Description:

Join the Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) and Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) on Saturday, August 17, 2024, as we discover the Lower Section 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 6.5-mile route along the Susquehanna River from Marietta to Columbia. Lunch will be provided.

When: August 17, 2024 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Where (start): Marietta River Park Access
Where (Lunch): PFBC Marietta Access, Musselman-Vesta Furnace
Where (end): PFBC Columbia Access

Paddling Distance: 6.5 miles

Price: $40 / ticket

Rentals: TBD

Registration will open this summer

Refunds are available up to one week prior to the date of the event.

Schedule (tentative)

  • 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Registration opens at the Marietta Riverfront Park boat launch. This will be a time for participants to check-in, receive their appropriate materials, and drop off boats. Porta-potties, and informational tables will be accessible to participants.
  • 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Shuttle (Drivers only, all others are asked to be dropped off at the launch site)
  • 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM: Opening remarks and kayak safety talk.
  • 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Launch of paddlers from Riverfront Park in Marietta.
  • 10:45 AM – 12:45 PM: Participants will paddle 4 miles from Riverfront Park in Marrietta to Marietta’s PFBC access.
  • 12:45 PM – 2:00 PM: Take-out and lunch at the Musselman-Vesta Furnace.
  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Paddle 2.5 miles to the PFBC Columbia Access.
  • 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Take out at the PFBC Columbia Access and loading boats back onto vehicles. Participants will be asked to fill out a short survey about the event prior to departing.

FAQs

How do I rent a kayak?
  • To reserve your kayak or canoe, simply mark your registration.
What about check-in?
  • Check-in will be located at the Marietta River Park Access.
  • Please bring your signed participant forms if you did not already submit them electronically.
Will there be a shuttle?
  • Yes. If you are bringing your own boat(s), please drop them off at the put-in at the Marietta River Park Access when you check in. Please also drop off any passengers in your car with your boats. Drivers should then check in and proceed down to Columbia Park. If you are renting boats, drivers should drop off passengers at the Marietta boat launch, check-in, and only the drivers should proceed to Columbia Park. We will then shuttle only the drivers back up to the put-in. Please be mindful to use Columbia Crossings River Trail Center parking areas and NOT the boat launch’s designated trailer parking.
  • We shuttle this way (with your cars at the end of the paddle) so that your car will be right at 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 at the Marietta River Park Access.
  • The take-out for the kayaks is located at PFBC Columbia Access.
  • Paddlers along this section of the river will experience an 6.5-mile route along the Susquehanna River from Marietta to Columbia.
What about lodging?
  • Accommodation options are available in nearby Marietta or Columbia.
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?
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 & SNHA 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.
  • *extra water will be provided*

 

More Questions? You may also call or email Poppy Breining with any questions: (570) 231-4576 or [email protected].