Duncannon: Rivers, Trail, and History

Duncannon lies where the Juniata River flows into the Susquehanna River. Its riverside location and several different things to discover define the town: You can enjoy activities on the water, explore the Appalachian Trail as it passes through Duncannon, or visit historic buildings and the Old Sled Works Antique and Craft Market. You can shape your trip around the experiences that appeal to you most.

Rivers and Launch Sites

The Susquehanna River runs alongside Duncannon, and the Juniata River joins it here at its mouth. There are two launch sites on the Susquehanna for canoeing and kayaking: at the intersection of Water Street and Ann Street, and at the intersection of Water Street and Broadway Avenue. These specific street names can help you find your way when including a river trip in your travel plans.

Another launch site is located at the mouth of Shermans Creek, near the Shermans Creek Bridge. This site is separate from the two locations mentioned on the Susquehanna. If you’re interested in paddling, you can choose a site based on which stretch of river suits your plans. No connection between the launch sites or shared route is specified; the locations themselves serve as practical reference points.

Appalachian Trail and Views

The Appalachian Trail runs directly through Duncannon. For travelers who want to include hiking in their vacation, this route is a defining part of the town’s character. It can be considered alongside the river experiences: You can make time on the trail the focus of your stay, or direct more of your attention to the waterways and their launch sites.

You can also view the landscape from a different perspective: Hawk Rock offers a view of the confluence of the Susquehanna River, the Juniata River, and Sherman’s Creek. Duncannon is also part of the Global Important Bird Area Kittatinny Ridge Flyway. Its inclusion in the Global Important Bird Area Kittatinny Ridge Flyway adds to Duncannon’s natural scenery.

History and Notable Places

The Old Sled Works Antique and Craft Market is located in the former Standard Novelty Works factory. It includes a penny arcade, a soda fountain, a sled museum, and a restored fire lookout tower. Its different features appeal to a range of interests, from games and everyday culture to sleds and a historic tower. This offers a different focus for choosing places to visit than spending time on the river or trail.

Clark’s Tavern is the oldest standing building in Duncannon. During the American Civil War, it served as a local recruiting station for the Union Army. The building’s name is therefore associated with a specific function during that period. The Old Log Church, in turn, is a replica built in 1970 that shows what the old church looked like in 1804. Those interested in local history will find two distinct points of interest here: the oldest surviving building and its role in the Civil War, and a later replica relating to the church’s appearance in 1804.

Choosing Duncannon as a Vacation Destination

When looking for a vacation rental or vacation home in Duncannon, you can start by considering which aspect of the town you want to shape your stay. If paddling and rivers are your priority, the named launch sites offer a specific point of reference. If you want to hike, the Appalachian Trail runs directly through Duncannon. The market, Clark’s Tavern, and the Old Log Church offer different options for a culturally and historically focused stay. These themes can help you choose Duncannon as a destination that suits your interests, without combining its different experiences into a single itinerary.

If you’re considering other places, you can also discover Bloomfield.

For the broader travel overview: Perry County.