A Diverse River, A Diverse Experience
Plan your visit in a way that makes the most sense for you - select an access point, view the water trail maps or download the auto tour maps. Each of these options provides you with the chance to learn about the major role that the Susquehanna River has played in shaping the culture and landscape of Lancaster and York counties. The water trail provides many opportunities to experience the waterway and its tributaries, the unique geology of the region, the biological diversity of plant and animal species and an abundance of recreational opportunities. The water trail also highlights the settlements, culture, and archeological evidence of the native peoples of the region. The Water Trail Maps and Guides are your portable information sources for accessing the Lower Section of the Susquehanna River Water Trail
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Find an Access Point
1 | New Market Public Access Area |
12 | River Park Access |
23 | Safe Harbor Park |
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Boat access located under railroad bridge adjacent to public park. Park hasplayground equipment and open fields for play. Interpretive Panel
Foundations of Steel Panel discusses the development of the steel industry and its impact on New Market and Steelton. |
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Well-manicured park located at the confluence of the Swatara Creek and the Susquehanna River. Access to facilities and services are within walking distance for paddlers. Interpretive Panel
The Ever-Changing Swatara Creek Panel discusses how land along the Swatara Creek was used, how the creek’s decline impacted the Chesapeake Bay, and current efforts to restore stream water quality.. |
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Interpretive Panel
Where We Feed On Eels Panel discusses the American eel and its signifigance to the Susquehanna River. |
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Goldsboro has three fully developed boat-access areas. The access farthest upstream is a car-top launch, only for paddlers. Interpretive Panel
Fish and Fisheries Panel discusses past misuses of the river and how it harmed fish and wildlife, recent efforts to improve water quality, and the comeback of fish species such as the American shad. |
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In addition to river access, this site offers access to Conewago Falls, the river potholes, the Conoy Canal Trail, a remnant lock of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal, and a view of the York Haven Dam. Interpretive Panel
Nature and Commerce Panel discusses some of the unique geological features of the Susquehanna River in this area, and how some commercial enterprises avoided, and others used, the river’s physical characteristics to their advantage. |
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Interpretive Panel
The Susquehanna: a Working River Panel discusses the electric-generating facilities on the Lower Susquehanna and efforts to restore the health of the river. |
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Adjoining the park is the southern trailhead for the Conoy Canal Park Trail.
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Park has a large pavilion and is a popular spot for bird watching. Offers direct access to hiking/biking trails and other passive recreation opportunities. |
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Interpretive Panel
Running the River Panel discusses Marietta’s early history and the role of raftsman in Pennsylvania lumber industry. |
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Interpretive Panel
A Buried Story Panel discusses the peaceful floodplain along Chickies Rock Park and how it was once a beehive of industrial activity, including eight anthracite iron furnaces. |
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Complex of historic 19th-century lime kiln remnants within close walking distance. Interpretive Panel
A Corridor and a Barrier Panel discusses how the river has long been used as a north-south route but was an obstacle to east-west travel, and how this was put to good use during the Civil War when confederate troops tried to cross the river into Lancaster County. |
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Remnants of historic Susquehanna & Tidewater Canal Lock No. 1 within walking distance. Interpretive Panel
The Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal Panel discusses the development and operation of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal. Completed in 1840, it connected Wrightsville, Pa. with Havre de Grace, Md. and the Chesapeake Bay. |
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Interpretive Panel
A Transportation Hub Panel discusses the town of Columbia and the reasons why it was a bustling hub of transportation, commerce, andindustry throughout much of the 19th century. |
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The John & Kathryn Zimmerman Center for Heritage serves as a community education facility for the Susquehanna Heritage Park and provides a scenic and historic setting for the programs of the Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area. Also known as the Dritt Mansion at Historic Pleasant Garden, the Zimmerman Center’s mid-18th century riverfront homestead is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Zimmerman Center showcases the Visions of the Susquehanna river art exhibit and provides a regional venue for heritage education initiatives focused on the river’s natural and cultural history. Interpretive Panel
Colonel Cresap’s War Panel discusses Thomas Cresap and border disputes between the colonies of Pennsylvania and Maryland. |
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Home of the Washington Boro Society for Susquehanna River Heritage, located south of the village of Washington Boro in Manor Township. Includes a restored 1832 Witmer Grist Mill and provides river access for canoes and kayaks to explore the Conejohela Flats. |
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Well-manicured park located at the confluence of the Swatara Creek and the Susquehanna River. Access to facilities and services are within walking distance for paddlers. Interpretive Panel
The Conejohela Flats Panel discusses the Conejohela Flats and the role it plays in providing vital habitat for shore birds and other migratory bird species. Some of the most notable bird species are illustrated on the panel with original artwork. |
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Large community park along Conestoga River with a diversity of active and passive recreation facilities including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and bird watching |
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Interpretive Panel
Susquehanna Pastimes Panel discusses the use of the river, bothpast and present, as a major leisure-timeactivity center. The rise and fall of Shoff’s resort at Pequea is chronicled. |
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Recreational area with facilities for camping (primarily for recreational vehicles), picnicking, boating, and hiking. Urey overlook, the Mason-Dixon Trail, and remnants of the historic York Furnace are all within walking distance. Old-growth forest in Otter Creek Ravine. Entrance fee charged. |
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Interpretive Panel
The Rivers Ways Panel discusses nature’s ability to restore plant and animal habitats harmed by human activities and cataclysmic events like floods and ice floes. |
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Contains Indian artifacts found on or near the site dating back to 2,000 B.C. Grounds include a 300-year-old American holly tree reported to be the largest north of the Mason-Dixon line. Open mid-April through mid-October. Contact the main office for more information: 717-862-3948 or www.indiansteps.org Interpretive Panel
Indigenous Peoples of the Susquehanna Valley Panel discusses the first peoples to arrive at this part of the Susquehanna Valley, their interaction with Europeans, and their eventual demise. |
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Preserved lock of the Susquehanna & Tidewater Canal. Site contains interpretive panels about the canal operation. |
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Remote boat access area with limited parking available. Interpretive Panel
The River and the Bay Panel discusses the physical aspects of the Susquehanna River and its tributaries, as well as its connection with the Chesapeake Bay. |
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Interpretive Panel
The River, the Lakes, and the Dams Panel discusses the development of the dams on the Susquehanna River, the resulting impacts they have had on wildlife habitat, and recent efforts to minimize these impacts. |
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Fee charged for use of the boat launch Interpretive Panel
The Susquehanna’s Promise Panel discusses the promise of freedom and opportunity this region represented to Welsh immigrants and African slaves. |
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Ending point for the Susquehanna River Water Trail—Lower Section (Pennsylvania). Also the starting point for the Susquehanna River Water Trail—Lower Section (Maryland),which is managed by the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Inc.The Susquehanna River Water Trail joins the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Water Trail. |
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