EMHR’s Summer Kickoff Paddle in Susquehanna County
June 14, 2026
Pack your dry bag for Susquehanna County and join Endless Mountains Heritage Region for
our first day paddle of the year on June 14, 2026. EMHR is partnering with Susquehanna
Kayak & Canoe Rentals and Endless Mountain Outfitters for a 12-mile paddle down the
Susquehanna River North Branch from Oakland Township to Hallstead in northern
Susquehanna County. Participants should meet and check in at the Phantom Fireworks of
Great Bend shopping plaza (25059 US-11, Hallstead, PA 18822) by 9 a.m. for registration for
the trip. Participants will be shuttled from there to the Oakland Township PA Fish & Boat
Commission launch and be briefed on safety.
The trip will take participants along the “Great Bend” section of the Susquehanna North
Branch section, crossing over the site of the former Oakland Hydroelectric Dam that was
removed in the fall of 2023. A lunch stop will be taken during the trip.
Because of last year’s cancellation of this event, this year’s paddle will benefit the
Susquehanna County Conservation District, who will provide educational programming
during lunch at the Great Bend PA Fish & Boat Launch. SCCD was founded in 1947 through
a partnership between the Susquehanna County Commissioners and the State
Conservation Commission. SCCD promotes the sustainable use of natural resources
through education, technical assistance, and partnerships that encourage responsible
stewardship and environmental awareness.
Participants are encouraged to bring appropriate clothing and footwear for that day’s
weather, sunscreen, a sufficient supply of water, any snacks desired, and a dry bag to keep
their supplies in.
Registration cost for the trip will be $60 if you bring your own kayak/canoe. For those who
need to rent, cost for a single kayak rental will be $50 or $70 for a tandem kayak or canoe
rental. The registration fee includes the cost of lunch from Red Rock BBQ, insurance,
shuttling, educational programming, and the donation to the SCCD. Space is limited for
this exciting trip, so register by Tuesday, June 9.