West Branch Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania

Trip Overview

The West Branch Susquehanna River is an old windy River at the hub of the Pennsylvania Wilds region. The 228 mile West Branch Susquehanna River with 102 miles in Clearfield County is as close to wilderness as you find in Pa.

The scenery is beautiful. Wildlife is abundant. Trips range from a few hours to several days long is generally rated class 1. Easy to moderate depending on water levels.

Rapids- Chest Falls near Mahaffey, Moshannon Falls above Karthaus, Buttermilk Falls below Karthaus. Not traditional falls but made by blasting rocks out of the way during lumbering era to make room for rafts to get through.

Accommodations:

In Curwensville, Clearfield, Shawville, and Karthaus there are grocery stores and restaurants within walking distance.

Outfitting:

McCracken Canoe Sales & Rentals:

phone: 814-765-1410

web: www.mccrackencanoe.com/

e-mail: paddle@mccrackencanoe.com

Fees:

PA Fish and Boat Commission registration or State Park sticker at the Frenchville access and locations closer to Williamsport and downstream.

Directions:

I-80 to Route 879 west to River Road turn right go about 2 miles Elliots Park on left across from WOKW radio.

I-80 to Route 879 East 4 miles on right to take out above dam. 5 miles on right (behind Shawville Grocery) on right to put in. Call 814-765-1410 for additional put in directions.

Launches:

Behind Curwensville Civic Center, Witmer Park Clearfield - walk around lowhead dam - put back in Elliots Park on river left. Out above Shwville Generating Station Dam river left. In below dam-call ahead for shuttle. Frenchville Fish and Boat Commission Access, Rolling Stone Bridge, Karthaus Canoe Launch, Keating @ confluence with Sinamahoning Creek.

Contact:

McCracken Canoe (in Clearfield, PA):

e-mail paddle@mccrackencanoe.com or phone 814-765-1410

Clearfield County:
website: www.visitclearfieldcounty.org or phone 1-866-gowilds

PA Fish and Boat Commission

Resources:

"The Susquehanna River Water Trail - West Branch" available at local outfitters or Lumber Heritage regional office. 80 miles of Wilderness-online-download free.