Riverfest: Bridge Burner Challenge

On June 24-26th, 2022, Riverfest will bring together our three river towns to celebrate our region’s most significant historical moment: the 1863 Civil War Burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Covered Bridge. SNHA and our partners will be celebrating the Susquehanna River’s place in America’s history and showcasing our river’s phenomenal recreation opportunities. We anticipate welcoming hundreds of York and Lancaster residents for this unique event. Our goal is to grow this event annually until it is the quintessential Lower Susquehanna River event.

Race to burn the bridge before the Confederates cross! Run from Columbia River Park at the bridge entrance up the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail to the Iron Furnaces (1.75 Miles). Collect all your ‘dynamite’ (race baton) you’ll need and race back to the River Park (1.75 Miles). Board your kayak and paddle across the Susquehanna north of the Covered Bridge Piers (1.25 Miles). Once across, drop off the ‘dynamite’ (race baton) and paddle back on the south side of the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge to Columbia River Park (1.25 miles). NO real fires/dynamite during the race. This is a wheeled course. The Running portion of the race is a mixed sidewalk and paved trail. There is also a railroad crossing on the course.