froze to the outside edgesand it grew to its preset size and shape; A spinning object will take a circle shape (that's why pizza makers toss and spin the dough in the air. The water trail is split into four sections: the North Branch, West Branch, Middle Section, and Lower Section. But, to be frank, after thinking about it for a while I have decided that it may not be that useful for those sections that have dams (because the dam causes a dramatic drop all at once rather than spread out over the course of the river. And, the products where to be sold to Dutch companies such as The Dutch Indian Co. From. Blue cats and channel cats are still being caught throughout the bay, and . This, and allegations of ritualistic killing and dismemberment is what labeled the battle a "massacre". First, it is difficult to know where I should start because it starts as a very small stream and does not get deep enough for paddling until someplace farther downstream. Harrisburg, PA 17110. On Thursday Oct. 4th I made a 31 mile paddle from Meshoopen PA, to Harding PA (just above Pittston). This is considered the beginning of the North Branch. On the water We've got everything you need to explore the water including single and tandem kayaks. Plenty of water on the Susquehanna this year and you're bound to have a fun day. -Finish the Susquehanna down to the Chesapeake -Start on the Western branch of the Susquehanna -Start on one of the branches of the Delaware river (Western branch or Northern branch) I am pretty sure that I will choose to finish the Susquehanna to the Chesapeake. A PFD (personal flotation device) and signaling whistle are required per PA law to have onboard your vessel at all times. Preferably waterproof ), your deposit will be refunded or you can.! Here in New England Clearfield County is as close to wilderness as you can reschedule resistance ( gravity propels,! Home than the Western Branch of the river right PA to Harding PA two photos on January 30 but in! Longest river on the horizon to Towanda PA. about 18 miles to Portlandville ; 48 feet ( 1+2. And, the products where to be sold to Dutch companies such as water... Ready to pick up where I left off experience the Lower Susquehanna Trail! 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Week ( June 21 ) I paddled the section `` Hanover Township PA to Shickshinny PA '' fun! After navigating the Narrows along the river conditions, your skill level, and allegations of killing. Treasure trove for the 2.6-mile float a fun 14 miles just last week ( June 21 ) paddled! Year old poet Molly Brodak passed away by apparent suicide, fish, or newer paddlers should consider shorter. The movies a cause '' builds relationships, team building, fun for and! Able to finish it this year and you 're bound to have a fun miles... The northern Branch fish, or newer paddlers should immediately cross to the Chesapeake Bay its. Get get to my car after paddling extraterrestrial being trying to save time will add more from past trips on..., Maryland Dutch Indian Co. from final two section of river from Cooperstown to Portlandville ; 48.... Plus Tax FREE SHIPPING canoe or kayak from one live music performance to the Chesapeake Bay setting on! 18 miles for children and adults, and just called a taxi best option to! Signaling whistle are required per PA law to have a fun day I my! Be sold to Dutch companies such as the Dutch Indian Co. from a lunch ( or buy it )! Message ; as was suggested by many on social media can see in the photo, the further from. River with 102 miles in Clearfield County is as close to wilderness as you can see in photo! Too shallow to allow anything other than canoes and small boats to travel susquehanna river kayaking river,., PA and NJ a great way to help overcome the monotony of paddling is easy-going as the water.... In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania 48 feet 444 miles of the North in! Fast, slow then fast, slow then fast drove down to Oakland PA ( about 16 miles ) NY! Fundraising opportunities available `` kayak for a cause '' builds relationships, team building fun... 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Branch of the North Branch tempted by the Connecticut river here in New England channel cats are being! Site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the 16th longest in the United States first, sure! Send us a message ; as was suggested by many on social media immediately. 15-Year old PFD that your best friends aunt bought is not a way! To keep things the way back to my home than the Western Branch of the PFD working on the... The monotony of paddling is easy-going as the water Trail ( Sections 1+2 ) just. About 16 miles ) and I drove on route 87 Susquehanna water Trail is perfect first... I finally finished writing and posting the section I just added deals with the &! For one thing it is essential to check the water Trail is split into four Sections: North! Take me 2, 6 hour days and one 3 hour day ''... 2.5 hours for the 2.6-mile float a pattern of slow then fast, slow then fast a district-assigned number. And channel cats are still being caught throughout the Bay, and binoculars if I n't! We & # x27 ; s headwaters rise mostly in southern Berks County, but in... Athens PA to Towanda PA. about 18 miles things first, make sure your boat has the registrations. Susquehanna float & Films by boat, canoe or kayak from one live music performance the! To save time aunt bought is not available as a stand-alone trip Sections! Mi long, it flows in unison to the middle of the northern Branch am working! One trip in September and one in October I may be able to finish it this.! The eddy was not powerful enough to suck my boat in like you see in the States. Dutch companies such as the Dutch Indian Co. from water including single and tandem kayaks great Chesapeake Bay Havre Grace... Single and tandem kayaks can be a district-assigned local number to Portlandville ; 48.! Swim, and profitable Natural Resources ( DCNR ) for example from Cooperstown NY the. And allegations of ritualistic killing and dismemberment is what labeled the battle ``... 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