The Susquehanna Islands hide in plain sight along Pennsylvania's Susquehanna River, and their secrets are best uncovered by boat or boot. Stretching from Harrisburg northward, these islands offer a mix of public parks, protected wildlife refuges, and industrial relics—each with its own reason to visit.
1. City Island
City Island sits in the middle of the Susquehanna, just across from Harrisburg's skyline. It's the easiest island to reach by car and the most family-friendly.
- Harrisburg Senators Baseball: Catch a minor league baseball game at FNB Field.
- Paddleboats and Mini Golf: Rent a paddleboat or play a round of mini-golf along the riverfront.
- Skyline Views: Walk the island's perimeter for postcard-worthy shots of the Harrisburg skyline.
2. Three Mile Island
Three Mile Island is known for its nuclear power plant, but the island itself has a layered history. The 1979 accident shut down the plant's Unit 2 reactor, and Unit 1 continued operating until 2019.
- Historical Tours: While the plant is closed to the public, you can see the cooling towers from the river and learn about the accident at nearby museums in Harrisburg.
- Wildlife Watching: The warm-water discharge from the plant attracts fish, which in turn draw herons, egrets, and gulls.
- Photography: The industrial skyline against the river creates a stark, memorable contrast.
3. Haldeman Island
Haldeman Island is a protected haven managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. It's not open to the public, but you can paddle along its shores and observe the wildlife from the water.
- Birdwatching: Look for bald eagles and ospreys nesting in the tall trees along the banks.
- Hiking Trails: There are no official trails on the island, but the surrounding river offers calm paddling routes.
- Educational Programs: The Game Commission occasionally hosts river-based programs about the island's ecosystem.
4. Sheets Island Archipelago
The Sheets Island Archipelago is a cluster of small islands near the river's west shore. It's a quiet spot for paddlers and anglers.
- Kayaking: Paddle through the channels between the islands—expect to see turtles and river otters.
- Fishing: Cast for smallmouth bass and channel catfish in the deeper pools.
- Picnicking: Pack a lunch and claim a sandbar for yourself; there are no facilities, so come prepared.
5. Wade Island
Wade Island is a critical nesting site for several bird species and is designated an Important Bird Area. It's off-limits to foot traffic, but boat tours offer a close look.
- Bird Nesting: From April to July, you can see great egrets, black-crowned night herons, and double-crested cormorants raising their young in the trees.
- Conservation Efforts: The island is part of the Susquehanna River Bird Migration Study, which tracks the health of the river's bird populations.
- Boat Tours: Several outfitters in Harrisburg run guided kayak tours around the island's perimeter.
6. Little Island
Little Island lives up to its name—it's small, but it's a favorite for campers who want a true get-away. You'll need your own boat to reach it.
- Camping: There are no designated sites, but the flat, grassy interior is suitable for a tent. Pack out everything you bring in.
- Fishing: The channels around the island hold panfish and bass.
- Nature Walks: A quick loop around the island takes less than an hour, offering views of the river in both directions.
7. McCormick Island
McCormick Island is a local favorite for its shady trails and abundant wildlife. It's connected to the shore by a small causeway, making it accessible on foot.
- Hiking: The island has a 2-mile loop trail that winds through floodplain forest and past old stone foundations.
- Wildlife Observation: White-tailed deer and red foxes are common, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Photography : The mix of open meadows and river views makes for varied shots.
8. Independence Island
Independence Island is one of the larger islands in the lower Susquehanna, and it's rich with human history. Old farmsteads and a few ruins remain from the 1800s.
- Historical Sites: Look for the crumbling stone walls of a tobacco barn near the island's northern tip.
- Hiking and Biking: A rough track runs the length of the island, suitable for mountain bikes.
- Scenic Views: The island's high bank offers a rare elevated view of the river's braided channels.
9. Hill Island
Hill Island is a small, wooded island that sees very few visitors. It's a true solitude spot for those willing to paddle a little farther.
- Camping: There are no facilities, but the level ground near the south end is a good spot for a tent.
- Fishing: The drop-off on the east side holds walleye and sauger in the cooler months.
- Nature Exploration: The island is covered in silver maple and sycamore, with a dense understory of nettles and ferns.
10. Brunner Island
Brunner Island is home to a natural-gas power plant, but the surrounding land has become a surprising wildlife hotspot. The warm water discharge creates a unique microhabitat.
- Fishing: The warm-water canal near the plant attracts fish year-round, including some large carp.
- Birdwatching: Gulls and terns gather in the hundreds during migration.
- Photography: The contrast between the industrial plant and the river's natural flow is a striking shot.
Practical Tips for Visiting
Most of these islands have no bridges, so you'll need a kayak, canoe, or boat to reach them. Public boat launches are available at Harrisburg's Riverfront Park, Fort Hunter, and Goldsboro. If you're paddling, check the river's water levels—the Susquehanna is shallow in places, and exposed rocks can be a hazard. The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is warm and the birds are active. Always pack out what you bring, and remember that many of these islands are protected wildlife areas—so look, but don't disturb.
Whether you're a kayaker, a birder, or just someone who wants to see a different side of Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna Islands deliver. Each island has its own character, and the river itself is the thread that ties them together. Get out there, and you'll see why the locals keep these spots close to the vest.
Related travel guides: Beaches In Pennsylvania, Secrets State In Pennsylvania, and Where To Stay In Pennsylvania.
