Author: Hope Byers

What to visit if you have 1 Hour, 1 Afternoon, or 1 Weekend in the Susquehanna National Heritage Area

Planning a visit to the Susquehanna NHA? The lower Susquehanna is full of popular sites and attractions including museums, historic sites, recreation opportunities, shopping centers, charming small towns and hip urban neighborhoods all located within the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. Whether you are visiting for the weekend, a single afternoon or passing through on your lunch hour, we’ve got some premade plans to help get your adventure started!

If you have One hour:

Ready for a break or you just have some extra time between meetings? An hour may not seem like a lot of time for a quick burst of fun, but there are actually plenty of things to do that provide a memorable visit in just 60 minutes!

For the Nature Lover

• Take a quick walk to one of many scenic overlooks.
• Explore Chickies Rock County Park. (Score the scenic view triple crown! Breezy View, Chickies Rock, Clayton B. Shenk Trail) or hike through the park’s Point Rock Tunnel on the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail.

For the History Buff

• Visit the Columbia River Park to view and learn about the bridges connecting Columbia and Wrightsville, Pa. Go inside the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center to view all the bridges that have spanned the river here.
• Explore art and other exhibits at Zimmerman Center for Heritage. Enjoy the riverside pavilion and marvel at Latrobe’s Map on the dock while you are there to see what the river looked like over 200 years ago.

For the Wanderer

• Watch the sunrise or sunset over the river. Use the River Access Areas to find the perfect spot.
• Find the railroad car on the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail.
• Don’t forget to stop at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center to pick up trail maps and other resources that are available to help plan future adventures.

If you have One Afternoon:

Only one day? No problem. There are many ways for visitors to experience the river. You may have limited time, but there are still sights to see on short notice. Spend a fun-filled day enjoying some popular activities!

For the Nature Lover

• Hike at a variety of unique Nature Preserves. A favorite of many people is Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve. Our new favorite is the Wilton Meadows Preserve which you can hike into from Highpoint Scenic Vista.
• Take a bike ride on the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail or the NW LC  River Trail.
• Explore the Wind Caves at the Pequea Nature Preserve.
• Rent a Kayak from Chiques Rock Outfitters and try one of our favorite paddles.

For the History Buff

• Tour the Zimmerman Center for Heritage & Hike Native Lands County Park to learn about the Susquehannock culture.
• Explore the industrial history by visiting the Shocks Mill RR bridge, White Cliffs of Conoy, & Billmeyer in Conoy Township on the NWLCRT.
• Enjoy a walking Iron Furnace Tour. Pick up a self guided tour brochure at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center.
• Visit the Indian Steps Museum.

For the Wanderer

• Explore the Potholes and Sculpted Rocks at the bottom of Conewago falls in Falmouth.
• Discover the Falmouth forest garden along the NW Lancaster County River Trail.
• Explore Lock 12 Historic Area.

If you have One Weekend:

Why try to pack all this fun into one day? If you have more time to spare, there are endless adventures and one-of-a-kind experiences to fill your weekend getaway! With proper planning and an early start, the ultimate itinerary will help make the most out of your weekend trip. Try these places for an exciting time in the Susquehanna NHAs!

For the Nature Lover

• Make a reservation and stay at a local campground.
• Get on your way to joining the 444 club, Paddle the lower section of the Susquehanna!
• Bring your whitewater gear and plan an exciting adventure at Holtwood White Water Park!
• Hike the Mason-Dixon Trail. Pick from the suggested hikes listings to river sections of this 200+ mile trail.
• Paddle and bird watch at the Conejohela Flats.

For the History Buff

• Visit one of our many Heritage Sites and Local Museums.
• Find your Chesapeake Geotour if you like geocaching! Grab only the local caches or explore more of the Chesapeake region.
• Enjoy a scenic ride while taking a Covered Bridge Driving Tour through Lancaster County.
• Discover the preserved Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal Lock at Lock 15 Historic Area.
• Take a guided paddle tour on the Lower Susquehanna River on your favorite heritage topic from Shank’s Mare Outfitters.

For the Wanderer

• Explore the local river towns of Columbia, Marietta, and Wrightsville. Use the River Town Bucket List to explore the best local spots.
• Indulge in a geology tour with The Geologic Guide of the NW River Trail, available in Susquehanna NHA’s store.
• Rent a boat from Long Level Marina to enjoy or swimming or fishing on Lake Clarke.

Susquehanna NHA Creates Local Trail Application with help from Franklin & Marshall College

Susquehanna National Heritage Area works with partners and communities in Lancaster and York Counties to showcase our area as a destination for cultural discovery and outdoor adventure. During the global pandemic, Susquehanna NHA focused on creating self-guided heritage and outdoor exploration tools, while our visitor centers were temporarily closed. One of those tools is a custom map created on the Google Maps platform. Users of the map can explore the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and learn historical, geological, and natural facts on their trip. When visitor facilities like Columbia Crossing River Trails Center reopened these digital tools continued to be popular with trail users.

In early 2021, Franklin & Marshall College reached out to the community to offer development of a mobile application. Professor Ed Novak led the computer science course in which groups of students would develop fully-functional Android app prototypes for community partners. Susquehanna NHA applied to participate and was chosen as one of four projects. Susquehanna NHA’s Columbia Crossing Director, Hope Byers was the lead on the collaboration. “Our goal was to take the popular Google Map and expand it beyond a single trail so visitors and residents would have a single-source trail information app. Since opening, Columbia Crossing has fielded everything from maintenance requests to heritage questions about all riverfront trails and we want to put all that knowledge at the fingertips of trail users.”

Susquehanna NHA staff members Hope Byers and Megan Salvatore worked to expand information on the custom map while Franklin & Marshall College students developed the code. The Franklin & Marshall students assigned to the project were Rafael Silva, Waleed Kamal Butt, Molly Sproul, Quang Anh Tran, and Thu Do. The students met virtually with Hope on a weekly basis to discuss the project. “It was obvious that these were passionate, dedicated students. They managed the project so professionally and really treated it as if I was their client. They taught me how to use tools to keep the app functioning, send notifications, and walked me through the app launch. Susquehanna NHA is so grateful for their dedication to create not just a prototype but a live application” said Hope Byers.

In the short, three-week project, the students were able to create an application that did a variety of helpful actions. First, the app connects users to trail information using the Google Map that Susquehanna NHA created. In the map, trail access areas, parking information, restroom facilities, and interesting heritage sites are listed individually for major regional trails and nature preserves. The app also allows Susquehanna NHA to send notifications about trail updates or construction. Users can also check to see if the James D. Warner Passageway under the Shock’s Mill Bridge on the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail is flooded. This waterfront passageway floods during spring freshets and on occasion in the summer. There is no available trail detour, so it is helpful for users to check before hitting the trail. The application has event and contact information for Susquehanna NHA to better connect our community to riverfront initiatives. Susquehanna NHA and local trail partners are particularly excited about one feature of the app which allows users to submit trail maintenance requests. Trail users can submit the trail name, mile marker, and photo of an issue. This interactive component will help trail managers keep our local trails clear and accessible.

Android users are invited to find the app by searching Susquehanna NHA Trails in the Google Play store. The application is not currently available on the Apple Store; however, you can access the custom Google Map on our Maps & Guides page.

Give Local York was a great success this year and thanks to everyone who donated to SNHA.

Not only that, the York Revolution wants to continue the generous spirit of GLY.

The special Give Local York fireworks show at PeoplesBank Park scheduled for May 6 was postponed by the rainy weather that night. But the silver lining is, now you can enjoy fireworks and Rev’s baseball on June 19 at 6:30 p.m., when the Revolution take on the Lexington Legends. And, when you buy tickets to that game, $5.00 of every ticket purchased comes back to SNHA. This offer is for Field Box seats only. Our promotion code is SNHA.

How about some more incentive! As a participant in this event and fundraiser, SNHA will be eligible for an extra contribution from the York Revolution.  – $1,000 to the top ticket-selling organization, $500 to second, and $250 to third!

So grab some tickets today!

Don’t forget to use code SNHA at checkout for any Field Box seat!

Marietta Bucket List Launched

Susquehanna NHA has partnered with Marietta Area Business Association to build a list of great things to see, do, buy, and eat in this historic lumber town. Spring is our favorite season for Marietta because the cherry trees lining Front Street bloom in April. So we invite you to come explore whether you live in town or you’re visiting for the day. With over 25 activities featuring Marietta organizations, businesses, events, and landmarks there is something for everyone!

Learn More & Download Your Copy

Susquehanna National Heritage Area started the Bucket List to keep our river towns busy during the 2020 global pandemic. The goal was to capture and share great experiences like shopping and eating at some of the local businesses, visiting heritage sites and learning about the town’s history, as well as appreciating the expanding connections to outdoor recreation opportunities. Anyone can use the list to take a unique and authentic journey through one of our beautiful river towns. In 2021, enjoy three lists to keep you busy starting as spring blooms in Marietta, then turning up the heat in Columbia during the summer and ending with the changing leaves in Wrightsville this fall. America’s 55th National Heritage Area is here to connect you to all the cultural discovery and outdoor fun the Susquehanna has to offer.

A Look Back at Hunting, Fishing, & Trapping on the Susquehanna River

Susquehanna National Heritage Area and local historian Lynn Smoker present A Look Back at Hunting, Fishing & Trapping on the Susquehanna River, now on display at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center. The exhibit provides a glimpse into the techniques and tools for capturing wildlife on the Lower Susquehanna River. Smoker has spent years enjoying the river as an avid hunter and fisherman and as a devoted collector of Susquehanna River artifacts. Visitors to this brand-new exhibit will see original and unique tools and artifacts related to hunting, fishing, and trapping, including a locally built duck boat from 1927, along with an array of mounted waterfowl, fish, and furbearing mammals.

Hunting has played a rich and prominent role in American culture. For centuries, hunting was required for survival. Native Americans utilized the animals in and along the river not just to feed their families but for heat, clothing, and shelter. Pioneers settled the region and harvested game as readily as they planted crops. Although the Lower Susquehanna River region transitioned to farming livestock, the hunting tradition stayed ingrained in the culture. These traditions continue to connect people to the raw beauty of the river and all the resources it provides.

The Susquehanna River has remained a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife as it is naturally non-navigable to industrial vessels. Prior to the construction of hydroelectric dams, the Susquehanna River had a rush of migratory fish each spring. Shad swelled up the river sometimes looking like waves in the water. Locals plucked them from the river by the hundreds. Learn about the shad runs, ice fishing, and fishing techniques of generations past.

The Susquehanna River is an integral part of the Atlantic Flyway, one of four major North American migratory routes for waterfowl. Pennsylvania hunters annually take good numbers of mallards, wood ducks, and black ducks. Many also experience good action for buffleheads, bluebills, ring-necks, green-winged teal, Canada goose, and snow geese. Hunters typically  decoy, blind hunt, or pass-shoot from open water or on nearby agricultural fields. Learn about the unique design of the Susquehanna River waterfowl decoys and how they have become a celebrated American folk-art tradition.

Furbearing animals like beaver, river otter, marten, and mink were essential to Native Americans especially in trade with Europeans. See these furs and learn about how they were trapped and traded by the Susquehannock, the only native tribe to trade with all four major European colonialists (Dutch, Swede, English and French). For over two centuries, beaver fur was especially desirable for men’s hats. Trapping continues to be a riverfront tradition but is highly regulated as a wildlife management strategy. Modern techniques, sanctioned seasons, and permitting have contributed to the repopulation of beaver and river otter along the Susquehanna River.

The exhibit also explores hunting for bullfrogs and snapper turtle.  Hunters utilized kerosene lights and gigs to bag frogs in the darkness. Snappers were more difficult and dangerous – with a bite that could remove a human finger. Antique snapper traps, gigs, and even recipes are on display.

A Look Back at Hunting, Fishing & Trapping on the Susquehanna River will be on display at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center through August 2021. A series of outdoor, social-distanced lectures are being planned for the spring/summer 2021 to more deeply explore the history surrounding these traditions. Visitors are welcome to come during operating hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday and 12 pm – 4 pm on Sundays. Exhibit is free but donations are appreciated.

A crew of four amazing young adults from the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps worked tirelessly in mid-October at Columbia River Park. The Park Expansion Area north of the Veterans Memorial Bridge has been inaccessible and overgrown for years. The area is partially forested and partially meadow. The area is also home to two land piers from the bridge that was burned during the Civil War. In 2019, a park master plan project created designs for the 11-acre expansion area. Amenities like a natural amphitheater, nature playground, pavilion, canal restoration, and loop trails along the river. Many of these projects will take long-term planning and heavy construction. Susquehanna NHA and Columbia River Park Advisory Committee sought inexpensive ways to provide more immediate access so they partnered with Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps.

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a Public Partnership Program that provides municipalities and other non-profits the opportunity to partner with the Outdoor Corps to undertake recreation and conservation projects on non-DCNR public lands on a cost share basis. Crews can do a variety of projects from improving land, trails, and playgrounds to improving waterways and riparian buffers. At Columbia River Park, the crew worked to clear invasive species, extend the loop trail to the river, repair split-rail fence, and lay a trail surface.

The cost of this project was entirely funded by private donations. On behalf of Susquehanna NHA and Columbia River Park Advisory Committee we sincerely thank the Columbia Park Rangers, Mountz & Kreiser, Columbia’s Foresters of America, and all those that donated online to this project. This would not have been possible without the generosity of each donor.

Invasive Species Removal

Japanese knotweed, tree-of-heaven, and other invasive species had been growing unchecked in the area. Spotted lanternflies were covering many of the tree-of-heavens so removal was crucial. Removing these species from the forested area is vital to protecting the native biodiversity and habitat.

Most of the invasive species had spread along the split rail fence and the stone piers. These stone piers are important historical structures that help Susquehanna NHA and others tell many cultural significant stories. From the Civil War burning of the bridge to the Underground Railroad heritage, uncovering and preserving the piers allows for more heritage exploration.

Creating the Trail

The River Walk was added to the master plan design to provide a walkway parallel the water from the top of the riverbank. Spectacular sunsets and unique bridge perspectives can be seen along the walkway. In early spring 2020, the Columbia Borough Public Works Department cut that path through the woods. Columbia Crossing Director, Hope Byers, utilized a GIS mapping software to overlay the master plan design over the existing park. Stakes were placed exactly where the ‘River Walk’ is shown on the master plan.

The 12′ wide trail had an uneven dirt surface that would have quickly become overgrown without a surface. The Outdoor Corps pushed back overgrowth, removed invasive plants, downed trees, and litter throughout the wooded space to prepare the area. The trail surface was a woody mulch provided by the Columbia Borough Public Works Department and was created by grinding the woody waste from residents. There was enough woody mulch to continue the trail passed the stone pier and down to the waterfront by the existing outfall. Four dump truck loads of mulch were spread along the trail to create a welcoming, even experience.

Park Improvements

The crew had a few hours between cleaning up the trail and the first delivery of the mulch and offered to do any small projects around the Columbia River Park. They painted and stained posts of kiosks and signs in the park. They spray painted bicycle stencil on the NW River Trail to help guide riders safely along Route 441. They cleaned out the flower beds and prepared them for winter. They also scrubbed all the mold off the interpretative panels in the park.

Amazing work by a great crew of dedicated, up-and-coming recreation professionals. We are thankful for their hard work and donor’s hard earned dollars. Together they have made Columbia River Park a greener and more interesting place to visit. We invite all of you to visit Columbia River Park and take a stroll through the expansion area. It is accessible by walking behind Chiques Rock Outfitters outpost under the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Reusable Water Bottles Support Local Students

As local school districts planned for a very different school year, they faced some unexpected and unprecedented challenges. Columbia Borough School District started its Back-to-School Supply Drive asking for things they never needed before including reusable water bottles. Columbia Borough School District had retrofitted all the water fountains to be water filling stations. Removing the fountains would reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19 and the new fillers can also instill a healthy habit in Columbia’s youth.

As a member of the Superintendent Advisory Group, Hope Byers heard the school district’s call for reusable water bottles and knew Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) could fulfill the need. As part of managing Columbia Crossing, Hope works with the local community to engage youth in the river’s important cultural and natural assets and encourage good stewardship. COVID-19 had upended the opportunity for spring field trips and fall canoeing excursions.

“We have had to shift so much of our programs and activities to digital, self-guided initiatives that reusable water bottles sounded like a great opportunity to do that again. We couldn’t bring students to the river to engage, explore, and experience its wonders but we can remind them of its importance every day” says Hope Byers.

Hope Byers immediately reached out to SNHA’s long-time partner Lancaster County Solid Waste Authority (LCSWMA) about the project – knowing they would find this unique challenge intriguing. LCSWMA has committed to enhancing the recreational opportunities and quality of life in areas where its facilities are located.  They have two such facilities along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County: the Lancaster Waste-to-Energy Facility in Bainbridge that combusts waste to make electricity for our community and the Frey Farm Landfill in Manor Township. LCSWMA has made a proactive commitment to the river and its assets for over a decade.

“LCSWMA believes in the importance of being a community partner—both in protecting the environment and public health, but also investing back into the places we serve” says Bob Zorbaugh, LCSWMA’s CEO. “This is needed now, more than ever.”

Providing reusable bottles to the student at Columbia Borough School District fulfilled many goals for SNHA and LCSWMA. First, to encourage reuse and recycling. They chose a 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic Bottle, which helps support the entire recycling lifecycle. The chosen bottles were also made in the United States and come with a sip n’ pour lid with an easy carry handle.

Second, the partners desired the messaging to reflect how the Susquehanna River brings a wonderful synergy to our community. The bottle design uses a word-cluster of blue words flowing by green shoreline. All the blue words highlight the river’s assets and opportunities including trail, bridge, paddle, preserve, overlook, history, and explore. The green shoreline are ways in which LCSWMA (and all of us) can protect and care for the Susquehanna and its surrounding landscapes, including recycling, conservation, stewardship, reuse, sustainability, and collaboration.

Superintendent Tom Strickler said “Columbia Borough School District is very appreciative of SNHA/LCSWMA donation of water bottles for our students.  Demonstrating to students the reuse of plastic in a positive manner is an example to students to recycle.  Also, because of the COVID pandemic, students need bottles these bottles to access water fountains in each school building.  Another very positive example of the positive collaboration between business organizations and Columbia School District.”

Five-hundred bottles were provided to the Columbia Borough School District and distributed to students. Additional bottles are available for purchase from Susquehanna NHA at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center. Pick up a bottle for yourself or to give as a gift. It’s a great way to show your love for the river and your commitment to care for it. All proceeds from reusable water bottles support Columbia Crossing’s educational initiatives. Visit the Center at 41 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA on Tuesdays – Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm or Sundays 12 pm to 4 pm.

SNHA Haunted Heritage Guide

With Albatwitch Day and Halloween right around the corner, SNHA has put together a new map of our favorite haunted places, legends, and strange histories. Using local resources like authors Rick Fisher and Scott Butcher, the map pinpoints strange happenings, creature sightings, and wild tragedies. This map is just in time for spooky season and is perfect for those who want to learn more about things that go bump in the night in the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. The descriptions and stories are chilling, involving terrifying creatures, and tales of the supernatural and paranormal experiences, combining both the familiar and the bizarre. 

Paranormal Experiences

Use the map to explore all the Orange Pinpoints for information on local haunted sites. From cold spots to random spirits crying, there’s no shortage of haunted spots in these old river towns. Don’t miss these haunted spots on the map: Haldeman Mansion, Shenk’s Ferry Tunnel, and the Shock’s Graveyard.

Folklore & Legends

Have you heard any local legends? They often evoke strong emotional reactions such as horror, shock, revulsion and humor.  The retelling of legends over time ensures that they become part of public record and explains why they are so well known. The strange thing is that notoriety and disproof do not prevent legends from resurfacing generation after generation. Enjoy some of our favorite local legends indicated by the Black Pinpoints on the map. Be sure to read up on the Albatwitch and Lover’s Leap Legend. 

Tragedies & Odd History

Looking for just the facts? Check out all the Purple Pinpoints on the map for some strange but true stories from the river region. Learn about Marietta’s Gilliland Laboratories and Brownie, the horse that provided enough blood for 1 million tetanus vaccines. If you prefer a good true crime story, check out the Hex Hollow Murders and their connection to the Marietta Witch. Don’t forget to check out the tragedies like the Chickies trolley accident that killed six people or  the Columbia opera house fire of 1947.

Open the map on you smart phone through: http://bit.ly/SNHAHaunted

Columbia River Park Advisory Committee (CRPAC) has been working to expand River Park beyond the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge. A Master Site Plan for the 10-acre area was created over the course of an 11-month time period and utilized extensive and on-going public engagement throughout the process. In total, more than 1,200 persons participated in the effort. The most popular ideas for historic, cultural, environmental and entertainment features included bridge pier restoration, canal restoration, live outdoor music/performance programming, picnicking, stream restoration and native plant gardens. The final design is visionary riverfront development plan that showcases the convergence of people and nature over thousands of years in a memorable and daring design.

Although this visionary design will take years to complete, the CRPAC is seeking inexpensive and unique ways to make the area more user friendly. Cutting the trail paths created in the design and removing all the invasive species from the forested areas would be a great start. The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps is a crew that can quickly and professionally complete this project. They have a Public Partnership Program that provides municipalities and other non-profits the opportunity to partner with the Corps to undertake recreation and conservation projects on non-DCNR public lands on a cost share basis.

CRPAC is seeking $3,000 in cost-share needed to pay PA Outdoor Corps to complete this project. Part of the project has been funded by the Columbia Park Rangers as well as Mountz and Kreiser and the Foresters of America. We are so grateful for their support but need your help to make it to $3,000 total.

PROJECT DETAILS:

• Improve trail paths highlighted in red
  • 10’ – 12’ wide on the primary loop and 6’ – 8’ wide on the auxiliary loops
  • Level the trail surface, add trail surface material
• Remove invasive species from forest area between PA 462 Bridge & Lock Wall Area

We hope you will consider donating to this small but important project!