Explore the Susquehanna National Heritage Area

It may be hard to believe, but the Susquehanna River, in full view of our bed and breakfast, is one of the oldest rivers on the planet. Formed hundreds of millions of years ago, the Susquehanna was around when the dinosaurs walked the Earth. Today, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, defined as the shores of the Susquehanna River in both York and Lancaster Counties, is recognized as being essential to understanding the land around us and the history of our country as a whole. Besides it’s prehistoric origins, the river has played a key role in both the birth of our nation and its rapid formation into the superpower we are familiar with today. Explore its many trails, overlooks, landmarks, and towns to discover what makes America’s 55th National Heritage Area so unique.

Start your visit at one of the Heritage Area’s two welcome centers, Columbia Crossing and the Zimmerman Center for Heritage in York County. You’ll quickly discover all the amazing recreational opportunities that the river offers to our local area. Both of these centers act as trailheads for hiking or biking and provide guided heritage tours as well as interesting art collections and exhibits about the river. At Columbia Crossing, you’ll get access to the Northwest River Trail for hiking and biking as well as powerboat and paddle boat launches. If you don’t have your own, canoe, kayak, and bike rentals are available on-site.

If you have the opportunity, a fascinating place to visit is just north of Harrisburg where the Susquehanna makes five clean cuts straight through the Appalachian Mountain ridges that it predates. Known as the Five Gaps, the geological phenomenon is a National Natural Landmark.

For more information about the Susquehanna National Heritage Area and to acquire maps of the hiking trails, click here and plan your visit today.

Columbia Crossing
41 Walnut Street
Columbia, PA 17512
717.449.5607

Susquehanna Heritage
1706 Long level Road
Wrightsville, PA 17368
717.252.0229