Do you know the heritage regions of the Susquehanna Greenway? Well, here’s your chance to find out! Pennsylvania is home to 12 state-recognized heritage regions, and five of them cross paths with the Susquehanna Greenway. One of these five is even included on the list of nationally recognized heritage regions. Do you know which one? Keep reading to find out!

This region has been shaped by traditions from all parts of the world thanks to centuries of civilizations and cultures. Some of these groups have included French settlers at Azilum in the 18th century, Irish and Welsh canal workers and miners in the 19th century, and the Italians and Eastern Europeans in the 20th century. People from all walks of life grew a network of small towns that contributed to developing a rich agricultural landscape, as well as an industrial boom in logging, tanning, and mining due to the region’s rich resources. Following this expansion of industry and transportation, the Civilian Conservation Corps was brought in to restore the Endless Mountains’ ecology and preserve the landscape through the recreational areas we know today. Now, the Endless Mountains Heritage Region showcases an example of our beautiful river valley landscape, while also remembering its historical importance to the human development of the area and nation at large.

This unique corridor not only links small towns, historic sites, and beautiful scenery, but it also provides outdoor recreation opportunities and even an artisan trail. The route that touches the Greenway follows Pennsylvania Bicycle Route Y, which is a segment within the larger US Bike Route 36 that connects cyclists from across the state to Ohio and New York. The Route also showcases industrial history, including the first underground mine, the first steam locomotive, and the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes. What a great way to #GetOutontheGreenway!

Williamsport was among the largest of the lumber communities in the region and was forever marked by the men and women who made their fortunes clearing the hills North and West of the community. Remnants of this history are still visible in the remains of the Susquehanna Boom just offshore, along the Susquehanna River Walk and Timber Trail, and at the historic home of lumber baron Peter Herdic, a restored Victorian mansion that now houses a restaurant and inn.

Today the woodlands and waterways of the Lumber Heritage Region provide some of our favorite landscapes for outdoor recreation. A few additional Susquehanna Greenway highlights in this region include the David S. Ammerman Rail Trail of Clearfield County, Hyner View State Park of Clinton County, and Milton State Park of Union County.

Even just the short 15-mile section of the trail that meets up with the Susquehanna Greenway is marked with important landmarks of Pennsylvania’s transportation history. Perhaps the most iconic of these is the Rockville Bridge, which remains the longest stone masonry arch railroad viaduct in the world. Other nearby attractions important to local heritage include the Fort Hunter Mansion and Park on the Susquehanna’s east bank and the Dauphin Narrows Statue of Liberty just upriver.

Focused on both outdoor fun and cultural discovery, the heritage region has two main hubs along the river—the historic Zimmerman Center for Heritage in Wrightsville and the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center in Columbia. Both serve as gateways to the recreational and educational opportunities in this heritage area, which overlaps with a portion of the lower Susquehanna Greenway. Some of our favorite Greenway trails in this region include the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and the Mason-Dixon Trail.

Honorable Mentions

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor

Stretching 150 miles overall, the Delaware and Lehigh Navigation Canal Heritage Corridor (NHC) follows the historic routes and overland railroads of the Delaware Canal and the Lehigh Navigation System, from Bristol to Wilkes-Barre, in eastern Pennsylvania. While no completed portion of the corridor’s trail touches the Susquehanna Greenway, the end section that touches Wilkes-Barre is on the docket for future linkage and trail development. The proposed trail will travel through the quiet, wooded mountains just south of Wilkes-Barre, and will pass through the Seven Tubs Nature Area, known for its pools and falls. We look forward to seeing this trail touch the Greenway! Wilkes-Barre itself, which sits right on the shores of the Susquehanna, is the farthest reach of the heritage corridor. Its River Commons is a reminder of the Yankee settlers who planned the town and the River Street Historic District, containing more than 200 historic buildings.

Lackawanna Heritage Valley

The Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area (LHV) is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, encompassing the watershed of the Lackawanna River in Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Luzerne counties. It is also home to the 70-mile Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, and receives our honorable mention because a very short 1-mile portion on the southern end of the trail runs within the Susquehanna Greenway along the river in Pittston, PA. As a whole, the heritage area is rich in coal mining and railroad history, especially in the Scranton area.