About :: New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail

THE NEW YORK SUSQUEHANNA BASIN WATER TRAIL (NYSBWT) offers a series of access points along the Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers. Both rivers meet over the border in Pennsylvania, as the Susquehanna continues its journey to the Chesapeake Bay.

The New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail:

Offers natural, undisturbed waterways for serene paddling or fishing.
Travels past 44 river communities, where visitors can experience rural landscapes, quaint towns with local businesses and rich heritage.
Is located across eight New York counties: Steuben, Otsego, Chenango, Broome, Tioga, Chemung, Cortland and Delaware
Is within a few hours of New York’s major metropolitan areas and easily drivable from Boston, Hartford, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.
Comprises over 190 miles of navigable waters. When combined with tributaries, it is more than 400 miles of potential water trail access

To generate awareness for areas of the Chemung and Susquehanna rivers of New York State that are ready for responsible recreation.

To encourage healthy and responsible recreation that spurs environmental stewardship and vibrant economic growth along the Chemung and Susquehanna rivers of New York State.

To promote:

Water-based recreation
Responsible ecotourism product development
Downtown revitalization
Connection to nature, parks, and community assets
Recruitment of new people to visit, live, and work in the region
Healthier and more prosperous communities
Conservation of natural lands, rivers, and watersheds
Stewardship of the region’s natural assets
Use of the water trail as an outdoor classroom that educates and bonds users along the Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers of New York State.

RESPONSIBLE RECREATION:

Environmental Stewardship + Economic Growth

This landmark water trail project is funded by Empire State Development/I LOVE NY. The goal is promoting responsible recreation in communities along the rivers. This includes:

Visioning workshops and working meetings with stakeholders from communities across the trail to raise awareness and encourage healthy and responsible recreation that spur environmental stewardship and vibrant economic growth.
Promoting opportunities to paddle, fish and enjoy the natural beauty along the trail’s waterways to both local residents and visitors.
Encouraging outdoor recreation in an underutilized section of the state, helping alleviate environmental stress at more heavily traveled areas.

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) connects communities and promotes healthy living by facilitating collaborative partnerships along the Susquehanna River. SGP serves as a resource for visitors to discover ways to enjoy the outdoors including along a 500-mile network of connected waterways in central Pennsylvania. SGP and has been an advocate for development of the NY Susquehanna Basin Water Trail. Their encouragement, support, and guidance has been of great assistance in helping this trail come to life.

Learn more by visiting the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership website.

Susquehanna 444s

The NYSBWT will also serve “444s” by providing the information they need to plan their trip along the New York section of the river. The Eastern Mountains Heritage Region of Pennsylvania recognizes who paddlers travel the entire 444 miles of the Susquehanna River, from Lake Otsego in Cooperstown, NY, to where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay at Havre de Grace, MD, either as a thru-paddler within the year, or in sections over time. Sequence, speed, length of time, and boat type are not considered for recognition.

To learn more visit the Eastern Mountains Heritage Region website.

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail follows the historic route sailed by Captain John Smith and his crew in 1608. During his nearly 3,000-mile journey, he explored the Chesapeake Bay's coastlines and tributaries and recorded and mapped what he saw, including hundreds of American Indian communities. Today those locations are archeological treasures and sacred sites for tribal citizens. You can also see how the landscape has changed in some places, and in others how it has remained relatively the same. See where history was made and where wildlife and native plants still thrive. Since the trail follows the waterways Capt. Smith traveled, the best way to experience it is by water.

Visit the National Park Service website for more information.

WHAT IS A WATER TRAIL?

A WATER TRAIL is a stretch of traditionally navigable waterway, designated for recreational use.

It is also called a blueway and typically has the length, width and depth of water for paddling a canoe or kayak.
Water trails may also permit motorized craft, as in the case of the New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail.
Water trails are carefully mapped out to encourage educational, scenic, and/or challenging experiences.
Any river that is used recreationally for paddling or boating is a water trail, but more formal designation by local, state or federal jurisdictions can provide environmental protection, promote safety and encourage economic development.
Water trails help connect users with local river communities and amenities, including lodging, campgrounds, outfitters and restaurants.