Background

The 51-mile trail extends from Sunbury to Harrisburg, incorporating 22 campsites on 20 different islands designated for day use and primitive camping. Access sites serve as trail heads with enticing, naturalistic signage welcoming visitors to the River Trail. Canoeing and kayaking are promoted as great ways to experience this unique wilderness.

Printed trail information are available at some of the access sites and provide detailed information and maps to encourage safe exploration. They also include background on the ecology and natural and human history of the river corridor and its connection to the Chesapeake Bay. Low-impact camping guidelines help visitors tread lightly on the river's resources. Campgrounds, outfitters, and boating stores in and near the trail corridor will also be listed. Perhaps most importantly, the guide includes explicit instructions on how to get more involved with watershed restoration and stewardship.

The River Trail is managed in partnership by PA Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources, the PA Fish & Boat Commission, the City of Harrisburg, and a nonprofit Susquehanna River Trail Association, Inc. Volunteer individuals or groups can adopt islands to serve as stewards for maintenance, monitoring resource impacts, and tracking public use. Management techniques and use levels will continually be evaluated to insure resource protection and a positive experience for the visitor.

Benefits

• Water trails help to promote the discovery of the watershed's wonders. By encouraging responsible exploration of our rivers, we build a river ethic in our citizens. When adults and children paddle a river, their hearts and minds open up.

• Trail guides, river exploration and educational programming—all part of this project—nurture a citizenry that will be more aware and knowledgeable about their river and its connection to the Chesapeake Bay.

• Water trails, especially those in urban areas, build new river constituencies and afford new and meaningful recreation opportunities to city residents, especially minority youth.

• The focus on empowering volunteers in resource stewardship is a valuable lesson with far reaching implications.

• Water trails are a great example of ecotourism, demonstrating a more sustainable approach to river recreation.

2010 Contacts

SRTA By-Laws