Your Guide to Paddling the Susquehanna River Water Trail

Fall is the perfect time of year to paddle the Susquehanna River Water Trail, which weaves through New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland for over 400 miles. As the leaves change to vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, the river transforms into a stunning autumn escape. With cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, you can enjoy a peaceful river journey by kayak or canoe surrounded by breathtaking fall foliage, rich history, and abundant wildlife.

The Susquehanna River Water Trail is divided into four sections: North Branch, West Branch, Middle Section, and finally, the Lower Section, which covers the last 53 miles of the river. It's the Lower Section that's stretches from Harrisburg to the Mason-Dixon Line and is managed by the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, with headquarters located at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage, just 8 miles south of B.F. Hiestand House. Along the way, you’ll find over 30 access points that make it easy to hop in and out of the river.

There are two access point to the Susquehanna River Water Trail right here in Marietta not far from our historic bed-and-breakfast. The first is at Decatur Street, which has served as a public thoroughfare and river access for Marietta since 1813. There's also the Marietta Access near the Musselman-Vesta Iron Furnace Center. Both locations are also trailheads for the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail.                                                                                                                                                                                        

Another popular spot to launch is the Blue Rock Heritage Center, located just south of Washington Boro. This historic site is home to a restored 1832 grist mill that's now a center to learn about local history and natural resources. Here, you can explore the Conejohela Flats, a unique river habitat that’s perfect for wildlife viewing.

From the Conejohela Flats, you can take a leisurely two-hour paddle to the Zimmerman Center for Heritage. You'll make your way across Lake Clarke that provides 1.6 miles of flat, open water. When you reach the Zimmerman Center for Heritage, you can take a break from the water to explore the historic blue stone home that dates back to the 1700s. Not only is this an access point for the water trail, it's also a trailhead for the Native Lands County Park and Heritage Trail.

Another great water trail access point is Columbia River Park, on the eastern shore of the Susquehanna River just south of Marietta. It's a great launching point for kayakers and boasts picnic areas, historical markers, and the impressive Columbia Crossing River Trails Center. For a two-hour padding adventure from this access point, try the Bridge Paddle: Start at the Columbia River Park launch, paddle upstream to the Route 30 bridge, and then explore the remnants of a bridge that was burned in 1863 as part of a Civil War defense strategy.

No gear? No problem! There are plenty of outfitters like kayakLanCo and Chiques Rock Outfitters that can set you up with everything you need. Or, if paddling isn't your thing, rent a pontoon boat from Lake Clarke Marina and enjoy the river at a slower pace. No matter how you choose to explore, the Susquehanna River Water Trail offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and adventure, and makes for a great day on the water when you stay with us at B.F. Hiestand House this fall.