National trail status a plus

By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.comLuzerne County Reporter

The 166-mile northern branch of the Susquehanna River, which cuts through Luzerne County, has been designated a “national recreation trail” by the federal government, officials announced during Friday’s River Common Park dedication in .

“Think of this as the Academy Awards of trails, and you are now part of a very select group of trails,” National Park Service representative David A. Lange told the audience.

The federal government authorized creation of a national trail system in 1968 to recognize “exemplary trails of local and regional significance,” according to an online government posting.

Trail designees receive “an array of benefits,” such as promotion, technical assistance, networking and funding access, the posting said.

The distinction will give the local stretch more “prestige” and “visibility,” according to a media release.

The national system includes about 12,500 miles of trails in urban, rural and remote sections of all 50 states, including the Oregon Trail used by westward pioneers and the Appalachian Trail.

The trails are publicized in an online registry at www.AmericanTrails.org.

The northern branch of the Susquehanna starts at the New York border and ends at Shikellamy State Park in Sunbury, where it unites with the west branch.

The stretch features Native American lookout points, the remnants of a past canal system and other evidence of the nation’s past coal and industrial boom, a press release said. Recreational opportunities along the stretch include wildlife viewing, fishing and camping at 17 sites.

“Paddlers can travel on the water trail through a region of beautiful meandering river cuts in the Endless Mountains, then through the Wyoming Valley, and past many river towns,” it said.

Lange said many people are confused because the pathway is considered a “water trail,” which is a relatively new term for public places to kayak, canoe or boat.

“This is a trail that you paddle on,” he said.

Only 22 trails were recognized this year, and this is the fourth water trail in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Douglas J. Austen encouraged the audience to paddle the Susquehanna to alleviate stress, take in the “personal point of view” and spend time with children.

Fishing and boating is a $3 billion business in Pennsylvania, and he predicts the Wyoming Valley will reap more of those dollars with the new River Common and revamped boat launch across the river at Nesbitt Park.

Jennifer Learn-Andes, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 831-7333.