Water Trails
The Susquehanna River meanders 444 miles from its origin at Otsego lake near Cooperstown, New York until it empties into the Chesapeake Bay at Havre de Grace, Maryland. Additionally, the West Branch of the Susquehanna River starts as a narrow stream in the Allegheny Mountains, and journeys 228 miles through dense forests, rolling farmland, and historic towns to its confluence with the North Branch in Northumberland. The Susquehanna is the "mother" river to the Chesapeake, providing 50% of all the freshwater entering the great estuary.
The Susquehanna River Water Trails are boat routes suitable for canoes, kayaks, and small motorized watercraft. They contain access points, boat launches, day use sites, and/or overnight camping sites for the boating public.
Please note that boating and other activities on rivers can be dangerous. Obtain a water trail map and guide in advance, plan your trip, and follow all safety precautions. For your safety:
- Always wear a life jacket
- Obtain proper instruction in boating skills
- Know fishing and boating regulations
- Be prepared for river hazards
- Carry proper equipment
For detailed safety information, see the PA Fish & Boat Commission safety webpage.
Find A Trail
The Susquehanna River Water Trail system has four unique stretches:
The North Branch Water Trail - 181 miles in PA
The West Branch Water Trail - 228 miles
The Middle Section - 54 miles
The Lower Section - 53 miles
Explore these trails using the Google Map!
Susquehanna Sojourns
A number of guided, educational river trips take place on the Susquehanna River Water Trails throughout the summer months. Check out our Calendar of Events!
Pennsylvania River Sojourns are organized locally, to find one near you check out PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR)!
POWR sponsors these Sojourns with funding support through the PA Department of Conservation of Natural Resources (DCNR), the PA Fish & Boat Commission, and the American Canoe Association (ACA).
Stewardship
Like land trails, water trails require periodic maintance and upkeep from volunteers who are passionate about this public natural resource. Water Trail Managers are always looking for a hand during river cleanup events or maintenance opportunities at river access points. Contact the Water Trail Manager in your area for details, and sign up to become a Susquehanna Greenway volunteer and we'll keep you up to date on water trail events and happenings.
Photo by Matt Dallos
444 Club
Paddled all 444 miles of the Susquehanna River from Cooperstown, NY to the Bay? We would like to honor your accomplishment! 444 Club Application and details coming soon...
