Description
This 12.5 mile trail located in Luzerne County is nestled in the beautiful Susquehanna River Valley, lush with green meadows and surrounding mountain peaks. The trail stretches from the Susquehanna Riverlands in Salem Township to Canal Park in West Nanticoke section of Plymouth Township. When completed, the Susquehanna Warrior Trail will extend 18.5 miles from the Susquehanna Riverlands Park to the Kirby Park trail system in Edwardsville.
It is recommended to start at the southern endpoint north of Berwick at the Susquehanna Riverlands Park. A nice destination unto itself, the park has picnic tables, playgrounds, a small lake for fishing and a crushed stone loop path to enjoy.
From the parking lot, the trail heads north and runs adjacent to the active railroad tracks with a slight grade separation. You pass through quiet, pretty woods for approximately 1.5 miles before the trail passes the entrance to a privately owned junkyard. From here the trail continues north alongside US 11.
As you approach Shickshinny, the trail ends at the bridge crossing. Shickshinny is the best spot along the route to stop for something to eat. To pick up the trail again, follow US 11, pass the bridge and go approximately one-eighth of a mile before turning right onto East Butler Street. Follow it a short distance down to South Susquehanna Street, where the trail resumes. You’ll find yourself closer to the river again for a 3-mile stretch. The trail gradually gets closer to US 11 as it travels north.
The next trail segment runs behind a firing range, but don’t worry as there is plenty of embankment to make it safe. Portions of the final segment are close to US 11, but other sections veer off closer to the river and into green space where you see another pretty bridge as well as another junkyard. The trail continues to the Garden Drive-In, one of the country’s few remaining drive-in movie theaters. If you time your visit right, take in a show at the end of your ride or walk.
Parking and Trail Access
To reach the southern trailhead north of Berwick, take State Route 239 North into Shickshinny and turn left onto US Route 11 South. Follow US 11 South approximately 3.5 miles to the Susquehanna Riverlands Park entrance on the left. Ample parking is available.
To reach the northern trailhead in West Nanticoke, take SR 239 North into Shickshinny and turn right onto US 11 North. Follow it approximately 8.6 miles and turn right onto Canal Street. Following this street will take you to Canal Park, where the trailhead is located.
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