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

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.

Directions
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

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.

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

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.

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.