West Branch Susquehanna Road Trip
The great thing about this trip is in the choices- you can drive it all the way, or float, hike or bike sections at a time.
McGees Mills Covered Bridge
West Branch Susquehanna River
This month’s featured trip is the West Branch Susquehanna Road Trip, which starts in Cherry Tree, and winds its way along the river to Clearfield. The great thing about this trip is in the choices- you can drive it all the way, or float, hike or bike sections at a time.
Start off on US 219 at the Three-County Historic Marker in Cherry Tree. The drive takes you through town, and on to Burnside and McGees Mills. From there, follow the highway into Mahaffey, which is a great place to take a break. There are three restaurants, a gas station and two convenience stores, so you can find what you need whether continuing along US 219 or taking a side trip to LaJose.
From Mahaffey, follow US 219 to Bells Landing. There are several pull-off points with remarkable views of the West Branch. If you’ve brought a canoe or kayak, there are several places to put into the water. Check the West Branch Susquehanna Water Trail map for exact locations; it’s available from Lumber Heritage Region, www.lumberheritage.org or at the CCRTA office.
At Bells Landing, turn right and follow SR 969 toward Lumber City. After passing the intersection for SR 729 at Lumber City, Curwensville Lake and the United States Army Corps of Engineers Flood Control Dam will come into view. If you need another break, turn right at the SR 453 intersection at Curwensville and drive south three miles, following the Curwensville Lake signs. There are pavilions, a marina and beach at the lake, so plan time to relax a bit.
When you return to Curwensville, follow SR 453 to the red light. There are some great places to eat and find a perfect souvenir of your trip. Perhaps you’d like a glass of vintage Curwensville produced wine. Follow the big blue signs to Starr Hill Winery and Vineyard.
This part of the trip also has several places to park and hike or bike the Clearfield to Grampian Rails to Trails, which follows the West Branch along SR 879 from Curwensville to the edge of Clearfield.
Once you’ve made it to Clearfield, the river winds along Old Town Road, and then along Front Street. You will be transitioning from Old Town Road to Second Street, which is one way. Front Street travels back in the opposite direction.
We recommend getting out from behind the wheel and walking the downtown area to experience the unique architecture of business district buildings and the Historic District, which runs for several blocks.
And if you’re hungry again, there’s something for every food eccentricity downtown. Just follow your nose and your taste buds will soon be pleased.
Upper and Lower Witmer Parks are great places to stop, stretch, and let the kids run off some energy. If you’ve paddled from Curwensville or from the Hyde Bridge, Witmer Park is a good place to take a break before heading down river.
Be sure and take you visitor guide, camera and extra batteries. You never know what you’ll find.
