The Susquehanna River starts in upstate New York to the Chesapeake Bay and winds its way through more than 400 miles of mountain ranges, old coal mining regions, woodlands, water gaps, and pastures. An ancient river, the Susquehanna is perhaps the oldest major system in the world, predating even the Atlantic Ocean. It is the longest river on the American east coast.

Historic Wrightsville Museum hosts the burning of the bridge diorama: The diorama tells how the Confederacy under General John B. Gordon reached Wrightsville in June 1863, looking for a way across the Susquehanna, the last major obstacle between them and the riches of Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg and Philadelphia. It tells of half-trained local militia, using makeshift fortifications and their efforts to stop the Confederates. http://www.geocities.com/historicwrightsville/diorama.html

Chickies Rock Park Located between the boroughs of Columbia and Marietta, Chickies Rock Park is the County’s second largest regional park. On the southwest edge of the park is an area known as Breezyview, a location that offers a panoramic view of Chickies Rock and the Susquehanna River. http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/parks/cwp/view.asp?a=676&q=518276&parksNav=|7871|

Fishing Creek Nature Preserve is a 167 acre nature preserve comprised of mature forested areas and the Fishing Creek stream corridor, which begins in Providence Twp. Fishing Creek is designated by the state DEP as a high quality (HQ) cold water fishery with one of the only natural wild trout populations left in Lancaster County. Trails run through various sections of the preserve. There is also a township dirt road (Fishing Creek Rd) that follows the stream through the property and is a wonderful location for a nature walk. There is a geocache (http://www.geocaching.com/faq/) hidden on the property. http://www.lancasterconservancy.org/properties.htm

Sunday, December 7 2pm-3:30pm Winter Wildlife Tracking Hike at Windolph Landing Nature Preserve Naturalist Lisa Sanchez will lead a winter hike as you scour the woods for the tracks that our wonderful wildlife leave behind. Please dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes, and bring your keen sense of observation! http://www.lancasterconservancy.org/calendar.htm

THE JOHN WRIGHT RESTAURANT :enjoy casual dining in a restored warehouse along the Susquehanna River. http://www.johnwrightrestaurant.com/

The Railroad House Restaurant, Bed & Breakfast and Tavern is a restored Country Inn located in historic Marietta, Pennsylvania, along the banks of the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County. http://www.therailroadhouse.com/