The Susquehanna Greenway is a connected corridor of paddling, walking, and biking trails, boat launches, conserved lands, and communities that runs along the Susquehanna River in PA. It just happens to overlap with NEPA and holds a treasure trove of opportunities for exploring the outdoors.

That is why we’re encouraging you to enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer this season, especially today, the day after Thanksgiving!

Hopping onto REI’s #OptOutside campaign, we hope that you choose to opt-out of the madness of Black Friday shopping and instead do something that gets you outside enjoying the beautiful natural landscapes that our region has to offer.

Need a place to start? Here are some great recommendations that reside within NEPA and the Susquehanna Greenway.

Vosburg Neck State Park

Formed by an oxbow curve in the Susquehanna River’s North Branch, Vosburg Neck State Park boasts 669 acres of riverside woodland—a true treasure of NEPA and the Susquehanna Greenway. It is located in Wyoming County just five miles west of the Susquehanna Greenway River Town of Tunkhannock, and offers eight miles of hiking trails, a picnic area, and historical buildings from the 1700s and 1800s.

Iroquois Trail

The Iroquois Trail, a 3.6-mile (out-and-back) scenic trail follows the route of the old Lehigh Valley Railroad’s Montrose Branch through the Susquehanna Greenway River Town of Tunkhannock. As you walk, bike, or jog along the path, you’ll be surrounded by forests of hemlocks and hardwoods, amidst moss and white lichen-covered rocks. Tunkhannock Creek runs alongside the trail, adding to the peaceful ambiance.

Luzerne County Levee Trail

Also known as the Susquehanna River Commons, the Luzerne County Levee Trail is a 12-mile paved path made up of 4 different reaches on either side of the Susquehanna River, and includes the communities of Wilkes-Barre, Hanover Township, Plymouth, Edwardsville, Kingston, Wyoming, and Forty Fort. It is a wonderful riverside escape to explore in this more urban area of NEPA and the Susquehanna Greenway.

Luzerne County Rail Trail

Luzerne County Rail Trail (alternately known as the Luzerne County National Recreation Trail) is a combination crushed stone and paved trail that runs from Port Griffith to Pittston, PA. The 1.9-mile corridor follows an active railroad line and features views of the Susquehanna River, rock cliffs, and access to historic sites, including a memorial to the Knox Mine Disaster. Benches, sculptures, and an open view of the river are more available along the trail once you enter Pittston.

Mocanaqua Tract — Pinchot State Forest

Located in the historic Wyoming Valley of Northeastern PA, the Mocanaqua Tract is actually a network of loop trails comprising about 15 miles along the northern reach of Penobscot Mountain within Pinchot State Forest. As you explore the former network of coal roads, you’ll see abandoned buildings harkening back to the mining industry. Along the hike, you’ll also encounter scenic overlooks of the Susquehanna River, surrounding mountains, and the small communities dotting the valley’s floor.

Susquehanna Warrior Trail

This 12.5-mile Susquehanna Warrior Trail runs through forests, parks, and green spaces within an area of NEPA and the Susquehanna Greenway known as the Five Mountains. On the southern end of the trail, you can explore a beautiful park known as the Susquehanna Riverlands, and on the northern end you will find one of the country’s few remaining drive-in movie theaters. It’s a lovely trail to walk, bike, or jog and has many points of interest along the way.

Bloomsburg Rail Trail

Located within the Susquehanna Greenway River Town of Bloomsburg, the 3-mile Bloomsburg Rail Trail runs along a former rail bed—making for a nice level path to walk, bike, or jog. Surrounded by trees, this peaceful trail follows the east bank of Fishing Creek where you can enjoy the sounds of nature. Be sure to visit town before or after your adventure for a bite to eat at one of its many establishments!

Want to Explore More?

The Susquehanna Greenway offers a full inventory of parks, trails, and paddling itineraries, at susquehannagreenway.org. You may also find a trail near you by exploring our Online Interactive Map.

We hope to see you out on the Greenway! Be sure to tag @susquehannagreenway and use the hashtag #OptOutside to share your adventures with us.