The Susquehanna Warrior Trail offers lessons in NEPA history, industry and nature.

Through rolling meadows, dense forests, and industrial cities, the rail bed along the Susquehanna River was a central and critical part of our local history. Although the rail line is no longer utilized, the Susquehanna Warrior Trail is a unique remnant of what was, offering a recreational opportunity and a mode of transportation along our beautiful, historic river.

Miles and Miles of Connected Trails

Formerly the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, this once forgotten piece of nature was brought back to life by a small group of dedicated volunteers through incorporation of the Susquehanna Warrior Trail in 1999. The trail, which began construction in 2007, currently includes 12.5 miles from the Susquehanna River Lands in Salem Twp. to Canal Park in West Nanticoke. When completed, the Susquehanna Warrior Trail will extend 16 miles from the Riverlands Park to the levee trail system in Plymouth Borough. From there, the trail will follow the levee system into Wilkes-Barre, where it will eventually connect with several other trails including the D&L.

Easy to Find

Since the trail travels through several towns, there are many ways to access it. Download the interactive map on the Susquehanna Warrior Trail’s website before your visit to find out more. The flat, well-maintained trail is made of compact stone, making it accessible for any user, including wheelchairs. Walkers, runners, and bikers of any skill level can enjoy the trail during all seasons; and winter users can appreciate breathtaking views of an icy river while snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Don’t have a bike? The Susquehanna Warrior Trail’s community partner, Five Mountain Outfitters has you covered with bike rentals from Tuesday through Sunday! The trail also has educational signage that identifies plant species, making it a great spot for kids to learn in an outdoor setting.

Bring Your Camera

As you wander through the trail, keep your eyes to the sky as the trees begin to branch over and engulf the trail. Autumn brings beautifully colored Ash trees, Red Maples, and Oaks, so plan a visit before the final leaves fall! No matter what time of year you visit, plenty of species of insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals call the Susquehanna Warrior Trail home, and you likely won’t go a visit without seeing an animal or finding a trace of one. Look out for Bald Eagles, Egrets, and Herons looking for a mid-day snack along the river, or the occasional River Otter taking a swim! If you choose to start your adventure in the Susquehanna Riverlands, you’ll have even more of an opportunity to spot herons, snakes, and turtles basking near the lake. Have a seat on a bench, smell the fresh air, and take it all in, you have nowhere to be but here!

A Great Place for a Run

Each spring, the Susquehanna Warrior Trail Council hosts an annual 5K Race and Fun Walk in Shickshinny. The race is competitive, but the fun walk is open to all who would like to enjoy the outdoors!  The annual 5K race is the major fundraiser for the SWT Council for trail maintenance and operating expenses. Next year’s race will take place on Saturday, April 8 and more information can be found on the Susquehanna Warrior Trail website. Other fun events also take place on the trail throughout the year, such as this upcoming 20k race on Nov 13. Keep an eye on their “Events and Fun” Facebook group for more details!

Make a Day of It

A long-distance trail like this would not be complete without its “outdoor towns”, places a short distance from the trail that visitors should experience while they are in the area! Before you head out on the trail, stop by Five Mountain Outfitters to gather any gear you need or rent a bike for your trek! If you are starting your day early, His & Hers Coffee Shop in Shickshinny will fill your caffeine needs. After your adventure, you are sure to be hungry, especially if you decide to conquer the entire trail! If you have the whole family, bring them to Duke’s Pizza for dinner and Udder Delites for a nice, cold treat in summer. You may even want to treat the kids to a family-friendly movie at the Garden Drive-In, which is just a few miles from the trail!

If you are traveling with friends, colleagues, or taking a solo trek, you won’t want to drive by the fantastic local breweries and wineries without stopping! If you started at the Riverlands, check out Berwick Brewing Company – a beautiful dog-friendly establishment along the river with great brews and pizza. If you began near Shickshinny, visit Five Mountain Brewing Co, a fun tap rom and restaurant with game nights like D&D and BINGO. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, visit both! For the wine-o, visit Setter Fields Vineyard for a great selection of wine made from homegrown grapes.

Get Involved

The mission for the Susquehanna Warrior Trail is to provide a safe, vibrant, attractive river front recreational area available to all people. The group’s goal is to secure enough funding to connect the Susquehanna Warrior Trail with the Plymouth Levee System enabling off-road travel from Wilkes-Barre to the Susquehanna Riverlands via the Luzerne County trail system. The group behind the SWT is made up of 100% volunteers who work hard year-round to make sure that the trail’s upkeep is above par. They are always welcoming new volunteers to help construct, maintain, and promote the trail, please contact them through their website if you are interested in getting involved!