Susquehanna State Park (PA)
Susquehanna State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on 20 acres in Williamsport in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania in the United States. The park is on the West Branch Susquehanna River in the western part of Williamsport, and is operated by the Williamsport / Lycoming Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Bureau of State Parks of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Susquehanna State Park offers cruises on a paddlewheeler, boating, fishing, and picnicking.
Enter Your Location
At the Site
Activities to do
Facilities/Amenities available
Hours
Dawn to dusk.
(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)
Fees
Free; call for riverboat tour prices and schedule.
Activities
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. www.ridehiawatha.com/
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.
Fishing: The Susquehanna River has warm water and cold water fishing. Common species are smallmouth bass, panfish and catfish.
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.
