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Water trails are recreational waterways on a lake, river, or ocean between specific points, containing access points and day-use and/or camping sites for the boating public. Water trails emphasize low-impact use and promote stewardship of the resources. Explore this unique Pennsylvania water trail. Click above for more information.
Bedford County Chamber of Commerce says:Enjoy boating, primitive camping, fishing, wildlife-watching and other activities on this water trail.
The Raystown Branch is the Juniata River's longest and largest tributary. It is classified as a high-quality river. Wildlife is abundant and fish such as trout, smallmouth bass, muskellunge and panfish provide a variety of angling opportunities. Flowing easterly from its headwaters on the Allegheny Front in Somerset County, it drains almost 1,000 square miles of southcentral Pennsylvania and covers a distance of 118 miles before it joins the main stem of the Juniata River at Huntingdon. It's name is rooted in local history. "Juniata" is an Indian word meaning "standing stone," and "Raystown" derives from Robert MacRay, a settler who established a traiding post in 1750 at present-day Bedford. The Bedford County portion of the trail, which includes the best canoeing waters in the westernmost section of the Branch, begins in the historic Bedford area and runs 55 tangled miles to Saxton, the county's northernmost settlement. Saxton was chosen as the eastern terminus for the trail because it marks the point where powerboats begin to use the river as it forms Raystown Lake. Boating on the river between the headwaters and Saxton is almost exclusively reserved for canoes, kayaks and rowboats. Motor use is limited to deep pool areas and high-water conditions. Boats with motors of any type must be registered. |
PA Greenways says:Description: The Raystown Branch is the Juniata River's longest and largest tributary. It is classified as a high-quality river. Wildlife is abundant and fish such as trout, smallmouth bass, muskellunge and panfish provide a variety of angling opportunities. Flowing easterly from its headwaters on the Allegheny Front in Somerset County, it drains almost 1,000 square miles of south central Pennsylvania, and covers a distance of 118 miles before it joins the main stem of the Juniata River at Huntingdon. It is part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Its name is rooted in local history. "Juniata" is an Indian word meaning "standing stone," and "Raystown" derives from Robert MacRay, a settler who established a trading post in 1750 at present-day Bedford. Bedford was called "Raystown" for the few years preceding the construction of Fort Bedford in 1757.
The river cut passes through the mountain ridges and played a formative role in defining land transportation routes and the location of settlements. The Indians followed the Juniata and its tributaries for centuries with an established network of foot trails. It is not surprising to find present-day interstate highways following the same routes.
The river played a vital role in the development of the region. Iron-making, coal mining, limestone quarrying, lumbering, milling, tourism and farming are all industries that relied heavily on the waterways. Evidence of this rich industrial and farming heritage can be seen at many places along the river trail.
The Bedford County portion of the trail, which includes the best canoeing waters in the westernmost section of the Branch, begins in the historic Bedford area and runs 55 tangled miles to Saxton, the county's northernmost settlement. Saxton was chosen as the eastern terminus for the trail because it marks the point where powerboats begin to use the river as it forms Raystown Lake. Boating on the river between the headwaters and Saxton is almost exclusively reserved for canoes, kayaks and rowboats. |
WallsAreBad.com says:The Raystown Branch is the Juniata River's longest and largest tributary. It is classified as a high-quality river. Wildlife is abundant and fish such as trout, smallmouth bass, muskellunge and panfish provide a variety of angling opportunities. Flowing easterly from its headwaters on the Allegheny Front in Somerset County, it drains almost 1,000 square miles of southcentral Pennsylvania, and covers a distance of 118 miles before it joins the main stem of the Juniata River at Huntingdon. It is part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Its name is rooted in local history. "Juniata" is an Indian word meaning "standing stone," and "Raystown" derives from Robert MacRay, a settler who established a trading post in 1750 at present-day Bedford. Bedford was called "Raystown" for the few years preceding the construction of Fort Bedford in 1757.
Directions
The trail is accessible at access points located between Bedford and Saxton. All listed points are identified on the map, described below, and marked with signs. Access signs along the river are located at or near the riverbanks. Juniata Crossings - 1 mile west of Breezewood off the westbound lane of US Route 30 on the east bank of the river at the bridge near the historical marker. This is a right turn off Route 30 - Don't drive down the ramp to the river - Trailhead. Friendship Village Campground - 2 miles west of Bedford off US Route 30. Old Bedford Village - 1 mile south of PA Turnpike Exit 11. On old US Route 220 - cross the covered bridge; access point is to the left. Fort Bedford Park - in Bedford borough by the Fort Bedford Museum Trailhead, turn north at the Pitt Street and Juliana Street intersections. Juniata Woolen Mill - at Lutzville 1 mile south of US Route 30. |
