The EMHR’s Youth Heritage Sojourn from July 10 to 12 is one of two youth-oriented paddles planned this year. The first will cover 33 river miles from Sugar Run in Bradford County (top) to West Falls in Wyoming County. A 12-mile stretch of the Susquehanna River from Oakland Township to Hallstead in Susquehanna County (above) will be the focus of EMHR’s Summer Kickoff Paddle on June 7 and will benefit the Susquehanna County Conservation District.
The Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) continues to put more people on the Susquehanna River every year and is gearing up for a season with the most river sojourns and paddling adventures yet. Options are available for both youth and adults, cover numerous stretches of the North Branch Water Trail, vary in duration, and run from June through October.
The EMHR has successfully nominated the Susquehanna River North Branch Water Trail as Pennsylvania’s ‘River of the Year’ numerous times, most recently in 2023. “As the official managers of the Water Trail, the EMHR is proud to be able to present so many opportunities to showcase our region from the unique perspective of the Susquehanna River,” said EMHR Executive Director Cain Chamberlin. “The EMHR and our team of water trail managers, primarily local outfitters, do everything they can to make each day and evening as unique, informative and as stimulating of an experience as possible. And, of course, there will be plenty of time to simply relax and take in what nature has to offer.”
Sojourn participants will also be welcomed into towns that dot the shoreline to sample fare from local eateries and even enjoy nightly activities. Pricing varies per adventure, as do amenities and responsibilities – what to bring, etc. – of participants, and space for each event is limited.
The Summer Kickoff Paddle is a one-day trip along the Susquehanna River from Oakland Township to Hallstead in Susquehanna County on Saturday, June 7. The 12-mile paddle of the Great Bend section of the North Branch was made possible by the removal of the remains of a hydroelectric facility that had been inoperable for many years. Paddlers will check in at Phantom Fireworks in Great Bend and be shuttled to the Oakland Township PA Fish & Boat Commission launch. The paddle will benefit the Susquehanna County Conservation District, members of which will deliver an educational presentation. Lunch is included in the registration fee though participants should stock a sufficient supply of water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing.
The EMHR’s annual Youth Heritage Sojourn – July 10 to 12 – is a three-day, two-night adventure geared towards students from grades 6 through 12 and will cover about 33.5 miles of the river from Endless Mountains Outfitters (EMO) in Sugar Run in Bradford County to the West Falls Boat Launch in Wyoming County. Paddlers will stay both nights at Camp Lackawanna next to Vosburg Neck State Park, just outside of Tunkhannock. Youths will learn paddling safety and local history and the abundant nature that surrounds them while making new friends.
The ‘Summer Heritage Benefit Paddle’ will be held on Saturday, July 12, and cover a 12-mile stretch of the North Branch Water Trail in Wyoming County from Tunkhannock to Falls Township (above) with guides from Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals, where participants will meet to be shuttled to Tunkhannock’s Riverside Park to set in. The event will wrap up with a family-made dinner, live music by Bobby Scott, and a presentation by Bill Kern of Countryside Conservancy, the organization that will benefit from a portion of the proceeds.
The longest sojourn on this year’s schedule is the North Branch Sojourn from Thursday to Sunday, July 31 to Aug. 3. The paddle starts in Owego, NY and finishes at Endless Mountain Outfitters in Sugar Run – a total of more than 60 river miles. Check-in is at Riverfront Park in Sayre on July 31. In addition to spectacular scenery, participants will enjoy food from local restaurants, educational programming and great entertainment. Paddlers coming from afar also have the option of arriving early and camping in the park on July 30. There are nearby lodging options for those who do not wish to camp. Participants will drive their own vehicles and gear to the next camp each morning. Single-day, two-day, and full four-day packages are available for purchase.
EMHR will partner with CHOP Out Hunger for a second youth-focused benefit paddle this year, called the “Hungry for Adventure Sojourn”. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to register for this two-day paddle from Laceyville to Riverside Park in Tunkhannock on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 8 and 9, staying at Camp Lackawanna that evening. Chaperones and river guides, several of whom are also teachers, will provide paddling safety instructions and educate youths on the history and ecology of the Susquehanna River. Participation is limited to 70 students.
The EMHR’s paddling season will wind down in style with the annual ‘Fall Heritage Benefit Paddle.’ The Saturday, Oct. 4 event will traverse 11 river miles from the Bradford County Outboard Motor Club in Standing Stone (above) to EMO in Sugar Run, where participants will initially check-in. In addition to stunning fall foliage, highlights will include unique views of Standing Stone, Wyalusing Rocks and Homets Ferry and feature hard cider tasting, dinner, and live entertainment. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Wyalusing Valley Museum.
EMHR’s river events are funded in part by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, the Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, the Susquehanna County Promotion and Tourism Agency, and the room tax funds of Bradford, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties.
For complete details and to register for the sojourns and paddling adventures, interested readers may log on to EMHeritage.org and click on the events tab. Those with questions or interested in becoming a sponsor can contact the EMHR at 570-265-1528 or send an inquiry to contact@emheritage.org.