There is no doubt about it, the Susquehanna River offers a world of beauty and opportunity for outdoor recreation. In recent years, more people than ever have shown an interest in activities on and along our backyard river. Yet, it is not always apparent where to go or how to plan that next outdoor adventure.

One organization that is working to help fill this gap is the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP). SGP works to connect people to this treasured corridor—the Susquehanna Greenway—to help provide the opportunity and resources for all to access hiking, biking, and paddling trails along our shared Susquehanna River.

 

This summer, SGP is raising that goal to a new level thanks to their 3rd Annual Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo on Saturday, August 3, 2024, 10 AM – 3 PM.

Held at the Shikellamy State Park Marina in Sunbury, PA, where the North and West branches of the Susquehanna River meet, SGP is convening industry experts, outdoor professionals, and non-profit partners to share their tools, knowledge, gear, and resources with the recreating public.

The event will feature more than 50 vendors from across the state to engage with attendees and offer a full slate of activities, presentations, and music performances—all at no cost to the public. It’s a great way to discover new opportunities to engage with the outdoors in this region and beyond.

With programming that includes a live wildlife program, local canal history, kid-friendly activities, food trucks, a beer garden featuring Pennsylvania craft brews, and more, there is something for the whole family.

Some of the highlights will include:

  • Rich Port Adventure Co: West Branch Outfitter offering kayak, paddle board, and bike rentals in the Williamsport Area.
  • Bald Eagle Mountain Bike Association (BEMBA): This non-profit club is dedicated to mountain bike advocacy, education, access, and trail building. Join them for events & monthly rides!
  • Dida’s Incredible Edibles Ice Cream: Specializing in hand-dipped ice cream and other sweet treats. Dida’s also features old-fashioned milkshakes and sundaes made with any flavor ice cream that they have available.
  • Faylor Lake Disc Golf: A championship level 18-hole disc golf course at Faylor Lake, in Beaver Springs PA. Ranked the #1 course in PA and 14th in the world in 2023 and 26th in 2024. Each year, they attract disc golfers from all over the US and Canada and our monthly course traffic remains high, averaging over 200 players from 25+ states monthly.
  • R.B. Winter Chapter of Trout Unlimited: The R.B. Winter Chapter of Trout Unlimited focuses on educational programming and activities within the Susquehanna Valley. Chapter members will provide fly-tying demonstrations throughout the day. Fly fishing equipment will be on display with anglers available to explain basic information about fly fishing.
  • DutchWare Gear: Discover top-quality camping hammocks, tarps, and kitchen gear from DutchWare Gear, your go-to for customizable solutions and print-to-fabric options, all proudly made in the USA. Enjoy the great outdoors with expertly designed durable products that enhance your camping experience. Benefit from our expert support to ensure you get the perfect gear tailored to your needs.
  • Crank Therapy: Unique wallets, bags, belts & dog collars made from up-cycled bicycle inner tubes and recycled materials. Everything is stitched on a bicycle powered sewing machine. See it in action at the event!
  • Pennsylvania WoodMobile (PA Department of Agriculture): An interactive museum on wheels about our forest, the sustainable forest products industry, how products are made, and threats to our forests like invasive insects and plants, diseases and white-tailed deer.
  • The Empanada Shack: Lycoming County’s Favorite Empanada Truck! Featuring traditional and specialty Puerto Rican style empanadas.
  • Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association: Protects and promotes the Susquehanna River, its tributaries & the aquatic ecosystem that depends on it all across 11,000 square miles of watershed in central, northcentral & northeast Pennsylvania, through environmental education as well as water monitoring & testing.
  • Link Cyclery LLC: A family owned and operated bicycle shop with a wide range of bikes in Road, Mountain, Gravel, Hybrid, Children, & E-Bikes, you can find your ride here. Providing bike repairs from flats to overhauls, they are known for quick turnaround time. They offer bike rentals suited for Rail Trails, do bike trade-ins, and sharpen ice skates.
  • Milly’s Breakfast Spot: Run by two life-long best friends, they aim to serve our customers the best of breakfast classics and specialty drinks so that you can start your day right!
  • Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau: (SPONSOR) The SRVVB promotes the Susquehanna River Valley [comprised of Snyder, Northumberland and Union counties] and its outdoor recreation amenities to outdoor enthusiasts both within the region and nationally.
  • Michael Kinney & Missy Gray: In spring of 2024, Michael Kinney paddled the entire 228 miles of the Susquehanna River’s West Branch, capturing some amazing photos along the way. For some sections, he was accompanied by his girlfriend, Missy Gray. Together, Michael and Missy will share photos, speak about their amazing experience and answer questions right at the event.
  • ‘Gingersnap’ the Mermaid: Photo opportunity and fun for the kids!
  • And many more!!

The event will also feature opportunities to learn wilderness survival tips, how to build a tarp shelter, birdwatching equipment tutorials, a balance bike rodeo for the kids, learn how to disc golf, and other activities—plus, a chance to win a kayak and other great outdoor themed prizes!

A full event schedule, map, and list of exhibitors is available at susquehannaexpo.com. You may also follow the Facebook page for the latest announcements and updates.

SGP’s services and programs serve as a thread that links adventurers to everything they need to explore the outdoors along the Susquehanna Greenway including the area’s outfitters, heritage areas, outdoor clubs, and so much more.

Learn more about SGP’s offerings by visiting susquehannagreenway.org. Here you will find information SGP’s latest news & stories, upcoming events, the various regions of the Susquehanna Greenway, paddling routes, and the parks, trails, and river towns that can be explored within the corridor.

The Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo was made possible thanks to grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources and the PPL Foundation, as well as large category sponsorships from the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau and M&T Bank.

The Susquehanna Greenway is a corridor of connected trails, parks, river access points, and communities, linking people to the natural and cultural treasures of the Susquehanna River within Pennsylvania. The mission of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is to continue to grow the Greenway by building connections along the Susquehanna River, inspiring people to engage with the outdoors, and transforming communities into places where people want to live, work, and explore.