Columbia Crossing River Trails Center is a visitor center, museum, event space, and education center in Columbia, PA. It serves as the Columbia visitor center for Susquehanna National Heritage Area.Inside the building, visitors can access restrooms, purchase snacks and drinks, and learn about local trails and attractions. In particular, visitors can learn about the Northwest River Trail, a 14-mile bike and walking trail that begins a block from the center. The exhibit hall features rotating art, historical, and cultural exhibits on a range of topics related to the Susquehanna River.Columbia Crossing also features a river deck with views of the Susquehanna and the Veteran's Memorial Bridge. Visitors can enjoy picnic tables, rocking chairs, and free wifi on the deck.

A unique bike rack that pays homage to one of the river park's most numerous residents: the mayfly! This bike rack was designed by Bella Gentile, a student in the Columbia Borough SD, and created by artist John Morrow. Columbia Creative Factory sponsored the design contest and displayed 150 designs from area schoolchildren.

This section of the Susquehanna River has always been an important crossing between what are now York and Lancaster counties. The original inhabitants of this region, now known as the Susquehannock people, used huge dugout canoes to cross here. Then, European settlers and their descendants used ferries to cross in a similar way. Since 1814, however, bridges like the two before you have connected either side of the river here.

Columbia River Park is a great destination for locals and visitors looking to enjoy some outdoor recreation. Our canoe, kayak, and boat launches are open to anyone with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission permits. You can also rent kayaks from Chiques Rock Outfitters or go on one of their guided tours. Susquehanna National Heritage Area also hosts guided paddles, information about witch can be found at http://www.susquehannaheritage.org/events/

Many of the visitors who end up in this meadow do so accidently. Generally, they mistake the gravel path for the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, get here, realize they are in the wrong place, and promptly head back to the trail center for directions. However, we invite you to explore this part of the river park a little further with this tour.