Originally published in the 2025 Visitors Guide

Even though we’re called the Endless Mountains, the Susquehanna River is just as iconic as our rolling hills. It weaves among the forests and farmland, rubs shoulders with historic Route 6, and sets a tranquil backdrop for our small towns. You can admire its beauty from roadside overlooks and local parks, but the best way to experience the wonders of the river is to get on the water. From a kayak or canoe, you’ll discover the Susquehanna from a whole new perspective.

Adventures on the North Branch

Our section of the river is known as the Susquehanna River North Branch Water Trail. Stretching from the New York border to Sunbury, the North Branch has been named Pennsylvania’s River of the Year six times, which is a record unmatched by any other waterway in the state. It most recently received the honor in 2023.

The Susquehanna is also one of the oldest river systems in the world. Formed between 320 and 340 million years ago, this river has plenty of stories to tell. Paddlers can immerse themselves in the rich history, magnificent scenery, and close-knit communities that make the North Branch such a special place.

“The mountains shaped the currents of history, from the Indigenous people that first paddled the Susquehanna watershed and harvested its bounty to today’s summer recreationalists,” explained Cain Chamberlin, executive director of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region. “This rugged landscape has defined settlement patterns; religious movements; war campaigns during early America; and industries like farming, coal mining, and natural gas.”

Today, paddlers can catch a glimpse of the past at historic sites like the French Azilum, where French aristocrats escaped the Revolution in the late 1700s. Other pieces of the past are hidden in plain sight, like remnants of the old North Branch Canal.

For many paddlers, the Vosburg Neck is one of the most captivating spots on the river. Here, the river forms an oxbow bend, carving out a deep U-shape around the mountains. The area is home to one of Pennsylvania’s newest state parks and offers river access for non-motorized boats.

“My favorite day trip is from Meshoppen or Mehoopany [private launch] through the Vosburg Neck and finishing up in Tunkhannock’s Riverside Park,” said Art Coolbaugh, owner of Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals. “This is a fourteen- or eleven-mile paddle depending on your starting launch which offers both slow pools as well as faster water, great fishing, and towering mountains through the Vosburg Neck with so many eagle sightings.”

Sections like the Vosburg Neck are so peaceful, you can almost imagine what it was like back in the olden days. Soaring cliffs and dense forests showcase the beauty of the Endless Mountains, and the water reveals views you would never see from a trail or a road.

River Resources

No boat? No problem. Local outfitters like Endless Mountain Outfitters of Sugar Run and Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals of Falls can provide kayaks, gear, and shuttles for your river trip.  They offer a wide range of day trips, as well as fun events.

The Endless Mountains Heritage Region co-manages the water trail and provides excellent resources like river maps, an overview of interesting sites, and annual paddling sojourns for youth and adults. They also manage the 444 Club, a group for those who have paddled the entire 444-mile length of the Susquehanna from Cooperstown, New York, to Havre de Grace, Maryland. Visit www.emheritage.org for more information.

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership also co-manages the water trail. They provide additional maps, paddling itineraries, and regional programs. Visit their website at www.susquehannagreenway.org.

Know Before You Go

• Read up on rules and regulations from the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Unpowered boats require a permit to use state launches.
• Create a float plan and share it with a friend or family member. Make sure to include where and when you will start and end your trip.
• Check the river levels and weather conditions before starting.
• Always wear a life jacket with a whistle.
• Just like any outdoor adventure, pack essentials like a river map, snacks, water, extra clothes, and a first aid kit.
• If you’re new to kayaking, try paddling on flat water (like a pond or lake) before getting on the river, where you’ll have to contend with the current.
• If you have questions, reach out to local outfitters, river guides, and water trail managers. They’re experts when it comes to the river, and they’re glad to share their knowledge.
• It’s safer (and more fun!) to paddle with a group.