Recreation Area

North Branch Canal

The North Branch Canal stretched from Pittston to Northumberland, a distance of 72.5 miles. In use during the period from 1830 to 1900, the canal was 40 feet wide at the top and 4-6 feet deep.

The canal boats were 80 feet long and could haul up to 120 tons of cargo, which might include coal, flour, grain or lumber. These were drawn by teams of mules which traveled the tow paths that form this portion of our trail.

Speed limit for the freighters was 3-5 miles per hour. Greater speeds caused severe erosion to the canal banks.