Susquehanna State Park

Susquehanna State Park is a 20-acre riverside park along the West Branch Susquehanna River featuring waterfront recreational facilities and walking paths. The park provides access to the river with picnic areas and viewpoints for visitors to enjoy the waterfront.

The land served as part of the West Branch Division of the Pennsylvania Canal from 1834 to 1889, until a major flood destroyed the infrastructure. The site lost its role as a key transportation corridor for the region afterward.

The Hiawatha paddlewheeler carries visitors along the river and keeps alive the maritime traditions that shaped the region's character. These seasonal excursions reflect how the waterfront remains central to how locals experience their environment.

The park is reached through the Reach Road exit from US Route 220, then turn right onto Reach Road and follow Arch Street to the entrance. Visitors should watch for uneven terrain along the paths and wear appropriate footwear for walking near the river.

From 1851 to 1909, the Susquehanna Boom operated at this location, using cribs and chained logs to capture floating timber for sawmills downstream. This ingenious system allowed the region to process wood on a massive scale.

Location: Pennsylvania

Inception: 1961

Website: https://dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/SusquehannaStatePark

GPS coordinates: 41.22250,-77.08280

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:48