On September 13, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership announced the release of the newly updated Susquehanna River Water Trail – West Branch Map & Guide. This long-awaited resource comes 18 years after its initial release in 2004.

The Map & Guide depicts the 228-mile water trail from Cherry Tree, PA to Northumberland, PA where it meets the main stem of the Susquehanna River Water Trail.

The piece consists of 16 full-color UV-protected, waterproof map inserts housed within a water-resistant introductory guide. 

Whether you face wind, water, rain, or mud—these maps are built to withstand the elements encountered while out on the river.

The inset maps include a detailed inventory of the public boat launches and river features, as well as information about the unique history and ecology of the West Branch.

From its iconic lumber heritage and its wild elk herd to its remote and forested ridgelines, the West Branch offers paddlers a unique paddling experience in Pennsylvania.

As the state-designated Water Trail manager for the West Branch of the Susquehanna River Water Trail, SGP works to connect the paddling public with this treasured resource, as well as remove the guess work for planning a trip along the trail. 

In all the update took around 2 years to complete following a detailed inventory and ground-check of boat launches, points of interest, rapids, and other hazards along the 228-mile water trail. 

SGP would like to thank the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), whose funding made this project possible.

SGP is also grateful to Brian Swisher of The Swisher Studio, who put many hours of time and hard work towards completing the beautifully illustrated and much-needed update, as well as the volunteers and area outfitters who helped expedite the process of covering such a vast geography.

David Decoteau of Riverside Adventure Company remarks, “Riverside Adventure Company is proud and honored to have been asked to help [scout the river] for the new West Branch Susquehanna paddling maps. As an area outfitter, we are dedicated to the idea of opening the Susquehanna River to more people and making it as safe, easy, and predictable as possible for people to plan and create their adventures on the rivers.”

The Susquehanna River Water Trail – West Branch Map & Guide is now available for sale online. This new release is $25 (plus tax & shipping) and all proceeds go directly back towards supporting work along the West Branch water trail.

The Susquehanna Greenway is a corridor of connected trails, parks, river access points, and communities, linking people to the natural and cultural treasures of the Susquehanna River.

The mission of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is to continue to grow the Greenway by building connections along the Susquehanna River, inspiring people to engage with the outdoors, and transforming communities into places where people want to live, work, and explore.

The West Branch Paddle Club, is a program managed by SGP that rewards paddlers for exploring segments of the West Branch water trail.

Related Articles:

-- DCNR Announces Recreation Engagement Coalition Aimed At Growing $12 Billion Outdoor Recreation Sector In PA  [PaEN]

-- PA Groups Urge Individuals & Organizations To Participate In, Host Volunteer Events To Celebrate First-Ever Healthy Lands Week Sept. 24 to Oct. 2

-- Join The 6th Annual Walk In Penn's Woods Oct. 2 And Learn How Forests Work For You  [PaEN]

-- Festival Of Wood Returns To Gifford Pinchot’s Grey Towers Sept. 24 & 25 In Pike County  [PaEN]

-- DCNR Announced $762,414 In Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants To 122 Local Departments For Wildfire Suppression  [PaEN]

-- Inquirer Guest Essay: Nature Heals And Reminds Us Of How Much Is At Sake - Helen Ubinas

[Posted: September 13, 2022]

9/19/2022