Things To Do Events Plan Your Trip

Parks, Trails & Natural Areas

Our region has many state parks and natural areas to explore. Along with trail guides and maps of these areas, our Visitor Center has information on Montour Preserve, managed by the Montour Area Recreation Commission, special trails maintained by the Merrill W. Linn Land and Waterways Conservancy, and local bicycling routes.

TRAILS & NATURAL AREAS

Hikers of all ages and skill levels will find a plethora of year-round opportunities to explore parks, forest and trails in the Susquehanna River Valley. Trails provide stunning views, peaceful scenery and meaningful connection to the great outdoors and with hiking buddies. Regardless of the season, there is a treasure to be found at every turn that will amaze and excite you. So, lace up your boots, hit the trails and rejoice in the beauty of every season in the River Valley.

  • Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area - While the majority of AOAA trails are for off-road enthusiasts, there is also a 3.1-mile walking trail with exercise stations and scenic outlooks. The trail is open to the public for free, year-round enjoyment. The trailhead kiosk is located at the AOAA Welcome Center and the trail will lead you through the wooded campground and across bridges over the swales. Enjoy the bench and picnic table at Sunset Ridge for an evening picnic. Stay for the sunset; the view is breathtaking.

  • Buffalo Valley Rail Trail: Bike or Walk - The Buffalo Valley Rail Trail is a 9.3-mile scenic path connecting Lewisburg and Mifflinburg, following the route of a historic railroad that once ran through Union County. The trail provides a picturesque route for walking, running and biking, offering visitors a chance to explore the region’s rich history and natural beauty.

  • Chimney Rocks And Pulpit Rock Trail - This 2.5-mile out & back hike begins with an easy stroll to Pulpit Rock on the southern bank of Penns Creek along an old forest road before heading straight up the side of White Mountain and continuing to Chimney Rocks, a rock formation and cliff on the edge of the mountain overlooking Penns Creek and the valley below.

  • Faylor Lake - A serene lake in Snyder County, known for great fishing, birdwatching, and scenic walking trails, offering a relaxing outdoor escape.  

  • Keithan's Bluebird Gardens - A hidden gem for birdwatchers and nature lovers, this peaceful sanctuary in Sunbury provides habitats for bluebirds and other native species.

  • McKees Half Falls - A picturesque roadside waterfall along Route 11/15, offering a scenic spot to relax, take photos, and enjoy the beauty of the Susquehanna River.

  • Ned Smith Center Lands & Trails - Located on the outskirts of historic Millersburg, PA, the Ned Smith Center Lands and Trails encompass more than 500 acres of forest and meadow that stretch from the scenic Wiconisco Creek to the top of Berry’s Mountain. The land includes a mature hardwood forest alive with deer, bear, wild turkey, grouse and fox, along with hundreds of species of songbirds, insects and reptiles.

  • Penns Creek Wild Area - Also in western Union County lies the Penns Creek Wild Area, a 3,581-acre tract located southwest of Weikert. It covers the east end of White Mountain, is bounded on the north by Penns Creek and on the south by Weikert Run

  • Tall Timbers and Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Areas - Located near the town of Troxelville, Tall Timbers and Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Areas host lovely picnic spots and a 3.4-mile hiking loop to an extensive stand of old-growth hemlock, along Swift Run in Bald Eagle State forest.

  • Walker Lake - A quiet 239-acre lake near Troxelville, perfect for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, surrounded by rolling hills and peaceful woodlands.

  • Watsontown Towpath Trail - The Watsontown Canal Towpath is a 1-mile hiking trail that runs parallel to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. 

 

STATE PARKS & FORESTS

From the dense pine ridges of Bald Eagle State Forest to the tranquil shores of Milton and Shikellamy State Parks, Central Pennsylvania offers a rich tapestry of protected lands to explore. Wander winding trails, spot native wildlife and soak in sweeping vistas as seasons shift across these forested realms. Whether you’re seeking solitude, scenic overlooks or nature’s soundtrack of rustling leaves and bird calls, our state parks and forests serve as serene gateways to the heart of the region’s wild beauty.

  • Bald Eagle State Forest - Spanning over 193,000 acres, this rugged forest features miles of hiking, biking, and ATV trails, plus scenic overlooks, pristine streams, and diverse wildlife.

  • Milton State Park - Nestled on 82 acres along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, this scenic park features walking trails, picnic areas, a boat launch and opportunities for fishing, kayaking and wildlife viewing, making it a peaceful escape just outside of Milton.

  • R.B. Winter State Park - A hidden gem in Bald Eagle State Forest, this 695-acre park is known for its clear mountain streams, rugged hiking trails, and Halfway Lake, which is fed by a cool spring, making it a refreshing spot for swimming, fishing and outdoor adventure.

  • Shikellamy State Park - Offering stunning panoramic views of the confluence of the North and West Branches of the Susquehanna River, this 132-acre park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a marina, making it a perfect place for boating, sightseeing and photography.

  • Weiser State Forest: Roaring Creek Tract - Enjoy a chance to get outside in Northumberland County. An eight-mile shared-use trail runs through the valley for those who wish to take a leisurely hike alongside the gurgling creek and reservoirs. Forty miles of shared-use trails also wind their way through Weiser State Forest.

You can also search for local trails at AllTrails,com/Pennsylvania or ExplorePATrails.com. Trails can be found by address, zip, or county. For more information on Pennsylvania State Parks call the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources toll-free at 888-727-2757, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.