In October 1845, the first iron T-rail manufactured in America was rolled at the Montour Iron Works in Danville. This industrial milestone draws attention to one side of Montour County; rural farmland, state game lands, state forests, nature preserves, the Susquehanna River, and its tributaries also shape the county. Discoveries range from river landscapes and hiking trails to geological formations and museums dedicated to local history.
River, Forest, and Open Landscapes
The landscape includes farmland as well as forests and nature preserves. Nearly 20,000 acres of state game lands in the region are used for hunting, boating, hiking, birdwatching, and nature study. The county also has 24 recreation sites with parks and trails. One specific fishing spot is the stretch of Mahoning Creek that runs through Hess Recreation Area: it is open to public fishing.
Trails with Different Perspectives
The North Branch Canal Trail runs 6.2 miles from Danville to Catawissa. This scenic trail follows the former towpath of the North Branch Canal. From 1831 to 1901, the canal served as a regional shipping and transportation route for people and food, as well as anthracite coal, pig iron, limestone, bricks, lumber, and agricultural products. Today’s trail thus follows a former transportation route whose historical role extended far beyond the transport of individual goods.
The Geisinger Stewardship Forest offers wooded, hilly hiking trails across 300 acres behind Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. The trails total eight miles and are maintained by local trail enthusiasts. Another type of trail is the 3.85-mile Chilisuagi Trail, which circles 165-acre Lake Chillisquaque. These figures show the different routes: a loop around the lake, a 6.2-mile stretch between two towns, and eight miles of trails in total at the Geisinger Stewardship Forest.
Geology and Industrial History
The Montour Preserve Fossil Pit exposes shale from the Mahantango Formation, which formed during the Devonian Period, across approximately one acre. Geology takes center stage here: the site’s area, rock formation, and geologic period give it a clearly defined focus among the county’s natural attractions.
You can also explore the history of local industry in Danville. The Boyd House Museum includes a Military Room, a Victorian parlor, and a room devoted to business and industry. Its collections include topics related to the mining and iron industries in the Danville area. The Boyd House itself was built in the early 1880s by Daniel Montgomery Boyd. He was a grandson of Daniel Montgomery and a great-grandson of William Montgomery, the founder of Danville.
The Mooresburg One-Room Schoolhouse preserves another facet of local heritage: it is the only surviving one-room school building in Montour County that is still furnished as a school. Montour County also has two covered bridges. A road map with detailed driving directions is available for the region’s covered bridges.
Museums, Local History, and Events
The Montgomery House Museum opens for the 2026 season on April 12, from 1 to 4 p.m., and remains open through October 25. Outside these hours, it may open by appointment. If you plan to visit outside the stated hours, arrange an appointment in advance. A walking tour of downtown Danville’s Historic District also starts at the museum, located at the corner of Bloom Street and Mill Street.
Danville’s Iron Heritage Festival takes place annually in July. The Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival is held in September, on the first Saturday after Labor Day. If a festival is part of your travel plans, check the date for the year in question.
Discover more destinations: Danville, Chester, Dauphin, Clarion County, Berks, Cumberland, Greene County, Washington
For the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.
