Centred Outdoors: Here’s how and where to explore rivers and streams around Centre County
June 1 marked the beginning of National Rivers Month, and with over 85,000 miles of stream Pennsylvania, there is plenty to learn about and celebrate. Healthy rivers are essential for supporting healthy ecosystems and communities. In the U.S., about one-third of the population relies on streams for drinking water, and over $97 billion is spent each year on river-related recreation and tourism.
Best known for its abundant forests, Pennsylvania also has the highest stream density of any state. About 6% of its area, nearly twice the size of Rhode Island, consists of waterways or wetlands. This unique river network could take you south to the Gulf of Mexico, east to the Atlantic Ocean, north to lake Ontario, or west to lake Erie.
Pennsylvania’s streams are typically classified as being limestone or freestone based upon their original geology. Freestone streams are more the classic river rock streams with water that can warm up drastically in the summer months. They are usually fed by surface water or non-limestone springs. Limestone streams on the other hand are much colder-running, as they are fed either by underground aquifers or ample spring flow that passes through limestone. Limestone streams offer better conditions for most aquatic life, including a more neutral pH and colder temperatures.
June also marks National Great Outdoors Month, making this a perfect week to venture out to gain a fresh perspective and appreciation for the rivers and streams around you. There are so many ways to explore and recreate around Pennsylvania’s streams:
Boating is an ideal way for kayakers, canoers and fishermen to witness Pennsylvania’s waterways and the wildlife they support. The Fish and Boat Commission maintains an up-to-date listing of all boat launches throughout Pennsylvania, including those managed by DCNR and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Floating on a tube or other personal device is also a fun way to spend a day on a river. While tubes and other non-registered watercraft are not allowed to be launched or retrieved at a boat launch, they are a great way to slowly spend time on the stream. Popular places on Penns Creek offer 1-2-mile floats that often require less than a quarter mile to return to the start and go again.
The world-class fishing waters throughout central Pennsylvania attract visitors from around the world. Our state parks often have dedicated fishing piers or other designated areas, while most streams are open to fishing throughout their run. Fishing licenses are required for ages 16 and up, although on July 4, PA Fish and Boat Commission will offer a “fish-for-free day” where licenses are not required. The Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited can connect current and aspiring anglers to opportunities and resources related to everything from promoting youth fishing to fishing events for veterans and their families.
Hiking or walking along the many trails that parallel the region’s many streams offers unique opportunities to see wildlife that live in riparian habitats. These trails also provide artists with perfect vantage points for nature photography, nature journaling, or even plein air painting.
Choosing how you want to enjoy the beauty and wildlife in and around local streams will help you determine where to explore during your next adventure. Below are several suggestions of streamside locations you can access and enjoy throughout the year:
The Lower Trail is a 16-mile rail trail that follows along the Juniata River. Hikers, bikers and most any other human-powered locomotion is allowed on the trail that starts a short distance from Canoe Creek State Park and ends near Alexandria. In addition to the river the trail also crosses a number of important birding areas as it meanders. There are several trail heads, referred to as stations, that allow visitors to select portions of the trip to explore without needing to traverse its entire length.
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center near downtown State College offers views of Bathgate Springs Run, Thompson Run and Slab Cabin Run which converge into Spring Creek near Spring Creek Park. You can also see a type of wetland known as a fen at Millbrook Marsh, including a rare, calcetrous fen where alkaline water flows through limestone bedrock and supports an ecosystem for rare plants and animals.
Poe Paddy State Park is nestled Penns Creek by, a tremendous success story for water quality restoration projects and currently has one of the highest measured fish biomass in the state. Visitors can explore the nearby tunnel that is part of the Mid State Trail and get a reprieve from a hot summer day as the tunnel is almost always a cool 55.
Visitors to Talleyrand Park in downtown Bellefonte can witness the convergence of the Big Spring and Spring Creek. The water that flows out of the Big Spring has traveled dozens of miles through underground rivers before breaking to the surface in Bellefonte. This cold, and importantly very clean water flows into the creek and acts as a buffer to any runoff associated with human development that flows into Spring Creek.
What to bring on your adventure:
A refillable water bottle
Sturdy and water-resistant footwear
Long pants and high socks may be preferred for additional protection from insects and ticks
Child carrier/backpack is recommended for very young children
Binoculars for bird and wildlife watchers
A light snack or picnic lunch
Remember:
Review all safety recommendations related to Pennsylvania’s stay-at-home order
Pack out whatever you bring in
Follow local rules and guidance
Be considerate of others
Stay local
If parking lot is full, consider entering the site from a different location