Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2021 - 39

This geological wonder and fascinating story have
since been documented by mapmakers and scientists, as
well as staff from state and federal agencies. There is truly
nothing much to see on top of " headwaters mountain "
except vast skies, woods, fields, and a profound sense of
nature populated by monarch butterflies, fireflies, deer,
and bear who thrive on this pristine and ecologically
protected mountain.
A raindrop that falls within a thousand yards of another
raindrop here will be absorbed to return to the surface in
one of the three springs on " headwaters mountain. "
One raindrop may start its path off the mountain in little
rivulets that head north through the rolling farmlands and
woods of New York. It becomes the Genesee River at the
base of " headwaters mountain " and grows in strength to
become the mighty waterfalls of Letchworth State Park and
Rochester, New York, as it flows into Lake Ontario and the
St. Lawrence Seaway on its 160-mile northward path to the
north Atlantic Ocean.
Another raindrop may follow a different path off the
mountain and form the 320-mile Allegheny River. It also
heads in a northern direction until it meets the Allegheny
Mountains and turns to follow its southwestern path along
the western slopes of the mountain range, past the Kinzua
Dam and Allegheny Reservoir and on past Point State
Park in Pittsburgh. From there, it follows the Ohio River to
Illinois, where it joins the mighty Mississippi River on its
way to the Gulf of Mexico.
The third raindrop heads a different direction and
works its way off the mountain to the valley below, where
it becomes the headwaters of Pine Creek (or Tiadaghton).
From here, the tiny foot-wide stream gathers force as it
plunges through the Pennsylvania Wilds along the Pine
Creek Gorge (the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon) and to the
Susquehanna River. The Susquehanna River sprawls its
way through Pennsylvania, past the state capital and on to
The start of the Genesee River off " headwaters mountain. "
Havre de Grace, Maryland, where it joins the Chesapeake
Bay and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The 440-mile
Susquehanna River is the longest river on the east coast.
Each raindrop gains in strength as little rivulets become
three of the major rivers in North America. And, each
river forms within a space the size of a football field from
this little inconspicuous area in Potter County, where there
is truly nothing much to see but everything to feel.
It simply feels special here. The county's tribes saw this
land as sacred. And, on this mountain, there is a strong
sense of how important it is for each of us to protect and
sustain this special land.
Conservation is the responsibility of all of us. And, good
stewardship has resulted in continued pristine waters.
The next time any of us are fishing or boating in one
of these mighty rivers, whether it be north to the Atlantic
Ocean, south to the Gulf of Mexico, or southeast to the
Chesapeake Bay, remember this special place in Potter
County, where it all so simply begins.
The spirit of Tya-dahg-tun lives in the mighty Susquehanna River.
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2021

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