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    North Branch Susuquehanna River Water Trail

    The North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail stretches 180 miles, with the majority of the river's length in Pennsylvania. Outdoor enthusiasts can paddle, boat and fish while exploring historical sites and take in the scenic beauty of northern PA.

    A still and clear river filled with boulders with a fall foliage mountain backdrop

    About the North Branch of the Susquehanna River

    The North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail flows into Bradford County, Pennsylvania from New York and continues on to Sunbury in Northumberland County where it meets the West Branch of the Susquehanna River Water Trail to form the main stem of the famous river. 

    This water trail not only meanders through mountains and scenic Pennsylvania towns, but also is home to many historic sites. The French Azilum site was formed from thousands of people fleeing France during the French Revolution. They landed in Pennsylvania and formed this community near present-day Towanda. Other historic sites are best seen from a boat. The Standing Stone is a hugely famous rock located on the Susquehanna between Wyalusing and Wysox and was known to be a common meeting place for Native Americans. 

    [referencing the historic site Standing Stone ]

    You can't miss it if you float that section. It stands about 20 feet above the water. It's massive. It's an amazing site.

    - Cain Chamberlain, Executive Director of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region

    A group of paddlers wearing life jackets while kayaking on the North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail with fall foliage in the background.

    Fishing Opportunities

    The North Branch section of the Susquehanna River is known to be a popular site for Smallmouth Bass fishing. A lot of this section is shallow, with riffle-pool-type habitat that is perfect for Smallmouth Bass. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission biologists survey the Susquehanna River at six points every July in search of Smallmouth Bass, turning up consistently good numbers of bass each year. 

    Walleye, Channel Catfish, and Muskellunge can also be found in the North Branch, but they are tougher to find. 

    In summer, they hang around creek mouths, where there's a cooler water stream coming in...Don't overlook areas with slower, backwater current either."

    - Aaron Frey, PFBC Area 4 Fisheries Manager

    Close-up of the rocks and boulders along the shoreline of the North Branch Susquehanna River with fall foliage mountains in the background.

    Boating and Paddling Opportunities

    From scenic views to historical sites, the North Branch of the Susquehanna River is a paddler's paradise. This section of the river stretches over 180 miles and paddlers can start or end their trip at the French Azilum historic site, home to one of the trail's many boat launches.

    There are dozens of boat launches along the water trail and most are more accessible with developed launches and others you have to hand-carry boats to the water. 

    Paddlers of all experience levels can enjoy this section of the river, with only a few Class II rapids under certain conditions. The leisurely paddle or float offers beautiful scenic view through mountains and through high-rising rock faces, making the trips feel more serene, and sometimes even remote.

    Two people wearing life jackets paddling in a tandem kayak along the North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail
    It really feels like going back in time when you paddle along Vosburg Neck State Park, because when you make the turn, there are no houses or anything that you can see. It’s just the mountains, the trees and the water."

    - Cain Chamberlain, Executive Director of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region

    The Endless Mountains Heritage Region is a non-profit, membership-based organization within the PA Heritage Areas Program serving a 2,850-square mile are encompassing Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties. This organization also serves as the manager of the North Branch Susquehanna Water Trail, a national recreation trail and official gateway to the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network.

    Three friends wearing life jackets are laughing and having fun while kayaking along a stream in Central Pennsylvania.

    Know Before You Go

    Make sure you are prepared for your next paddling adventure. Learn more about paddling safety, launch permits and unpowered boat registration.

    Paddlesports

    This content was partially adapated from North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail feature by Bob Frye in Pennsylvania Angler & Boater Magazine.