Oakland Dam Removal Celebration Paddle
June 1 @ 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Join the Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) and Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) on Saturday, June 1, 2024, as we discover the North Branch of the Susquehanna River Water Trail. This day-trip paddle is one of four that will showcase the recreational opportunities of the water trail through the Susquehanna River Sojourn Series.
Paddlers along this section of the river will experience an 12-mile route along the “Great Bend” section of the Susquehanna River from Oakland to Hallstead, specifically in celebration of the removal of the Oakland Dam, which was completed in Fall 2023. The former hydroelectric dam that had become inoperable and dilapidated through the years presented a significant safety hazard for boaters and paddlers for many years. The removal of this partially breached dam led to more than 250 miles of stream and aquatic habitats being reconnected, providing a safer recreational experience for boaters and places for sportfish, freshwater mussels, and other fish and wildlife to live and grow. Lunch will be provided.
When: June 1, 2024 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where (check-in): Phantom Fireworks of Great Bend shopping plaza
Where (lunch): PFBC Great Bend Access
Where (end): PFBC Hallstead Access
Paddling Distance: 12 miles
Price: $60 / ticket
Rentals: $50 / single kayak, $70 / tandem kayak or canoe
SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE)
- 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Check in at Phantom Fireworks of Great Bend shopping plaza (25059 US-11, Hallstead, PA 18822).
- 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Participants, along with their kayaks, canoes, and personal gear will be shuttled to our launch point at the Oakland Township PA Fish & Boat Commissioner Launch (41.98425, -75.599991).
- 8:30 AM – 8:45 AM: Following a safety brief with our river guides and water trail managers from the local area, as well as Endless Mountain Outfitters and Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals, we will have a chat with Ty Moon of the PA Fish & Boat Commission.
- 8:45 AM – 9:00 AM Launch of paddlers from the Oakland Township PA Fish & Boat Commissioner Launch.
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Participants will paddle from Oakland to the PFBC Great Bend Access.
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch will be provided during special guest speakers about the dam removal project and future improvements along the water trail.
- 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Paddle down to Hallstead and finish the day with an optional visit to The Barr Brewery at Red Rock BBQ.