A narrow valley, free-flowing waterfalls, and historic aircraft show just how varied the discoveries in Sullivan County can be. The terrain includes mountains, valleys, forests, agricultural land, and waterways. This brings together landscape, regional history, and technology as very different topics.
Plateau, Valley, and Waterfalls
Laporte sits on the Appalachian Plateau at an elevation of 2,060 feet. The narrow, S-shaped valley of Loyalsock Creek offers a different landscape: Worlds End State Park lies just south of Forksville in Sullivan County. The two places illustrate distinct geographic features of the county, from the plateau elevation to the winding valley.
At Ricketts Glen, the Glens Natural Area is designated a National Natural Landmark. The Falls Trail System leads to a series of wild, free-flowing waterfalls. Those interested in streams and waterfalls will find a tangible connection to nature here; the protected natural area and the waterfall trail offer different perspectives on Ricketts Glen.
Bridges, Ruins, and Regional History
The Forksville Covered Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Celestia represents a different kind of historic heritage: the site consists of historic ruins and is preserved for visitors by the Sullivan County PA Historical Society and Museum. The bridge and ruins therefore represent different ways to explore the county's history.
The main building of the Sullivan County PA Historical Society and Museum is in Laporte. It holds records and artifacts related to Sullivan County and the surrounding counties. The focus thus extends beyond the history of a single place and also includes neighboring counties.
At the Eagles Mere Museum, the Research and Viewing Room focuses on the history of cottages. Original documents can be viewed by appointment. Another exhibit topic is the Eagles Mere Railroad: a train museum exhibit explores the history of the narrow-gauge railroad built from Sonestown to Eagles Mere in 1892.
Aviation History and Lake Activities
The Eagles Mere Air Museum is located at Merritt Field (4PN7), a private airport about 2.5 miles east of Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania, on Pennsylvania State Road 42. Its collection includes about 31 historic aircraft from the Golden Age of Aviation, from 1908 to 1940, as well as aircraft engines and related artifacts. The number may change as aircraft are restored or relocated.
Nearly all of the museum's aircraft fly regularly, allowing visitors to see them in operation up close. Whether an aircraft flies depends on its condition and the weather. This sets the museum's focus apart from a collection devoted solely to history: the operation of the machines is also part of the experience described here.
Activities associated with Eagles Mere Lake include swimming, sunbathing, sailing, canoeing, and fishing. Restrictions apply at the lake and beach.
Seasonal Events and Trip Planning
The Pennsylvania Bowhunters Festival has been held annually in Forksville in mid-September since 1957. Exceptions were made because of the devastating floods of 2011 and event restrictions during the 2020 pandemic. Eagles Mere's toboggan slide has delighted winter visitors since 1904; it is closed for the 2026 season. The festival has a set date in September, while the toboggan slide is part of Eagles Mere's winter history.
If you are looking for a hotel in Sullivan County, it can help to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: landscapes and waterfalls, regional history, or aviation. If you are planning a visit around the Pennsylvania Bowhunters Festival, check the specific event dates; it is usually held in mid-September.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Dushore, Eagles Mere, Lopez, Juniata, Union County, Wayne, Schuylkill County, Tioga County.
For the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.
