Ancient hemlock trees, a rocky gorge along Fall Brook and three waterfalls define Salt Springs State Park. The combination of forest, rock and water adds a striking natural feature to exploring Susquehanna County. The region also has other sides, from long trail routes to places where cultural and local history comes to life.
Water, Forest and Trails
Several landscape features sit side by side in Salt Springs State Park: ancient hemlock trees, the rocky gorge along Fall Brook and three waterfalls. The park is open daily year-round from sunrise to sunset. Day-use areas close at dusk. Plan your visit with this closing time in mind.
Florence Shelly Preserve offers a different contrast in nature. Its landscape includes fields, wooded areas and streams, as well as a glacial pond surrounded by a floating bog. Open spaces and wooded areas meet around a body of water with an unusual setting. Visitors comparing natural sites will find a different landscape here than at Fall Brook: there, the gorge and waterfalls shape the experience; here, it is the interplay of the pond, bog and varied landscape features.
The D&H Rail-Trail runs 38 miles from Simpson to the New York state line near Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. Its length and named endpoints give the route a different scale from natural sites that stand out for individual landscape features. As a rail trail, it is an option for exploring on foot or by bike. The route description covers the full trail, so plan your trip around the section that suits your plans.
Places of History and Culture
The Forest City Area Historical Society preserves artifacts and documents related to the history and heritage of Forest City and the surrounding areas. Topics include timber harvesting, railroads, coal and garment manufacturing. A building with its own precisely dated history adds another perspective: it was dedicated as a Methodist church on November 17, 1886, and closed in May 2013. These dates trace the building’s story from its dedication to its closure, while the Society’s collection covers different chapters of regional history.
The long family history is central to Historic Dennis Farm: the farm remained in the same family for more than two centuries. As an educational and cultural site, it serves students, scholars, researchers, educators and groups. Tours can be arranged by phone through Keystone College at 570-945-8150. If you would like to include this site in your plans, arrange your tour in advance by phone.
The Priesthood Restoration Site includes two reconstructed houses. Tours of the Isaac and Elizabeth Hale Home begin at the visitor center. Trails also lead to a nearby sugar maple grove. The site brings together reconstructed buildings, a tour with a set starting point and trails through the surrounding area. The two houses form the setting, while the tour focuses on the Isaac and Elizabeth Hale Home.
Events and Winter Experiences
The Harford Fair is a long-running agricultural country fair held during the third week of August. Exact dates vary, so if you are planning your visit around the fair, check the dates for the year you intend to go.
At Elk Mountain, skiing and snowboarding are offered for all ability levels. There are also ski lessons through a ski school affiliated with the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), with more than 75 trained instructors. Since offerings can change, check current lesson options before your trip. This helps you plan for two different winter activities: hitting the slopes on your own or taking a ski lesson.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Union Dale, Montrose, Monroe, Clarion County, Allegheny, Snyder County, Perry County, Greene County.
Back to the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.
