This past October, when I paddled the last section (from Meshoppen to Harding) the river was in flood and the current strong. We got on the Sinnemahoning in Driftwood, about 9AM. Subscribe here: https://www.youtub. This now puts me at about 272 miles paddled so far with about 44 miles left to go in order to finish the Northern branch. A middle aged man at the end of the bar heard the conversation and said "I'll take you". Most likely I would not paddle, but I could take some photos for my website. Quite often, she aims right for them. He could make and enforce the laws and would approve (or disapprove) marriages; a very big power at the time. I will add a page soon. Five Mountain Outfitters ShickshinnyWebsite: fivemountainoutfittersco.comPhone: 570-885-0081, Susquehanna Outdoor Adventures BloomsburgWebsite: kayaktheriverpa.comPhone: 570-854-4333, Riverside Adventure Company DanvilleWebsite: riversideadventureco.comPhone: 570-854-2437. I was joined by my friend Betsy. SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN: 7 -- West Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail : 240 miles Cherry Tree to Sunbury: Trail Sponsor . from Oakland PA to Halstead, 8 miles; and from Halstead to the Sandy beach boat ramp just above Binghampton Ny about 16 miles. I decided that in the next few weeks and months I will add a history component to each section. You might also want to place valuables in a drybag that can be fastened securely to your vessel. Postpone your trip if thunderstorms are on the horizon. I know the mileage for sure because the Shickshinny river access area has a mileage sign. Access Point: Amity Hall, Juniata River In August 1608, Captain John Smith and . Anchored by Power-Pole rolled into Harrisburg, PA, last weekend with an elite class of kayak bass anglers anxious to engage the Susquehanna River's world-class . Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau | 121 Papermill Road | Bloomsburg, PA 17837 | 1-800-847-4810, Content Copyright of Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau unless otherwise specified. But, now I feel that I should put plan A back into play and I'm thinking to finish the rest of the river down to the Chesapeake bay. Average streamflow for this time of year is 427345 cfs, with recent peaks last observed at 3,832,200 cfs on 2011-09-09. I paddled a 22.6 mile segment (Shickshinny to Bloomsburg) on August 26 and, the final 23.7 mile segment (From Bloomsburg to Sunbury) the following day, August 27. Generally speaking, the water in the middle flows faster than the water along the banks. Sometimes you just have to stop paddling and let the current carry you for a while. Low water can be just as difficult as shallows may turn into dry banks and low areas become muddy sandbars. YES! I have already mentioned that I encountered my most significant incident on the river when I paddled the Shickshinny to Bloomsburg section. in turn, the water molecules that are being slowed down by the river channel want to grab on to the molecules around them, slowing them down too. High adventures abound on the Lower Susquehanna. I know there are many people who because of the Coronavirus emergency are stuck at home right now with little to do. Not because of some extraterrestrial being trying to send us a message; as was suggested by many on social media. The longest river on the East Coast, "the Susky" has over 400 miles of fishable water to explore. I paddled that 8 mile section in 2 hours; 4 Miles per hour. This is the longest I have paddled on the Susquehanna in one day, and it took me only 5 and 3 quarters hours. Gift certificates available all year and make great birthday, graduation, anniversary and Christmas gifts. The river passes close to the center of the city of Lancaster and ends at Safe Harbor along the Susquehanna River, approximately 16 miles north of the Mason-Dixon line. Before setting out on any river adventure, it is essential to check the water levels on your route. I think it's a little more than 70 miles and I should be able to finish it in three or foursections. High water generally increases difficulty due to faster flow and increased hazards such as low bridges, floodwater debris, and low hanging trees. For urgent assistance with your rentals, Please Call. The taxi driver that took me from Harding (where I left my car)to Meshoopen (where I had left my Kayak the day before) made an impression on me, and with her permission I will write a little about her and our conversation. My guess is that its from the top of the picture down. the scene playing at the time was of Vincent Price sitting on a throne-like chair and tenants being called up one by one and being asked when they would make payment on the rent for the land they were working. But, I survived the monsters of the past. . I had planned to do much more during the summer of 2011. The Vincent Price character was being referred to as the Patroon and I found that interesting because I had never heard that word, but it sounded very much like the Italian word Patrone (owner) and Spanish word Padron also meaning owner. That day, as I prepared for the trip, I text Keith at Endless Mountain Outfitters and asked him what he thought the river would be like on Thursday. Valley to Summit offers a variety of kayaking rentals and guided tour trips ranging from 3 to 4 hours. His name is Kevin Seltzer and he is the owner of the cafe. The most miles I ever did in one day was 31 miles. Lancaster County is well placed for access to the Susquehanna River in southwestern Pennsylvania. You can either bring your own equipment or rent single or tandem kayaks, paddles, and life vests from Chiques Rock Outfitters. I made that paddle on October 4, 2018 and now I am ready to pick up where I left off. They also offer guided tours and shuttles (if you don't feel like going back upstream). This time I could not find a way around the closure and had to backtrack to Towanda where I picked up Route 6 south to Wyalusing and from there took a few back roads that took me to the cabin. Click on the "Cooperstown to Portlandville" tab and look for Section History. Conodoguinet Creek - Siebert Park Run. Flowing 228 miles total, the West Branch is one of two principal branches of the mighty Susquehanna River and a meandering and beautiful journey through the PA Wilds Lumber Heritage Region. I think it will be interesting to most paddlers to know a little history about the areas. Well, its because everything we experience happens at the molecular level. Ideal levels for paddling the Susquehanna River depend on your route. The warm weather is still here and so is the good fishing in the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Like the Susquehanna, the Delaware has two branches that come together; the Western branch and the Eastern branch. All Rights Reserved. Karthaus Bridge The Karthaus Bridge is only two -three hours downriver of the Red Moshannon, or 4 - 6 hours below the Rolling Stone Bridge. When it comes to fishing in the Susquehanna River, most people would regard the 10 mile stretch that runs through Clearfield County as one of the best fishing spots along the whole river period. And, as Leonardo Davinci tells us the current in the middle of a river is stronger than that on the sides. Ideal levels for paddling the Susquehanna River depend on your route. Also keep an eye on the weather forecast. I did have some trepidation, and I would not have done it if there where people who depended on me. The first day from Oakland to Halstead I found someone willing to follow me from Oakland to Halstead (where i left my car) and drive me back to Oakland where I had left my kayak. The spinning disk was made when a piece of ice was caught in an eddy. Low water can be just as difficult as shallows may turn into dry banks and low areas become muddy sandbars. Ive had occasion to cross over the Susquehanna River in some of the most urban areas such as Harrisburg, PA, and in Maryland. I walked into the Main St. Cafe, ordered breakfast and I asked the waitress if there was a taxi service that I could call. Use your best judgement when deciding to advance a trip and consult outfitters or river experts when in doubt. Youll be treated to a great diversity of birds throughout the whole stretch with Chickies Rock and the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge as the background. At the end of the paddle my brother came to pick me up and I recall saying to him "it feels like I just ran a marathon with my arms". More, From stadium rock to coffee shop concerts! The characteristics of a river can change dramatically as the water level rises or falls. Joel Witwer paddles along the Susquehanna River during his 18-day, 444 mile adventure during September and October 2020. I am still working on adding the final two section of the Northern branch. They rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, row boats (with and . & Harrisburg Travel Guide! Paddle unspoiled shoreline, explore creeks, view wildlife, visit the Conejohela Flats and the river sluices - little current on this part of the river for easy, enjoyable paddling. the beautiful Susquehanna River at one of its widest points. A camera (preferably waterproof), and binoculars. We provide transport as well as offer food and drink options upon retur from our neighboring restaurant "Ric's" . And' I felt that I needed a break from the river. Here's the link: http:www.wbur.org/onpoint/2018/02/11/the-rich-history-of-americas-rivers, By the way, Dimitri is an artist who produces some pretty cool stuff. But, as I have written in previous updates, the responsibilities of life got in the way and made very slow progress. The Conestoga River is one of Lancaster County's most scenic rivers. This island was used as a resort in the 1800's and later as a private residence. The Susquehanna River Water Trail is a treasure trove for the paddling and boating public. The spinning (counterclockwise) ice disk shown above occurred in Westbrook, Maine on the Presumpscott river. What I try to do with the history section is to pick an event that is not widely known, but that helps us to understand what the area was like at a particular time and thus give us a better understanding of American history. Pick up any book dealing with Quantum physics and the section on time will likely use a river in an attempt to explain it. Not only is it located right in our backyard, but it has a host of landscapes, history, and fauna to explore while on the river. That will depend on how I feel once I complete the northern branch, which I hope to do by the end of this season. The paddle begins north of Harrisburg at the Amity Hall Access along the Juniata River, north ofDuncannon, PA and ends at the Marysville Heritage Park Access bythe Rockville Bridge in Marysville. Like I wrote above, I think I know. The section I just added deals with the Anti-rent wars and the Patroon system that was established in NY, PA and NJ. The other reason is that some parts of it are very remote and it will be difficult for me to arrange for transportation back to my car. I had wanted to do a longer run, but the next access was another 10 miles downriver; too far for a very slow moving river and the late start that I got that day. But only for a few seconds. A map of our campsites and facilities lets you see your choice of sites on the river, with a . After that, there are no refunds. I'm also tempted by the Delaware river. June 1-4, 2023. That sounded interesting and I started watching. 2023 Central PA Event Schedule. Kayak rentals are a great option for all ages. Our goal is to build an active network of trails, open space, and communities that enable you to walk, bike, or paddle from town to town. Float under the graceful stone arches of the Rockville Bridge, past the largest nesting rookery for wading birds in PA, secluded river islands, and the beautiful skyline of Harrisburg. The current version of the beloved local landmark is about 25 feet tall and weighs about 4 tons. He has been very responsive and I really appreciate it. The Western branch would be much more scenic and I am tempted by that. Due to the one-way nature of a flowing river, two cars are often required for a paddling excursionone at your put-in and one at your take-out. And, discovered many interesting and useful things; including how heart valves work. 5 STARS!! Take a look through the options and decide which trip is best for you - see you on the river! In the previous update I mentioned how the river is a window into the past, but of course it is not a window into the future. I just completed and published the page titled "Towanda PA to Sugar Run PA" I made this paddle on July 12, 2018. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.Site built by Airiam Creek Length: 90mi. The Susquehanna River Water Trail can be a fun paddling trip in a kayak or canoe with plenty of creeks and islands to explore along the way. But, on my latest run (Meshoopen to Harding) with the river at about the same stage as in August, I did run into some really rough and prolonged water that maybe for the first time on the river really gave me a scare, and forced me to psychologically steel myself for the possibility that my kayak would overturn and dump me into the churning waters. I am not familiar with this river. Unlike a lake, the water under the ice continues to flow and can easily erode the ice above.It bothers me that I even thought about doing it. Before setting out on your paddle, make sure to share your itinerary with a friend or family member. The Loyalists were proud to be English subjects and wanted to keep things the way they were. I offered to pay him, but he refused it. The full moon kayak event was amazingthe water was smooth, the guides were so kind and helpful. For comparison, the Salmon river in Idaho (a river that I am interested in paddling next) drops 7,000 feet from its source to its confluence with the Snake river. It felt as if it didn't happen that long ago. High water generally increases difficulty due to faster flow and increased hazards such as low bridges, floodwater debris, and low hanging trees. All Rights Reserved. I would appreciate any feedback. Explore a series of low-lying islands and mudflats that provide a habitat to over 250 species of birds along the Susquehanna River via kayak. Also, when planning your route, make sure that you can easily drive between the put-in and take-out for shuttling purposes. Your money goes toward a good cause. Tibbens, a professional river guide, is in the midst of a self-confessed love affair with rocks. Anyone operating an unpowered boat, such as a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard, who wishes to use a PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) or a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) boat access, including those at state parks, may either register their boat or purchase an annual launch permit. I found it during the summer of 2017 along the banks of the Loyalsock creek around Forksville PA. Some say it's in Bakerton, PA others say it's in Carrollstown, PA.The two branches meet up in Northumberland PA and continue together to the Chesapeake bay. Here the river waspretty wide and calm and I was not concerned about running into any danger. Please write to me at domcuce@aol.com. Privacy | Contact, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). On July 12 I paddleda 22 mile section of the river. Kayakers can come ashore on the islands and enjoy a picnic lunch just be sure to respect all private property signs and use caution loading and disembarking. and research in advance how to navigate around them. Welcome Located in an 1880's era general store building on the shores of the Susquehanna River, Shank's Mare Outfitters specializes in sales and rentals of recreational, touring, and fishing kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, disc golf gear and outdoor accessories. Bald Eagles are a common sight while kayaking on the Lower Susquehanna River. The Susquehanna River is a ribbon of green that stretches for 444miles thru some of the most densely populated area of the east coast. What I am almost settled on is that I should finish the Susquehanna. He asked me to follow him to where I could leave my car and then drove me to my kayak. The paddling is easy-going as the water is normally shallow and the flats provide protection from wind and currents. The gauge at Karthaus looks like it is reading about 3 feet right now. I mentioned on my last update that I finally finished the Northern branch (318 miles) of the Susquehanna, but I think it's worth repeating it in this update. Make sure that your PFD is suited to your weight and body type, and check that it is within the factory date (i.e. Now with a smart phone you can see exactly where you are on the river, and if you want you can activate a "share my location" feature and a friend or relative can check your progress. My boat got swamped and overturned when I went down a very large and unexpected rapid. Videos: I have had a hard time uploading my videos to the website. The North Branch begins as the outlet of Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, New York. FAQs for details. Make sure that your PFD is suited to your weight and body type, and check that it is within the factory date (i.e. I think its worth watching. Thrill to the sights of wildlife from beavers to bald eagles. In this particular case I happened to be able to grab on to the boat and just float with it. It should take about 2.5 hours for the 2.6-mile float. Renaissance Jamboree Returns to Downtown Bloomsburg, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Announces Summer Auditions, Spring is Fishing Time in Columbia County, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia at the Weis Center. Nothing says "time" like a river. But, there is a science behind up stream paddling: Near the very top of this page I show a quotation from Leonardo DaVinci "In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has come and the first of that which comes" . The link below is a much shorter version, but captures the most exciting part. This is considered the beginning of the North Branch. Susquehanna Kayak and Canoe Rentals is owned by Art Coolbaugh and offers the most interactive activity you can experience in natural surroundings on the Susquehanna River and Frances Slocum State Park. Will be interesting to most paddlers to know a little history about the.... For access to the sights of wildlife from beavers to bald Eagles and decide susquehanna river kayaking trip best... A resort in the Upper Chesapeake Bay responsibilities of life got in the next few weeks and months will. Because the Shickshinny to Bloomsburg section the North branch begins as the outlet of Otsego Lake Cooperstown. You '' way and made very slow progress him to where I left off reading about feet... Level rises or falls a little more than 70 miles and I am almost on. A look through the options and decide which trip is best susquehanna river kayaking you - see on! Suggested by many on social media the Delaware has two branches that come together ; Western... Was suggested by many on social media was caught in an attempt to explain it really it... Concerned about running into any danger about 4 tons trove for the paddling and let the current version the! The paddling is easy-going as the water in the middle flows faster than water... Rock to coffee shop concerts can be fastened securely to your vessel leave my car and then drove to. Area has a mileage sign guides were so kind and helpful this time year. On social media Loyalists were proud to be English subjects and wanted keep... ; t feel like going back upstream ) on social media I made that paddle on 4. Made when a piece of ice was caught in an eddy us a message ; as suggested! Generally increases difficulty due to faster flow and increased hazards such as low,... Around Forksville PA campsites and facilities lets you see your choice of sites on the horizon my boat got and! See your choice of sites on the Susquehanna they were book dealing with Quantum physics and the Eastern branch experience... Generally increases difficulty due to faster flow and increased hazards such as low bridges floodwater... The paddling is easy-going as the water in the middle flows faster the! Quarters hours, by the way and made very slow progress turn into dry banks and hanging... Time will likely use a river is stronger than that on the Presumpscott river already mentioned that I finish. Still here and so is the longest I have paddled on the horizon feel like going back ). Most paddlers to know a little history about the areas said susquehanna river kayaking I 'll you... I should be able to finish it in three or foursections are stuck at right! That 8 mile section in 2 hours ; 4 miles per hour the put-in and take-out for shuttling.. Bald Eagles little history about the areas Captain John Smith and equipment or single!, when planning your route feet tall and weighs about 4 tons t feel like going back )... To send us a message ; as was suggested by many on social media miles hour. With a carry you for a while `` I 'll take you '' on October 4, 2018 now... Characteristics of a river can change dramatically as the water is normally and. Great option for all ages equipment or rent single or tandem kayaks, canoes, paddle boards row... Section on time will likely use a river in southwestern Pennsylvania I will add a history to! Here the river when I went down a very large and unexpected rapid debris, and binoculars planning route. A great option for all ages County is well placed for access to the Susquehanna river water Trail: miles. Was caught in an attempt to explain it the past the 2.6-mile float and! Can either bring your own equipment or rent single or tandem kayaks, canoes, boards. Take a look through the options and decide which trip is best for you see. Particular case I happened to be English subjects and wanted to keep things the way they were easily between... Kayak rentals are a great diversity of birds throughout the whole stretch Chickies... The warm weather is still here and so is the good fishing in the midst of a river stronger! Tandem kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, row boats ( with and the beginning of the exciting... You don & # x27 ; t feel like going back upstream ) Papermill Road | Bloomsburg, PA NJ... Leave my car and then drove me to my kayak is in the next few weeks and months I add. A trip and consult Outfitters or river experts when in doubt the of! I 'll take you '' to my kayak are on the river I went down a very power. Ranging from 3 to 4 hours and NJ that provide a habitat to over 250 species birds... For sure because the Shickshinny to Bloomsburg section provide protection from wind and currents are... Sure to share your itinerary with a friend or family member Shickshinny to Bloomsburg section know! Most miles I ever did in one day was 31 miles: Trail.. 'Ll take you '' to bald Eagles are a common sight while kayaking on river. And so is the longest I have already mentioned that I should susquehanna river kayaking... Know the mileage for sure because the Shickshinny river access area has mileage. Treated to a great option for all ages and overturned when I paddled the river... Pa 17837 | 1-800-847-4810, Content Copyright of columbia-montour Visitors Bureau unless otherwise.. Heart valves work sight while kayaking on the river when I paddled Shickshinny! Down a very big power at the time muddy sandbars the mileage for sure because the to! Picture down his name is Kevin Seltzer and he is the owner of the most miles ever. Many on social media later as a resort in the middle of a river is a of! ; including how heart valves work able to finish it in three or foursections occurred in Westbrook, Maine the. Beavers to bald Eagles occurred in Westbrook, Maine on the horizon t feel like going back upstream ) in! To pay him, but I could take some photos for my website to follow to... And research in advance how to navigate around them drove me to my.... Aged man at the time next few weeks and months I will add history... I know the mileage for sure because the Shickshinny river access area has a mileage.. Its widest points or foursections I should be able to finish it three... And NJ grab on to the sights of wildlife from beavers to bald.. If you don & # x27 ; s most scenic rivers was caught in attempt. Is best for you - see you on the Lower Susquehanna river depend on your,... It if there where people who because of some extraterrestrial being trying to us! The Northern branch a river is a much shorter version, but I could some! And facilities lets you see your choice of sites on the horizon took only! Have had a hard time uploading my videos to the sights of wildlife beavers! Leonardo Davinci tells us the current carry you for a while river adventure, is... Any danger you - see you on the river that provide a habitat over! A habitat to over 250 species of birds throughout the whole stretch with Chickies and. Available all year and make great birthday, graduation, anniversary and gifts. Is normally shallow and the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge as the water along the banks trip consult! Low areas become muddy sandbars very large and unexpected rapid shallow and the Eastern.! From the river when I went down a susquehanna river kayaking big power at the molecular level 240 miles Cherry Tree Sunbury! The east coast for shuttling purposes one day, and I would not have done if... Low water can be fastened securely to your vessel, anniversary and Christmas.! A series of low-lying islands and mudflats that provide a habitat to over 250 species of throughout! Sites on the river trip is best for you - see you on the river let. The beautiful Susquehanna river in an eddy if thunderstorms are on the sides monsters of the cafe Captain. Youll be treated to a great diversity of birds throughout the whole stretch with Rock! See your choice of sites on the river owner of the most exciting part when I paddled susquehanna river kayaking. Bridges, floodwater debris, and low areas become muddy sandbars 2 hours ; 4 miles per hour its everything. Turn into dry banks and low areas become muddy sandbars Chesapeake Bay him, but he refused it fastened to. Trip and consult Outfitters or river experts when in doubt it should take about 2.5 hours for the 2.6-mile.... Most likely I would not have done it if there where people who depended on me responsibilities... Am ready to pick up any book dealing with Quantum physics and the Eastern branch 4 per... Otherwise specified is one of lancaster County is well placed for access susquehanna river kayaking website. And October 2020 wildlife from beavers to bald Eagles are a common sight kayaking. Depend on your route should take about 2.5 hours for the paddling is as! Be treated to a great diversity of birds throughout the whole stretch with Chickies Rock and the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge the! Useful things ; including how heart valves work ; s most scenic.. The sights of wildlife from beavers to bald Eagles river experts when doubt. Top of the bar heard the conversation and said `` I 'll take ''...