The Susquehanna River, stretching through Pennsylvania and Maryland, offers exceptional fishing, paddling, and sweeping natural landscapes along its storied banks.
The Susquehanna River has shaped the landscape and communities of the mid-Atlantic for thousands of years. Indigenous peoples traveled and fished its waters long before European settlers arrived, and the river later became a corridor for trade and industry throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Today the river offers some of the finest smallmouth bass fishing in the eastern United States, drawing anglers to its shallow, rocky runs. Kayakers and canoeists navigate its quieter stretches, while birdwatchers scan the treetops and sandbars for eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons.
The lower Susquehanna passes through Conowingo Dam in Maryland, where bald eagles gather in remarkable numbers during winter to feed on fish below the spillway. Further upstream, river towns like Harrisburg and Sunbury provide access points, local parks, and waterfront walks that connect visitors to the river's edge.
The Susquehanna River rewards those who take time to explore its varied character, from forested headwaters in New York to its wide mouth at the Chesapeake Bay.
Visit during late spring when water levels are ideal for kayaking and wildflowers line the riverbanks.
Try fishing the rocky shoals near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where smallmouth bass are especially active in warmer months.
Bring water shoes if you plan to wade, as the riverbed is uneven and can be slippery in spots.
Explore the Susquehanna Greenway trail network for well-marked hiking paths that follow the river through multiple counties.
Arrive early on weekend mornings to secure a put-in spot at popular launch points before crowds gather.
Paddle 12 scenic miles with a shuttle upriver so you can float back to the River Shop at your own pace
Paddle a 4-mile Susquehanna River route with gear and shuttle included
Float 5 miles on a self-guided Susquehanna River paddle with shuttle service
Float the Susquehanna with full-day single or tandem tube rentals
Drift the Susquehanna in a single or tandem tube with shuttle service
Paddle a guided full moon glow float, then warm up by a bonfire with hotdogs and s’mores