Explore History on the Lumber Heritage Water Trail

A New Perspective on the Susquehanna River

The Susquehanna River Water Trail is a state-designated trail for both motorized and non-motorized recreation. The new booklet, a collaboration between SGP and LHR, showcases four paddling itineraries along the West Branch, focusing on the lumber heritage of Clinton and Lycoming counties. Each itinerary provides a unique paddle route featuring points of interest related to the area’s logging history.

Detailed Itineraries

The booklet includes:

Route Maps: Detailed maps of each paddle route.

Points of Interest: Highlights of historical logging sites.

Logistics: Information on put-in and take-out locations, route lengths, and estimated paddling times.

Difficulty Ratings: Assessments to help paddlers choose suitable routes.

Historical Highlights

Here are some notable historical elements you might encounter along the Lumber Heritage Water Trail:

Timber Rafts: Historical images of timber rafts on the West Branch, including those from Westport.

Tug Boats and Boom Companies: Photos and documents from the Susquehanna Boom Company, showcasing the integral role of tug boats and spile drivers.

Dodge Mill: Insights into Dodge Mill, the largest mill in the world at the time, with a cutting capacity of 30 million feet annually.

Rafting Season: Scenes from the rafting seasons, illustrating the bustling activity on the river during the late 19th century.

By paddling these routes, you’ll not only enjoy the natural beauty of the Susquehanna River but also connect with the rich lumber heritage that shaped this region. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or both, the Lumber Heritage Water Trail offers a unique and enriching experience.

For more information or to pick up your free booklet, visit the Clinton County Visitors Bureau and embark on a journey through time on the Susquehanna River.

Discover & Explore The LHR

The Lumber Heritage Trail

Stop #1 – Explore Clarion County’s Natural Surroundings on the Rail 66 Country Trail

Rail 66 Country Trail is a non-motorized, 4-season trail that currently extends 20.1 miles through the scenic countryside of northern Clarion County near the Village of Lucinda on the historic Knox-Kane railroad bed. The 20.1 mile corridor of the Knox to Kane rail bed aka Rail 66 Country Trail starts at Clarion Junction (Rt 322) in Paint Township and stretches north along Rt 66 to the Clarion/Forest County line in the Village of Vowinckel. Beyond the county line it extends through Forest, Elk and McKean Counties. The trail directly connects to the North Country National Scenic Trail, the Baker Trail and BicyclePA Route V. It’s located just a few miles from Cook Forest State Park, the Allegheny National Forest, State Game Lands, Clarion Highlands Trail and ultimately to the Sandy Creek Trail, the Allegheny River Trail and, the Redbank Valley Trail. Rail 66 Country Trail a/k/a Rail 66, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, was created and now owns a permanent easement for 20.1 miles of the corridor in Clarion County. Volunteers invested many hours and local donors gave thousands of dollars for the effort. Rail 66 members use, maintain and support the trail. The old B&O lives on as a rail trail, providing recreation and economic development in Northwest Pennsylvania by tying together numerous communities, several trail systems, two state parks and the Allegheny National Forest.

Spring Valley Maple

Scott Kolesar of Spring Valley Maple produces his own syrup from a grove of sugar maples on his property in his “sugar shack.” Scott took 1st place in the Grade A - Amber Syrup in glass, 2nd place in Grade A - Dark Syrup in glass and 2nd place Grade A - Very Dark Syrup in glass at the 2023 Pennsylvania Farm Show with his maple syrup. The process starts with drilling a tap hole into a maple tree. A spout is inserted to direct the sap to either a bucket or into tubing that sends the sap to a large collection tank at the sugar house or a central collection area using a vacuum pump. From the storage tanks, the sap is often put through a reverse osmosis machine, which takes a percentage of the water from the sap before boiling. The evaporation process sends clouds of sweet maple scented steam billowing from the sugarhouse cupolas and steam stacks. An evaporator is where the boiling takes place. Stainless steel pans sit atop an arch, or firebox, where either oil or wood creates an intense fire. As the water in the sap evaporates, the sap thickens. When the thermometer in the pan reaches 219 degrees the syrup is ready to draw off. Even though it looks like the finished product it will still need to be filtered, adjusted for density and graded for flavor and color. Choose PURE MAPLE SYRUP, a natural sweetener and a smart food choice!

Pennsylvania Hickory Syrup

Today, Pennsylvania Hickory Syrup boldly displays hickory’s extraordinary adaptability in culinary, baking, topping, and beverage uses such as pouring over pancakes and waffles, glazing meats and fish, as a savory dipping sauce, for grilling, as a marinade, or even as an ice cream topping. Our main goal is to develop a distinctive Hickory syrup product and brand. Our infused, smoked hickory created waves in the culinary industry. You will not be disappointed, try Pennsylvania Hickory Syrup now. Pennsylvania Hickory Syrup does farm shows and markets, as well as, local charities throughout Pennsylvania. Each product is meticulously made by combining the best of nature with artisan workmanship and cutting-edge technology. Pennsylvania Hickory Syrup sells its goods both nationally and in its hometown Pennsylvania.