HIGHER SIDE OF THE CONOWINGO DAM
(for the more enthusiasts of hiking)
The Conowingo Dam created a lake which
eliminated the natural flood plain and thus hiking upstream of the Dam
to Broad Creek requires scrambling over one ridge after another at some
distance from the river.
All of this hike is through hardwood forest including oak, beech and sycamore.
To access the river water, some intense climbing/hiking may be needed.
LOWER SIDE OF THE CONOWINGO DAM
(for the less enthused hikers)
This trail follows the flood plain and
is close to the river. The trail follows the tow path of the Tidewater
Canal which was built in the 1840's and was later used for a rail line
to transport the materials necessary for constructing the dam in the 1920's.
The trail is on land owned by the Philadelphia Power Company and the Susquehanna
State Park.
All of this hike is through hardwood forest including oak, beech and sycamore.
Follow the obvious trail south past two turbines. There are impressive cliffs and boulder strewn areas on the up hill side. At points there is evidence of quarrying for stone, most probably for the banks and locks associated with the canal.
Approximately a half-mile out, the trail crosses a fresh water marsh. There are numerous side trails to the river with clearings for good access to the river water. Some evidence of beaver activity can be seen through these clearings.
