Last weekend, we joined the Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) and Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) on a 12-mile celebratory paddle, marking the recent removal of the Oakland Dam on the Susquehanna River.

The dam, once viewed as an engineering marvel, had become a safety hazard after its operation ended in 1990. Its removal, completed in Fall 2023, reconnected over 250 miles of stream and aquatic habitats, creating a safer and more vibrant environment for paddlers and wildlife alike.

During the paddle, representatives from American Rivers, the organization that led the dam’s removal, were present to share insights about the logistics of dismantling the old hydroelectric structure as well as immediate benefits to the ecosystem.

The day’s journey was not just a celebration of a successful environmental restoration, but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of organizations like EMHR, SGP, and American Rivers in preserving and enhancing our natural waterways.

If you would like to read more about the Oakland Dam removal project, be sure to check out American River’s guest blog here.

We were honored to take part in this celebratory paddle and, of course, couldn’t help but snap some photos along the way. Check out some of the highlights below!