810572 section3.qxp 4/30/2008 9:02 AM Page 1 photo: Susquehanna River Adventures NIA WA RESPECT THE PRIVACY & RIGHTS A TE LV R OF PRIVATE LANDOWNERS Y Susquehanna River S T R N A Plan and make stops on shorelines open to the public. Unless you are N I otherwise certain, assume the land is private property. In any case, L E avoid loud noises and boisterous behavior. Remember that sound carries P Water Trail across water much more clearly than on land. Many landowners enjoy peace and solitude overlooking the river from their back yards. Share the same courtesy that you would want. A friendly wave or quiet greet- S NORTH BRANCH ing is always welcome. U H D&L National Heritage Corridor, Black Diamond Trail S C (Mile 188L)—This 15 mile trail is located between White Haven Q 23 N U and Laurel Run and the initial 2 miles of trail between Port Jenkins A Section 3: Harding to Berwick ALONG THE WAY E R toward Glen Summit will be constructed in 2006/2007. H B A Campbell’s Ledge (“Dial Rock”) (Mile 199L)—This scenic, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts N H N T 1 much-photographed sandstone cliff, located ¾ mile north of the 24 (Mile 187.5L)—The original building, constructed in 1965, was A R Map & Guide dedicated by Dorothy Dickson Darte, a devoted trustee and long-time R I VE R NO confluence of the Susquehanna and Lackawanna rivers, divides the Wyoming and Lackawanna valleys. It was the early settlers’ sundial: the benefactor of Wilkes University, in loving memory of her parents, Allan sun lights up the cliff face at approximately noon. Not open to the public. Hamilton Dickson and Kate Pettebone Dickson. Sordoni Art Gallery, Water trails are recreational waterways on a lake, river or ocean between specific loca- Twin Shaft Disaster (Mile 197L)—On June 28, 1896, 58 men Wilkes University (Mile 187.5L)—The gallery on West Northampton 2 were killed in a massive cave-in of rock and coal here in the New- Street, one block from the river, has permanent and special exhibits and tions, containing access points and day-use and/or camping sites for the boating public. ton Coal Company’s Twin Shaft Colliery. The disaster helped lead to a is open most days. Water trails emphasize low-impact use and promote stewardship of the resources. Explore stronger unionization of this region. Kirby Park (Mile 187.5R)—Dime-store founder Fred Morgan Pittston River Front Park (Mile 196L)—Fifteen years in the 25 Kirby donated over 70 acres of riverfront land on the west bank this unique Pennsylvania water trail. 3 making, the park includes an amphitheater, walkways, and art work of the Susquehanna River to the City of Wilkes-Barre in the early 1920s. and will connect to the future Luzerne County Rail with Trail. The era’s preeminent landscape architecture firm, Olmsted Brothers, Coal Miners Memorial (Mile 196L)—This marker in the City of designed a park that once included formal gardens, athletic fields, For your safety and enjoyment: 4 Pittston honors miners and the mining industry in the Wyoming reflecting pools and a bandstand. The levee now bisects that park into Valley. the natural area along the Susquehanna River and the developed area • Always wear a life jacket. West Side Trail (Mile 195R)—This 19-mile looping trail connects on the inland side, which includes playgrounds, pavilions, a walking • Obtain proper instruction in boating skills. 5 the boroughs of Exeter, West Pittston, West Wyoming and track and athletic fields. Wyoming. This trail passes through urban and rural settings and con- Avondale Mine Disaster (Mile 182R)—A historical marker • Know fishing and boating regulations. nects to the Wyoming Valley Levee Trail System in Forty Fort. 26 along U.S. Rt. 11 in Plymouth Township recounts the death of • Be prepared for river hazards. Knox Mine Disaster (Mile 194.5L)—A historical marker in the 110 men and boys who suffocated in the 1869 fire in the Avondale mine 6 City of Pittston describes the 1959 Knox Mine Disaster nearby. Over shaft. The Avondale Disaster resulted in new mining regulations, includ- • Carry proper equipment. 10 billion gallons of water from the Susquehanna River flooded the ing the mandating of double-shaft mines and the prohibition against anthracite mines in the Wyoming Valley after miners dug too close to building collieries directly over a mine shaft. the riverbed in the River Slope Mine in Jenkins Township. Twelve min- Tilbury Knob (Mile 181R)—Impressive sandstone rock outcrop, photo: John Capwell ers lost their lives. This disaster ended underground mining in the val- 27 visible from the Susquehanna River. A colorful local legend says ley and changed the whole area’s future. that a captive of a local Native American tribe leapt from the cliff with Queen Esther’s Bloody Rock Marker (Mile 193R)—On the night his horse in the middle of the night while attempting to escape his cap- 7 of July 3, 1778, after the Battle of Wyoming, 14 or more captive tors. The Battle of Rampart Rocks (1775) in the Yankee-Pennamite Wars’ American soldiers were reportedly massacred here, clubbed to death by struggle for political control of the Wyoming Valley was fought nearby. THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER—North Branch PADDLING SAFETY TIPS an Indian woman (traditionally but not positively identified as “Queen Canal Park (Mile 180R)—Historic North Branch Canal locks and Esther” Montour) avenging the death of a son killed by settlers. 28 a trailhead for the Susquehanna Warrior Trail are located in this park. The Susquehanna River is an American treasure reflecting the unique • Wear your life jacket. Some 80 percent of all recre- Wyoming Monument (Mile 192.7R)—On July 3, 1778, 700 Susquehanna Warrior Trail (Mile 175R)—This 18-mile trail is places and people that comprise the Pennsylvania heartland. Nearly 250 ational boating fatalities happen to people who are 8 British, Tories, and Seneca Indians defeated 375 patriots under the 29 located on the right-of-way of the former Delaware, Lackawanna municipalities touch upon the river as it winds its way through the Com- not wearing a life jacket. command of Colonel Zebulon Butler in the Battle of Wyoming, killing and Western railroad. Construction of the initial 10 miles of trail in monwealth. Half of all the fresh water entering the Chesapeake Bay • Expect to get wet. Even the best paddlers sometimes cap- nearly 200 of them. Surviving settlers fled the Wyoming Valley and many Shickshinny began in 2006. The trail will be open to the public in 2007. comes from the Susquehanna River. Today, perhaps as never before, the size or swamp their boats. Bring extra clothing in a waterproof bag. died in the wilderness during their escape to other settlements. The Mocanaqua Trail (Mile 172L)—This 9-mile system consisting Susquehanna has the potential to shape our future prospects in ways • Be prepared to swim. If the water looks too hazardous to swim in, remains of the battle’s dead are interred in a mass grave below the mon- 30 of four trails of varying terrain is located along the northern that we can only begin to imagine. don’t go paddling. ument. reach of Penobscot Mountain. The four trails guide users along a natu- The Wyoming Valley section of the Susquehanna River is character- • If you capsize, hold on to your boat, unless it presents a life-threat- Swetland Homestead (Mile 192.5R)—Owned by the Luzerne ral route that traverses the mountainside, as well as the ridge top area, ized by historic urban areas and forested, mountain ridgelines parallel- ening situation. If floating in current, position yourself on the 9 County Historical Society and listed on the National Register of where there are several scenic overlooks. The trailhead is located in ing the river. Several well-known, prominent cliff escarpments are locat- upstream side of the capsized boat. Historic Places, the house is open weekends year-round and is located Mocanaqua along the Susquehanna River, near the Shickshinny Water ed along the ridgelines. The recently upgraded Wyoming Valley Levee • Scout ahead whenever possible. Know the river. Avoid surprises. across Wyoming Avenue from the West Side Trail and the Wyoming Val- Treatment Plant. System borders large sections of the river. Despite the urban setting • Be prepared for the weather. Get a forecast before you go. Sudden ley Levee Trail in Forty Fort. The original cabin built on this site in 1803 Susquehanna Riverlands Environmental Preserve (Mile 167R) that surrounds the river, the riverbanks are highly vegetated and hints winds and rain are common and can turn a pleasant trip into a risky, was gradually transformed into the elegant home one sees today. 31 —Established in August 1980, the Riverlands encompasses of built-up areas can be seen over the treetops. The Wyoming Valley unpleasant venture. 1,200 acres on both the east and west banks of the Susquehanna River offers cultural opportunities, numerous historic sites, as well as abun- • Wear wading shoes or tennis shoes with wool, polypropylene, pile or photo: Susquehanna River Adventures and is jointly owned by PP&L Corporation and Allegheny Electric Cooper- dant outdoor recreation opportunities such as walking, hiking and bik- neoprene socks. ative, Inc., operators of the nearby nuclear power plant. Connected to ing on numerous local trails. • Never take your boat over a low-head dam. the Susquehanna Warrior Trail, the Riverlands provides year-round facili- The Wyoming Valley in Luzerne County combines the legacy of the • Portage (carry) your boat around any section of water about which ties for hiking, boating, and fishing, and attracts abundant wildlife.