140 acres for fishing and boating: Faylor Lake offers two ways to enjoy the water. If you prefer a river to a lake, Mahantango Access provides access to the Susquehanna River, also for fishing and boating.
Water, woods, and trails
Mahantango Access is in Chapman Township in Snyder County. A notice dated October 2, 2025, announced a temporary closure from October 6 through 17, 2025. Check its current operating status before visiting. This makes it a possible stop, but you should confirm in advance whether it is currently accessible.
Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area is in Bald Eagle State Forest and includes old-growth stands of Weymouth pine, eastern hemlock, and pitch pine. The area is accessible by footpaths; check trail conditions before your trip. Two loops rated moderate begin at Snyder-Middleswarth Picnic Area on Swift Run Road.
Tall Timbers also offers its own view of the forest: this 660-acre area consists of second-growth forest with oak, Weymouth pine, hemlock, and hard pine. Isle of Que, in turn, is a quiet river island and a nature destination near Selinsgrove. If you would rather explore a town center than woodland trails or island nature, historic downtown Selinsgrove has locally owned shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. The downtown area is easy to explore on foot.
Another natural formation is McClure Cave. It is about half a mile long and has three chambers. Its features include stalagmites, other formations, and a small pool with calcite crystals. The cave is quite different from the forest areas described above: its chambers and rock formations are the main attraction here.
History, crafts, and local traditions
Snyder County Historical Society operates a library and museum. They house materials on family and local history, as well as historic artifacts from Snyder County. In 2026, the society's hours are as follows: From March 5 through December 10, it is open Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., as well as by appointment. Check the hours before you arrive.
Individual buildings and craft sites also offer different perspectives on history. Sampsel’s Mill was built in 1818 and operated using water power until 1951. Penns Creek Pottery has practiced pottery on the site of an old mill since 1978. Old Herman School is a one-room schoolhouse built in 1842. The range of sites spans the long use of water power, a continuing pottery tradition, and the simple design of a one-room schoolhouse.
Local history also includes the McClure Bean Soup and Home-Coming Celebration. It began among the surviving Civil War veterans in the western part of Snyder County. Civil War bean soup is prepared and served at the celebration.
The different themes can help guide your choices: water destinations for fishing and boating, forest areas with named tree species, a cave with several chambers, or historic sites and local traditions. These are different interests, not a prescribed order for visiting. If you are looking for accommodation, you can base your choice on the experiences that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Middleburg, Shamokin Dam, Selinsgrove, Northampton, Fulton County, Berks, Centre, Columbia.
For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.
