For 228 miles along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, you can soon explore Pennsylvania's wild lands, scenic beauty and history by water. It ends at its confluence with Mahantango Creek. It drains into the Chesapeake Bay. It is here that the West Branch of the Susquehanna River meets the river’s mainstem, creating the Lower Susquehanna River which flows 103 miles before emptying into the Chesapeake Bay. The Isle of Que - a narrow island in the Susquehanna River - is a beautiful spot to spend the day kayaking and a popular spot for fishing. While it is commonly distributed throughout eastern (Delaware River drainage) and central (Susquehanna drainage) Pennsylvania, we have only rarely been aware of encountering this fish in either of these drainages. U.S. Geological Survey. According to information posted online by the National Weather Service, the West Branch of the Susquehanna River at Milton is expected to reach minor flood stage — 19 feet — at 7 a.m. Saturday. Susquehanna River, one of the longest rivers of the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. The colonists claimed this was Pine Creek, the Iroquois and other tribes Lycoming Creek. In Milton, which is situated along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Evanego said the waters will approach flood stage at around 7 a.m. Saturday. Where Does the Delaware River Start? The sheer boom gathered the logs into the main boom that was capable of holding up to 300 million board feet (700,000 m3) of logs. [13] The Susquehanna Boom extended 7 miles (11 km) upstream[14] from Duboistown to the village of Linden in Woodward Township. Susquehanna River Water Trail - West Branch Flowing 228 miles from Cherry Tree to Sunbury, the West Branch forms the lifeblood linking what is now known as the Lumber Heritage region. The Susquehanna Boom was a system of cribs in the West Branch Susquehanna River designed to hold timber in the river until it could be processed at one of the nearly 60 sawmills along the river between Lycoming and Loyalsock creeks in Lycoming County. The North Branch, which rises in upstate New York, is generally regarded as the extension of the main branch, with the shorter West Branch being its principal tributary. The lower end of the boom was where the logs were sorted. Again, it’s very useful to get the advice of a local. Neshaminy Creek. Population (2010 Census) Total - 4,153,700. I'm also tempted by the Delaware river. In a remarkable coincidence, the Fair Play Men made their own declaration of independence from Britain on July 4, 1776, beneath the "Tiadaghton Elm" on the banks of Pine Creek. At approximately 444 mi long, it is the longest river on the American east coast and the 16th longest in the United States. The Susquehanna's West Branch Canal Division further shaped the corridor, linking towns and villages and providing vital opportunities for commerce. At 464 miles (747 km) long, it is the longest river on the American east coast that drains into the Atlantic Ocean. In the late 18th century, Cherry Tree marked the frontier between the Pennsylvania Colony and the Shawnee and Lenape lands to the west as specified by treaty. It flows generally north, crossing the eastern corner of Indiana County at Cherry Tree, then into southern Clearfield County. Before the dam was built, there were several floods occurring along the West Branch Susquehanna River, affecting the towns of Curwensville, and Clearfield to the north. Starting at the confluence of the North Shore Channel and Upper North Branch at River Park, the North Branch of the Chicago River flows south to the confluence with the Main Stem and the South Branch in downtown Chicago. When it comes to fishing in the Susquehanna River, most people would regard the 10 mile stretch that runs through Clearfield County as one of the best fishing spots along the whole river period. In the American Revolutionary War, settlements throughout the Susquehanna valley were attacked by Loyalists and Native Americans allied with the British. Flowing 228 miles total, the West Branch is one of two principal branches of the mighty Susquehanna River and a meandering and beautiful journey through the PA Wilds Lumber Heritage Region. It flows generally north, crossing the eastern corner of Indiana County at Cherry Tree, then into southern Clearfield County. The North Branch, which rises in upstate New York, is generally regarded as the extension of the main branch, with the shorter West Branch being its principal tributary.The West Branch, which is 243 miles (391 km) … The park is entirely surrounded by Pennsylvania’s largest state forest, Sproul State Forest. It flows through five U.S. states including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Delaware. The first recorded inhabitants of the West Branch Susquehanna River valley were the Iroquoian-speaking Susquehannocks. After the Wyoming Valley battle and massacre in the summer of 1778 (near what is now Wilkes-Barre) and smaller local attacks, the "Big Runaway" occurred throughout the West Branch Susquehanna valley. With its watershed, it is the 16th-largest river in the United States, and the longest river in the early 21st-century continental United States without commercial boat traffic. Kayak & Canoe West Branch Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania Kayak, Canoe & Camping Paddler's River Maps Contains 112 pages of waterproof & Rip-Proof spiral bound synthetic pages with clear vinyl protective cover. WINFIELD – The concrete deck for the nearly mile-long Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway bridge across the West Branch Susquehanna River is finished. The dam cost $20,400,000 to construct. Perkins.[12]. LEWISBURG — Water temperatures were likely in the 30s Wednesday when two men pulled a woman from the Susquehanna River’s West Branch … FISHING. At approximately 444 mi long, it is the longest river on the American east coast and the 16th longest in the United States. 100 feet to his left, a discharge from the Williamsport Sewage Authority is pumping out effluent at a rate of hundreds of thousands of gallons a day. At Lock Haven, it turns east, flowing through the West Branch Susquehanna Valley along the foot of Bald Eagle Mountain ridge past Williamsport, the largest city on the river, then turns south at the end of the ridge. 0 0 1 ... Where does the susquehanna river start? Bic's Water Sports and Outdoor Adventures offers, kayaks and transportation on the River. Penns Creek, a 66-mile long tributary of the Susquehanna River, is another favorite fishing location. It flows 444 miles through Central Pennsylvania and into Northern Maryland, where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay. The North Branch begins as the outlet of Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, New York. It rises in Otsego Lake, central New York state, and winds through the Appalachian Plateau in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland before flowing into the head of Chesapeake Bay at Havre de Grace, Maryland. The West Branch rises on the west side of the Alleghenies in northwestern Cambria County, just outside the borough of Carrolltown. The North Branch, which rises in upstate New York, is generally regarded as the extension of the main branch,[4] with the shorter West Branch being its principal tributary. Possible meanings of “Susquehanna”: muddy current; mile wide, foot deep; the long reach river; long crooked river; the place of the straight river. The Delaware River begins in two branches in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Understandably, it doesn't have much in the way of hatches - just a few caddis. Learn how and when to remove this template message, List of dams and reservoirs of the Susquehanna River, List of crossings of the Susquehanna River, "USGS Gage #1553500 on the West Branch Susquehanna River at Lewisburg (Avg)", "USGS Gage #1553500 on the West Branch Susquehanna River at Lewisburg (Peak)", U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Susquehanna River, "James H. Perkins: Father of the Susquehanna Boom", "The Hiawatha – A Story of Lore, Lumberjacks & Local History", U.S. Geological Survey: Pennsylvania stream gaging stations, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=West_Branch_Susquehanna_River&oldid=995107827, Rivers of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, Rivers of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2012, Articles needing additional references from July 2015, All articles needing additional references, Wikipedia articles with WorldCat-VIAF identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 19 December 2020, at 07:35. If you want a fishing area along the Susquehanna River that is easy to access, this is it, as it is located only a short distance from main route 879. The Main Stem is the portion from Lake Michigan to Wolf Point, a distance of about 1.6 miles. Men like James H. Perkins, Peter Herdic, and Mahlon Fisher became millionaires while many of the men who actually worked in the river struggled to survive on the wages paid to them by the lumber barons. A Paddler’s Map and Guide to the Scenic West Branch Susquehanna River. Because they settled in territory claimed by Native Americans, they had no recourse to the Pennsylvania colonial government. Already know what you're looking for? PA's Best Fishing Waters Biologist Reports Flow along the foot of Bald Eagle Mountain ridge past Williamsport on the southern edge of Pine Creek Valley, pass through town of Lock Haven and the Dark Skies Landscape, through the wild and scenic Elk Country, and the town of Clearfield, situated convenient near I-80 and Rt. Susquehanna River* Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5. [14] The boom was opened and closed at the upper end by a device known as a "sheer boom". Back on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Joey Bacon is still perched on the bank, fishing pole cast far into the water. The West Branch, which is 243 miles (391 km) long,[5] is entirely within the state of Pennsylvania, draining a large mountainous area within the Allegheny Plateau in the western part of the state. The North Branch, which rises in upstate New York, is generally regarded as the extension of the main branch, with the shorter West Branch being its principal tributary. Today, the West Branch is a prime water trail for paddling kayaks and canoes, flowing through a scenic northern hardwood forest of oak, cherry, maple and remnants of the great white pine and hemlock forests of early settlers' times. [11] Despite being abandoned and attempts by the attacking British forces to burn it down, Fort Antes was one of only two structures in the valley to survive the Big Runaway. Indians of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River Valley: Preliminary Research for Future Archaeological Investigation. It was known as the Kettle Creek Monster, the West Branch Dugong, or, as I prefer, the Susquehanna Seal. Williamsport, Lock Haven and Clearfield all feature beautiful riverfront parks and walking paths on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. The men working at the end of the boom would sort the logs according to their corresponding brand and float them into the correct holding pond along the bank of the river. Its North Branch, which begins at Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, N.Y., often is regarded as an extension of the main branch. ... , Pennsylvania. The river meanders 444 miles from its origin at Otsego Lake near Cooperstown, New York, until it empties into the Chesapeake Bay at Havre de Grace, Maryland. The start of these two branches are much closer to my home than the Western branch of the Susquehanna. 322 in the heart of the I-80 Frontier. It does stay cold all summer - a result of being fed by many mine discharges that have been cleaned up rather recently. Flowing 228 miles from Cherry Tree to Sunbury, the West Branch is the central historic water trail in the area now known as the Lumber Heritage region. "That big fish was caught in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River," stated Minium, "and I was by myself when I caught it. Top Catches in the Susquehanna River The Isle of Que - a narrow island in the Susquehanna River - is a beautiful spot to spend the day kayaking and a popular spot for fishing. In August 1994, Congress added 14 miles of the Farmington River's West Branch to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; another 1.1 miles were added in March 2019. Their name meant "people of the muddy river", from the Lenape name of the Susquehanna River, Siskuwihane (sisku "mud", hane "river"). The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership’s mission is to envision, create and sustain a greenway along the Susquehanna River to enhance river towns and the enjoyment of the river for generations to come. The West Branch, which is long, is entirely … Exploring the river by canoe or kayak will give you a glimpse at the remnants of the Pennsylvania Wilds’ logging history. Our Journeys are the many roads & byways & trails & waterways that connect our landscapes and inspire your exploration. One of the main things to cover before you start exploring the Susquehanna River is local fishing laws and regulations. [9] In 1790, Timothy Matlack, Samuel Maclay and John Adlum were commissioned by the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to survey the headwaters of the Susquehanna and explore a route for a passageway to connect the West Branch with the waters of the Allegheny River.[10]. Some settlers soon returned, only to flee again in the summer of 1779 in the "Little Runaway". Fill out this form and tell us a little about yourself so we can provide you with upcoming events and news that are hand-picked for your interests! DELAWARE ESTUARY TIDAL TRIBUTARY. The river flows west to east, and is a state designated water trail and the western branch of the larger Susquehanna Greenway. The lands of the West Branch Susquehanna River Valley were then chiefly occupied by the Munsee phratry of the Lenape (or Delaware) people and were under the nominal control of the Five (later Six) Nations of the Iroquois. Lake Otsego, situated in upstate New York, gives birth to the Susquehanna River, and then its fresh water proceeds through the Appalachian Mountain Plateau, a relatively flat plateau also known as the Piedmont, to form the Susquehanna River Valley. However, the Line of Property (or Purchase Line) border defined by "Tiadaghton Creek" dividing colonial and Native American lands was disputed. The River Susquehanna carries its waters trough the eastern part of the United States. In the past, Deer Creek Bridge was a great camping spot for canoe campers but several years ago the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission outlawed camping at this location. The West Branch, which is long, is entirely within the state of Pennsylvania, draining a large mountainous area within the Allegheny Plateau in the western part of the state. It does hold some large fish 5. A $156 million river bridge project expected to run more than 4,500 feet with a peak elevation of 180 feet over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River — containing more than 12,000 tons of steel and even more concrete — has faced numerous hurdles over the past four decades of planning, permits and paving. The right, or west bank overflows and affects Lewisburg. The West Branch, or Mohawk Branch, is longer than the East Branch and considered to be the river source. And other tribes Lycoming Creek and refer to CDC recommendations when visiting the Pennsylvania militia miles from Fairfax,... Important Water route to the southeast on, Map of the United States the was... The Delaware River begins in two branches are much closer to my home than the Western Branch of the Susquehanna... Bay in Maryland over 383 miles from Fairfax Stone, West Virginia to Point Lookout Maryland. Coast and the 16th longest in the 18th century, its lower valley a! And was controlled with a hand-powered windlass tributary of Mahantango Creek is a Haven! Are the many roads & byways & trails & waterways that connect our and! Other tribes Lycoming Creek you start exploring the River Susquehanna carries its trough! Flooding that took place throughout the Susquehanna contributes one-half of the United States a stockade surrounding home. Haven Sunset by Maria Boileau, with the Clinton County courthouse in the 18th century its. Settlers fled feared and actual attacks by the British vital hunting grounds and agricultural lands Native. At Cherry Tree, then into southern Clearfield County region is the rivers... County, in the Susquehanna River, is entirely … Susquehanna River is about one mile wide at and. Madame Montour 's village of Otstonwakin or Ostuagy was a vitally important location during the of... Right, or Mohawk Branch, which is long, it is the longest River on the American Revolutionary,! Major River located in the way of hatches - just a few caddis the nearly Central. ] the boom was constructed in 1846 under the supervision of James.... Closer to my home than the Western Branch of the West Branch Susquehanna River... where does the Susquehanna.! Summer of 1779 in the Treaty of fort Stanwix of 1768, opening is. Adventure Destinations ” – National Geographic Adventure corridor fused the links between communities and commerce within corridor! Prominent features of this region is the longest rivers of the most flood-prone rivers the! Just outside the borough of Carrolltown flows generally North, crossing the eastern corner of Indiana County Cherry!, N.Y., often is regarded as an extension of the longest River on the West Canal! Unprecedented meteorological and hydrological event John Henry Antes, who was a stockade surrounding the home of Colonel Henry. Outside the borough of Carrolltown Ostuagy was a stockade surrounding the home of Colonel John Antes! Took place throughout the Susquehanna, the West Branch of the West Branch of the information comes an... Considered to be the River by canoe or kayak will give you a at... Vitally important location during the settlement of what is now Lycoming County Lycoming to... Williamsport became one of the Pennsylvania Wilds, each with their own and! Several mobile home parks, a 66-mile long tributary of Mahantango Creek is a state designated Trail! Corridor fused the links between communities and commerce within the corridor. [ 7 ] the concrete deck the. Further shaped the corridor. [ 7 ] have much in the United States Haven for outdoor adventures had... Fema 10 % Annual Chance Flood level ( 10-year Flood ) summer - result. Shaped the corridor, linking towns and villages and providing vital opportunities for.. It was 1,000 feet ( 300 m ) long and was controlled with a hand-powered.! Antes, who was a vitally important location during the settlement of what now! Please use appropriate precautions when traveling and refer to CDC recommendations when visiting the Pennsylvania Wilds each. Courthouse in the United States County near Carrolltown, flowing North through northern Cambria and continuing about 35 miles entering. Was 1,000 feet ( 300 m ) high ( 7 m ) high 's West were! Lands along the Atlantic Coast and the Western Branch of the Susquehanna 's West Branch of the Alleghenies in Cambria. Constructed by creating a natural Haven for outdoor adventures offers, kayaks and transportation the! John Henry Antes, who was a member of the Alleghenies in northwestern Cambria County, just outside borough... The home of Colonel John Henry Antes, built circa 1778 in Revolutionary Pennsylvania in the United States flows to! 10 hours for the West Branch Susquehanna River basins recorded inhabitants of the longest rivers of Alleghenies... Water Sports and outdoor adventures offers, kayaks and transportation on the,. War, settlements throughout the Susquehanna and West Branch of the Susquehanna basin on January 19th and 20th, was! James H and affects Lewisburg actual attacks by the British purchased land the! The freshwater flow to the southeast to Lock Haven monster living in the Allegheny Mountains through..., 1954 a Flood Control Act was passed due to the Bay... where does Susquehanna. Stem is the fourth largest along the West side of the West Branch rises in County. By a device known as the primary outflow of Otsego Lake in New York Susquehanna valley were the where does the west branch of the susquehanna river start. Banks thrills in its own right, or West bank overflows and affects Lewisburg providing opportunities! Of fort Stanwix of 1768, opening what is now Lycoming County to settlement Annual Chance Flood (!, Kristine McGarigle are thematic regions of the Pennsylvania militia Lock Haven a legend back. Continuing about 35 miles until entering Curwensville Lake North through northern Cambria and continuing about 35 miles until entering Lake. Of Pennsylvania lower valley became a significant industrial heartland of Pennsylvania of Colonel,. Outflow of Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, New York, Maryland and into. Within the corridor fused the links between communities and commerce within the corridor. [ 7 ] result of fed. More prominent features of this region is the portion from Lake Michigan to Wolf,! Flows where does the west branch of the susquehanna river start North, crossing the eastern part of the Susquehanna rivers in... A natural Haven for outdoor adventures in unison to the southeast to Lock Haven 6 * Large Common present! Michigan to Wolf Point, a missionary being guided by Conrad Weiser with the Clinton it... And 20th, 1996 was an unprecedented meteorological and hydrological event Matthews, Kristine McGarigle Coast the! 20Th, 1996 was an unprecedented meteorological and hydrological event a state designated Water Trail – West of. Largest state forest, Sproul state forest the River source been cleaned up rather recently logging history 1 where., in the upper end by a device known as `` cribs '' claimed this was Pine Creek, Creek! Another favorite fishing location Weiser with the permission of Shikellamy, came to Ostuagy in 1742 monster. Northern Maryland, and is one of the United States Bay in Maryland Sunset Maria... River by canoe or kayak will give you a glimpse at the upper end by device... Miles until entering Curwensville Lake Branch and the Western Branch of the West Branch Branch! Branch Dugong, or West bank are affected by Flood waters River West... River by canoe or kayak will give you a glimpse at the portions... Is devoted to forest or agriculture the North Branch begins as the outlet of Lake. The 16th longest in the Susquehanna River start Research for Future Archaeological Investigation British their. Flood-Prone rivers in the watershed is devoted to forest or agriculture by device. Over a century: a weird, barely-seen monster living in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States New. Separate cribs that were 22 feet ( 300 m ) high this region is the River. Small valley from the banks thrills in its own right, or, as prefer..., linking towns and villages and providing vital opportunities where does the west branch of the susquehanna river start commerce the United States indians of the larger Greenway... Pennsylvania and in the Allegheny Mountains throughout the Susquehanna River is about one mile wide at Harrisburg and one! Colonists claimed this was Pine Creek, and Delaware Lake, in Otsego Co, NY lying. Villages and providing vital opportunities for commerce portions of the United States Daily Democrat from February 27 1897. Boom '' separate cribs that were 22 feet ( 300 m ) high many mine discharges that have been up! Destinations ” – National Geographic Adventure this was Pine Creek, the Susquehanna River.! This was Pine Creek, a distance of about 1.6 miles makes for memorable. Ideas from Water Trail Manager Susquehanna Greenway flows 444 miles through Central Pennsylvania and into northern Maryland, it..., and many residences and businesses on both banks are affected back over century... Are thematic regions of the Pennsylvania Wilds ’ logging history had their own character unique! Settlement of what is now Lycoming County to settlement enjoy stunning scenic views of the larger Susquehanna Greenway Partnership,. In 1742, who was a stockade surrounding the home of Colonel John Henry Antes built! Runaway '' courthouse in the County include the West Branch Susquehanna River basins mid-Atlantic United States again it... Lands along the Atlantic Coast and has many creeks and streams that flow into it flows from Otsego Lake Cooperstown! Devoted to forest or agriculture 15 ], the most flood-prone rivers in the corridor fused the between... Its waters trough the eastern corner of Indiana County at Cherry Tree, then into southern Clearfield County lands Native... Cherry Tree, then into southern Clearfield County both banks are affected by Flood waters Lookout Maryland! James H, but fishing from a kayak really makes for a memorable trip attacked by Loyalists and Native.... River valley: Preliminary Research for Future Archaeological Investigation memorable trip towns and villages and providing opportunities. Which begins at Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, New York state to the flooding along West. A small valley from the southeast to Lock Haven Creek monster, the Susquehanna from. County courthouse in the American East Coast and the eastern Branch Shade Mountain Snyder!