Watsontown, Pennsylvania

A Northumberland County Treasure

Situated along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, the primary transportation route in the 1700's and 1800's, Watsontown grew as a transportation hub that spurred settlement and building of mills and businesses. Today, Watsontown has historic homes, manufacturing enterprises and access to recreation along the Susquehanna River and forests of central Pennsylvania.

Watsontown offers well-maintained parks and walking trails alongside the Susquehanna River, historic architecture, a farmers market, plus great food and entertainment at several locations on Main Street.

Watsontown-Canal-Boat-Park
Watsontown Canal Boat Park

Things to See and Do

  • Walk along Watsontown's main streets on foot to see historic architecture from this nearly 100 year old town.
  • Hike or bike alongside the Susquehanna River on the Watsontown Towpath Trail.
  • The Watsontown Canal Towpath is a 1-mile hiking trail that runs parallel to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.  The trail runs from the southern end of Elm Street at the Canal Boat Riverfront Park to the West Milton State Bank parking area. Users who plan on biking the trail should be prepared with a mountain bike, due to the uneven surface and tree roots. The trail was originally used by horses which pulled canal boats along the canal.
  • Parking and Trail Access: Public parking is available at the riverfront park next to Canal Street in Watsontown, on the east side of the river bridge. The park has a canal boat-shaped pavilion, as well as a primitive boat launch. Informational panels by the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership about the trail are located next to the pavilion. The trailhead can be accessed by walking the path from the park down and under the West Brimmer Ave Bridge. The trail can also be accessed from West 5th Street and West 10th Street.  Information Courtesy of Susquehanna Greenway.
  • Blooming Meadows Farm 11110 State Route 44, Watsontown, PA 17777 570-560-7354 Blooming Meadows Farm is a U-Pick Flower Farm that strives to use sustainable organic practices. They specialize in providing the Susquehanna River Valley with fresh-picked locally-grown flowers. Services offered include u-pick flowers; floral arrangements; on-farm themed events and private events; photo opportunities and a farm store with farm grown products, home and garden decor, gifts and bath/beauty products.
  • Take in the breathtaking view from the Watsontown River Bridge - but the bridge itself is significant, too. It is an unusual example of a long, multi-span open-spandrel arch bridge having solid barrels rather than individual arch rings.
  • Spend time on the Susquehanna River. Launch your kayak from the riverside PFBC Watsontown access off of Dickson Ave. Watsontown to Lewisburg Paddling Itinerary.
  • Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the favorite local hot spots.
  • Ciro's Ristorante Italiano - Ciro's is a fine Italian restaurant that specializes in Neapolitan cuisine. Watson Inn - Serving more than just a meal, the Watson Inn is the place with fun dining at its finest.
  • Bridge Avenue Berries (Located just a few miles north of Watsontown)
  • 62 Bridge Ave., Allenwood, PA 17810
  • 570-838-2188
  • Blueberries on this pick-your-own, six-acre blueberry patch are organically-fertilized and only botanical sprays are used. Open late-June through early August, weather permitting. See the website or Facebook for more details. Bridge Avenue Berries farm stand will open at the end of June with blueberries ready to pick in the end of June or early July. Check website to purchase 3 lb. bags of frozen blueberries (when available). Call to place order.

How to Find Watsontown, PA