Description:
Join the Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) and Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) on Saturday, June 1, 2024, as we discover the North Branch of the Susquehanna River Water Trail. This day-trip paddle is one of four that will showcase the recreational opportunities of the water trail through the Susquehanna River Sojourn Series.
Paddlers along this section of the river will experience an 12-mile route along the “Great Bend” section of the Susquehanna River from Oakland to Hallstead, specifically in celebration of the removal of the Oakland Dam, which was completed in Fall 2023. The former hydroelectric dam that had become inoperable and dilapidated through the years presented a significant safety hazard for boaters and paddlers for many years. The removal of this partially breached dam led to more than 250 miles of stream and aquatic habitats being reconnected, providing a safer recreational experience for boaters and places for sportfish, freshwater mussels, and other fish and wildlife to live and grow. Lunch will be provided.
When: June 1, 2024 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where (check-in): Phantom Fireworks of Great Bend shopping plaza
Where (lunch): PFBC Great Bend Access
Where (end): PFBC Hallstead Access
Paddling Distance: 12 miles
Price: $60 / ticket
Rentals: $50 / single kayak, $70 / tandem kayak or canoe
Refunds are available up to one week prior to the date of the event.
Schedule (tentative)
- 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Check in at Phantom Fireworks of Great Bend shopping plaza (25059 US-11, Hallstead, PA 18822).
- 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Participants, along with their kayaks, canoes, and personal gear will be shuttled to our launch point at the Oakland Township PA Fish & Boat Commissioner Launch (41.98425, -75.599991).
- 8:30 AM – 8:45 AM: Following a safety brief with our river guides and water trail managers from the local area, as well as Endless Mountain Outfitters and Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals, we will have a chat with Ty Moon of the PA Fish & Boat Commission.
- 8:45 AM – 9:00 AM Launch of paddlers from the Oakland Township PA Fish & Boat Commissioner Launch.
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Participants will paddle from Oakland to the PFBC Great Bend Access.
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch will be provided during special guest speakers about the dam removal project and future improvements along the water trail.
- 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Paddle down to Hallstead and finish the day with an optional visit to The Barr Brewery at Red Rock BBQ.
FAQs
How do I rent a kayak?
- To reserve your kayak or canoe, simply mark your registration. Rentals are $50 per single vessel, $70 per tandem. The outfitter will have the rentals and safety equipment available at the launch.
What about check-in?
- Check-in will be located at Phantom Fireworks of Great Bend shopping plaza.
- Please bring your signed participant forms if you did not already submit them electronically.
Will there be a shuttle?
- Yes. You, your boats, and your gear will be shuttled to the starting point in the morning after check-in.
- We shuttle this way (with your cars at the end of the paddle) so that your car will be right near the take-out at the end of the day. There will not be a shuttle back to the put-in at the conclusion of the event.
What's the address/route?
- Our starting location (registration/check-in) and put-in location is Phantom Fireworks of Great Bend shopping plaza (25059 US-11, Hallstead, PA 18822).
- The take-out for the kayaks is located at the PFBC Hallstead Access.
- The route is 12 miles from the PFBC Oakland Access to PFBC Hallstead Access.
Can I bring my kids?
- This is a family-friendly event, and children are welcome to attend. However, children under the age of 12 may NOT pilot their own craft (kayak or canoe). This article from REI can help you plan for the paddle event.
Do I need to register my boat?
- Pennsylvania boat launch permits are encouraged, but not required for this event.
Is there a rain date?
- Rain – the event will continue as scheduled for rain alone. Should alternate weather conditions present on the day of the event, SGP & EMHR will determine an appropriate alternative or cancel the event.
- There is not an alternate rain date at this time. Should that change, SGP will notify all registrants.
What should I bring?
- If it is cold and rainy, NO COTTON.
- If an article of clothing says it is fleece (like a sweatshirt) make sure the fleece is polyester.
- You are required to bring and wear a PFD if you are providing your own boat.
- Please wear appropriate closed-toe shoes, as we will be getting in and our of our boats on several occasions and the landscape may be muddy/rocky.
- Athletic-type/quick-drying apparel is recommended, and consider bringing a backpack or hydration pack, and snacks.
More Questions? You may also call or email Poppy Breining with any questions about registration: (570) 231-4576 or [email protected]. For questions about the event itself, please reach out to the Endless Mountains Heritage Region at (570) 265-1528 or [email protected].