Last updated: December 8, 2025
Place
Conestoga River Water Trail
Andrea Merovich
Quick Facts
Location:
Stone Quarry Rd, Leola, PA 17540
Significance:
The Conestoga River Water Trail links Lancaster County’s cultural history and scenic beauty with the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay through recreation and stewardship opportunities.
Designation:
Chesapeake Gateways Network Water Trail
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
5 listed
Beach/Water Access, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Restroom - Accessible
The Conestoga River Water Trail offers a memorable way to experience Lancaster County’s landscapes and waterways. This Chesapeake Gateways Water Trail flows more than 60 miles before joining the Susquehanna River and ultimately connecting to the Chesapeake Bay. The official 33-mile water trail segment from Brownstown to Safe Harbor provides a primarily Class I paddling experience, making it accessible to both beginners and seasoned paddlers. Gentle currents and occasional small rapids carry visitors past wooded banks, farmland views, and stretches of calm flatwater ideal for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, or fishing.
Traveling this river is like traveling through history. The Conestoga takes its name from the Susquehannock people who once lived along its shores. A journey on the water connects visitors with the rich history of the area, including Indigenous life, William Penn’s legacy, the Conestoga wagon, the Pennsylvania long rifle, and Robert Fulton’s innovations in steam navigation. Each bend in the river reflects centuries of interaction between people and the landscape.
Today, stewardship and conservation remain central to the river’s story. The Conestoga River Club manages the water trail and works with volunteers to restore habitats, organize river cleanups, and improve public access, ensuring the trail remains a community treasure. Visitors can paddle through natural beauty while engaging with themes of history, culture, and environmental care. To learn more, visit their website.
Traveling this river is like traveling through history. The Conestoga takes its name from the Susquehannock people who once lived along its shores. A journey on the water connects visitors with the rich history of the area, including Indigenous life, William Penn’s legacy, the Conestoga wagon, the Pennsylvania long rifle, and Robert Fulton’s innovations in steam navigation. Each bend in the river reflects centuries of interaction between people and the landscape.
Today, stewardship and conservation remain central to the river’s story. The Conestoga River Club manages the water trail and works with volunteers to restore habitats, organize river cleanups, and improve public access, ensuring the trail remains a community treasure. Visitors can paddle through natural beauty while engaging with themes of history, culture, and environmental care. To learn more, visit their website.