West Branch of the Susquehanna River

National Geographic lists the West Branch of the Susquehanna River as one of the best adventure destinations for 2012!

One of the newest national recreation water trails in the country, the West Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail snakes for 228 miles through the oak, cherry, and maple hardwood forests of the Allegheny Mountains and into the habitat of the Northeast’s largest elk herd. It’s seriously wild territory, but it’s located smack in the center of Pennsylvania, within driving distance of the state’s major cities—Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, this was prime timber harvesting country, and the river served as a conduit for trees heading to the Chesapeake Bay. Today, the river begins as a small stream near the town of Cherry Tree and gradually widens as it meanders through farmland, state forest, and historic towns. It eventually connects with 266 miles of other waterways that make up the entire Susquehanna Water Trail system, the largest of its kind in the country.

Plentiful state forestland means this is canoe-camping territory, but it’s also prime for day trips. McCracken Canoe, in Clearfield, rents boats (www.mccrackencanoe.com; +1 814 765 1410, $25 per day). Maps are available through the Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania website (www.lumberheritage.org/watertrailmap1.htm). Endless Mountain Outfitters leads custom canoe trips on the Susquehanna River Water Trail (www.emo444.com, +1 570 746 9140).

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