The Mill Race is a stream that branches off the Susquehanna River, arcs through center city, flows along the north side of Neahwa and Catella Parks, then turns southward to rejoin the Susquehanna. The Mill Race Trail follows the stream along Neahwa Park’s northern edge before heading south toward the route to New Island. Together with David Brenner Road, it forms a loop around Catella Park.
History of the Mill Race:
Where we now see a peaceful stream, Oneonta’s founders saw a valuable source of energy. Oneonta’s mills harnessed the Susquehanna’s power with so much success that the river shifted south into multiple channels, leaving a flat stretch of land that became the site of Neahwa Park. James and John McDonald built the first sawmill here in 1806, diverting the Susquehanna River to create the Mill Race.
They also gave Oneonta its first name, “McDonald’s Mills,” and sold timber as far south as the Chesapeake Bay. The Mill Race also powered the Elmore Feed Mill, which was located at the site which is now Endwell Rug.
The section of trail that passes between the east and west entrances to the park (behind Damaschke Field) was less well known until paving in 2022 made it both ADA-compliant and more visible, increasing traffic tremendously.
Interpretive signs in the parks provide information on the history of Neahwa Park and the railroad, as well as flora and fauna in the area.
