Raystown Branch Juniata River Section 4

General Description

Officially designated a water trail by the PA Fish & Boat Commission, the Raystown Branch of the Juniata can be explored by canoe year-round. Like many other rivers in the northeast, it is best traveled from March through July, when spring rains and snow runoff create suitable water levels. Canoeists should check the US Geological Survey (USGS) river gauge reading at the Saxton Gauge (Gauge #446). It should read 1.7 for canoes or 1.5 for kayaks to ensure relatively easy traveling. Lower readings mean that boats will encounter shallow areas where dragging will be required.
The trail itself is characterized by slow pools interrupted by fast but shallow riffle-style rapids. It is a Class I river, easily navigated with minimal skills making it ideal for the beginner to intermediate canoer or kayaker. River depths vary, but typically range from 1 to 3 feet, except for deeper holes normally found near the river bends.
The waters of the river are home to trout, bass, panfish, catfish, muskellunge, and carp.

Conditions

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Access

• Herline Covered Bridge - On Rte. 31 West of Bedford, turn right on SR 4022 (Watson Rd.) and proceed to the covered bridge.
• 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 intersection of Pitt Street and Juliana Street.
• Juniata Woolen Mill - at Lutzville, 1 mile south of US Route 30.
• 5 miles east of Bedford - from Route 30, turn south on Aschom Road, which is 1/2 -mile east of Bedford Hospital.
• Everett River Dike - near the center of Everett borough, 500 yards east (downstream) of the West End (Weicht) bridge; from Old Route 30, turn south on Juniata or South Spring streets and go to the dike. This is the best exit point for visiting Everett from the river. The ball fields provide the best launch site. Driving on the dike and ramps is permitted.
• Everett ball fields - On the eastern end of Everett borough 1/3-mile downstream of the east end of the Route 26 bridge by the little league fields, turn off Old Route 30 onto Karns Avenue at the east end of town near the Igloo ice cream stand - Trailhead.
• 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.
• Woy Bridge Campground - 2 miles east of Everett, turn north off Route 30 at the Graceville sign near the Archers and Anglers Sport Shop. Go 1/4-mile and turn right at the top of the hill onto SR 1010. Go 2 miles and turn left onto Whetstone Road (.7 miles past Woy Bridge).
• Ritchey Bridge, East of Tatesville - The southeast corner of the bridge is the access area. There is a riverside road here and it should not be blocked by parked cars. Parking here
  

  

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