The West Branch of the Susquehanna River is calling you. Answer by signing up for the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership’s annual sojourn that has been slated for May 14-19.
The six-day, 97-mile, canoe and kayak trip will start in Mahaffey, Clearfield County and end in Keating, Clinton County. It will take paddlers of all ages and skill levels to some of the most beautiful and remote locations along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Along the way local experts will give exclusive access to the area’s history, wildlife, and conservation efforts through river-side presentations.
Registration includes river guides, camp sites, meals, insurance, shuttles, a T-shirt and educational programs and entertainment. Paddlers must provide their own boat and gear. Boat rental information and a daily schedule are available in the registration packet. Beginners are encouraged to join.
Registration for the entire six-day trip is $354 for an adult and $175 for children under 12. Participants can also sign up on a day-to-day basis for $65 for adults and $33 for children under 12. Early registration is due May 1. Registration information can be downloaded here or by calling Erin Pierce, program coordinator at 570-522-7244.
“The West Branch sojourn will be a great way for folks to explore this stretch of water trail, since much of it is breathtakingly rural, secluded and one of the closest things we have in PA to a wilderness experience,” Pierce said.
Pennsylvania’s river sojourns are a national model for connecting people to their natural environment in a fun and educational way. National Geographic Adventure named the West Branch a “Best Adventure Destination for 2012” and this 228-mile river is also recognized as a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service.
The sojourn is made possible with support from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers and in-kind services from NRG Energy’s Shawville Station and the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.
Local planning partners include Canoe Susquehanna, Clearfield County Conservation District, Visit Clearfield County, NRG Energy Inc., McCracken Canoe Sales & Rental, the PA Environmental Council and the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership.
If your organization would like to get involved or be a sojourn sponsor please contact Pierce at epierce@susquehannagreenway.org.
To learn about other Susquehanna sojourns and trips happening this summer visit the Susquehanna Greenway calendar of events. To learn about sojourns that are taking place on other rivers across the state visit the POWR Web site at: www.pawatersheds.org.
The Susquehanna Greenway is a corridor of connected trails, parks, river access points, and communities, linking people to the natural and cultural treasures of the Susquehanna River and its West Branch. More than 500 miles in the length, the Greenway is one of our state’s greatest resources, conserving the environment for all living things, and creating recreational opportunities for healthy communities.
