Kayak Marysville to West Fairview - Susquehanna Greenway

Marysville to West Fairview

Branch Region:

Middle Section

Length:

6 miles

Paddle Time:

3 - 4 Hours

Difficulty:

Easy

Hazard:

Two rock ledges- one above and one below Rockville Bridge. To avoid, run second ledge on river left. Fun standing wave can be run just to the right of the largest rock near the east side.

Description

This 6-mile run along the Middle Susquehanna may be lacking in river miles, but it makes up for it with a variety of sites and landmarks. Along the way, paddlers will go under the famous Rockville Bridge; at 3,280 feet long this bridge is the longest stone-arch bridge in the world. More than 30 trains cross over its 48 arches every day.

Just downstream, the George N. Wade Bridge crosses the Susquehanna and gives way to McCormick’s Island; the southern tip is a great stop for an afternoon picnic. Just offshore of McCormick Island is Wade Island, Pennsylvania’s largest multi-species rookery (nesting island). Bring your binoculars to see the hundreds of nests that dot its shores, however please enjoy these sites from the comfort of your boat as trespassing on the island is illegal. If camping is your intention, there are several sites along river right islands downstream of McCormick. After the last island, stay river right to exit at West Fairview Boat Launch.