Susquehanna State Park

A red, white and blue paddleboat cruises on the Susquehanna River at Susquehanna.

This 20-acre riverfront recreational area is in the city of Williamsport. The Williamsport Chamber of Commerce operates this park in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks.

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Directions - Weather - Recreation - Riverboat Tours - Accessibility - History - Natural Resources - Nearby Attractions - Volunteers - Rules and Regs - In an Emergency - Contact Us - Downloadables and Maps

Park Advisories

2/9/2010 3:02:00 PM

Recent weather events has resulted in flood waters and snow covering portions of the park. Maintenance staff are continuing with their efforts at removing mud, debris and snow. Please contact the Shikellamy State Park Office or Hiawatha Inc. for updates on the parks status and cleanup efforts.

1/29/2010 2:49:00 PM

Williamsport Salvation Army Polar Bear Plunge planned for January 30, 2010 has been CANCELLED due to unsafe river conditions because of the recent heavy rains. The event has been rescheduled for February 13, 2010 contingent upon existing river levels. Please call the Shikellamy State Park Office at 570-988-5557 for updates on the event.

8/5/2008 9:16:00 AM

Firewood Advisory: Invasive Beetles found in Firewood Threaten Forests! Before bringing firewood to a Pennsylvania State Park, please read the information in the linked page about a very real threat to forests in Pennsylvania and all of North America. Firewood Advisory

Directions

Susquehanna State Park is in Lycoming County.

From US 220, take the Reach Road Exit. Turn right onto Reach Road. Turn right onto Arch Street. The park entrance is on the right side of the north side of the Arch Street Bridge.

Recreational Opportunities

Picnicking - Boating - Fishing - Wildlife Watching - Riverboat Tours

Boating: unlimited hp motors permitted
A boat launch provides access to the West Branch Susquehanna River and the 652-acre Hepburn Street Dam that is deep enough for water-skiing.

Non-powered boats must have one of the following: launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks, available at most state park offices; or boat registration or launching permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Motorboats must display a current boat registration.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Trees shade the river as a mountain, covered in autumn leaves, meets the river in the distance at Susquehanna State Park.

Fishing: The Susquehanna River has warm water and cold water fishing. Common species are smallmouth bass, panfish and catfish.

For complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Picnicking: Riverside picnic tables are scattered throughout the area. A picnic pavilion may be reserved by calling 570-326-2500. If unreserved, the picnic pavilion is available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Souvenirs: The Hiawatha House has river excursion tickets, souvenirs and a variety of snacks, sandwiches and beverages during the operational season of the Hiawatha Paddlewheeler.

Riverboat Tours

The modern paddlewheeler, Hiawatha, offers river excursions May through October. Call 570-326-2500 for information and tickets. Visit the Hiawatha Web site.

Access for People with Disabilities

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

History

The West Branch Susquehanna River was a travel route for settlers to the interior of Pennsylvania. In 1833, the West Branch Division of the Pennsylvania Canal opened from Northumberland to Lock Haven, passing through the current state park. By the late 1800s, logging became the main industry of the area. At this time it was not uncommon in the spring to find the river jammed bank-to-bank with timber floating to mills downstream.

The initial land for the park was purchased for flood control. Susquehanna State Park was created through the joint efforts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Williamsport. The park occupies the floodplain between the river and the flood control levy. The park is the only “riverfront recreational area” constructed by the former Department of Forests and Waters, a precursor to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The park opened to the public in 1961.

Natural Resources

The rich soil of the floodplain supports a diversity of vegetation, dominated by silver maple and black cherry trees. Although primarily forested, there are areas of wetlands and open grassy areas.

Nearby Attractions

For information on nearby attractions, contact the Lycoming County Visitor’s Bureau, 570-327-7700, www.williamsport.org.

Williamsport hosts the Little League World Series every August.

In an Emergency

Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.

Nearest Hospital:
Williamsport Hospital and Medical Center
777 Rural Avenue
Williamsport, PA 17701
570-321-1000

For More Information Contact

Susquehanna State Park
c/o Shikellamy
Sunbury, PA 17801-1005
570-988-5557
Manager: Frank Nanna

E-mail: shikellamysp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.

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